So you want a rockin’ bod? FAQs about abdominoplasty

Written in association with: Mr Nick Pantelides
Published: | Updated: 15/10/2024
Edited by: Jessica Wise

If you’ve recently shaped up your silhouette, you may find that you’re stuck with some extra baggage and don’t know how to get rid of it. Well, the tummy tuck may be something to consider. Leading plastic surgeon Nick Pantelides answers the main questions you may have about abdominoplasty.

 

 

What is abdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of your abdomen. The shape of the tummy area is refined by removing excess skin and fatty tissues and tightening the abdominal muscles to create a flatter and more defined stomach. It leaves a scar across the lower abdomen that is hidden below the bikini line, and a small scar around the belly button, both of which will fade over time.

The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic and usually takes two to four hours.

 

Who is suitable for abdominoplasty?

If you have loose, stretched-out skin around your lower stomach, perhaps as a result of weight loss, pregnancy or ageing, abdominoplasty could significantly improve your self-confidence and quality of life. The procedure removes excess skin that does not shrink back with exercise and diet, and which can only be removed surgically. It can also improve the appearance of stretch marks and tighten the abdominal muscles to flatten the abdomen.

As with any major operation, you should consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to make sure it is the right procedure for you and that it is the right time to do it. It is important to maintain a stable and healthy weight before surgery to reduce anaesthetic risks and sustain positive results. If you are planning further weight loss or pregnancy, then you are encouraged to wait until after these goals have been realised. Abdominoplasty is not recommended for current smokers or for people with serious health problems.

 

Types of abdominoplasty

Aside from the standard abdominoplasty described above, there are a number of other tummy tuck options, including:

  • Mini abdominoplasty - where only a small section of skin and fat needs to be removed. This leaves a shorter bikini line scar and does not leave a scar around the belly button. It is only suitable for patients who need to get rid of a small amount of excess skin.
  • Extended or circumferential abdominoplasty - similar to the standard abdominoplasty, but the surgical scar will extend along the bikini line, past the hips and on to the back. This removes loose skin not just from the abdomen but also from the lower back, buttocks and thighs.
  • Fleur de Lys abdominoplasty - for patients who have a lot of excess skin as a result of very significant weight loss. It leaves a bikini line scar, similar to the standard abdominoplasty, but also requires a midline vertical scar running from the bikini line up to the bra line. This is to facilitate the removal of large amounts of fat and skin from across the abdomen. In some cases, the belly button has to be removed.
  • Lipoabdominoplasty - liposuction can be performed at the same time as an abdominoplasty to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat in the upper abdomen or around the waste and to improve the overall shape of the abdomen.

 

What are the risks of abdominoplasty?

As with any major surgery, there are risks to consider, including:

  • excessive scarring or keloids
  • wound infection or wound opening
  • bleeding
  • collections of fluid beneath the skin (seroma)
  • asymmetric healing
  • blood clots in the legs or lungs
  • issues with general anaesthesia

 

What should I expect after an abdominoplasty?

Your recovery will differ slightly depending on which technique is used and according to the recommendations of your surgeon.

For a standard abdominoplasty, you should be able to go home after two to three nights in hospital. Initially, your skin will feel very tight across your tummy and you may need to take some painkillers provided by the hospital if you feel uncomfortable. You will be given an abdominal binder to wear around your abdomen for four to six weeks, which provides some extra support and minimises swelling over this period.

Typically, you can return to driving after three weeks. You should plan to take four weeks off work, although you may be able to work from home during this period if you feel able. It is recommended that you avoid any gym work or swimming for at least six weeks after the operation.

It can take up to three months to see the final result from your tummy tuck and your scar will continue to improve for up to 18 months after the operation.

 

If you are thinking of abdominoplasty or other cosmetic surgery services, Mr Nick Pantelides is available for consultation via his Top Doctors profile.

By Mr Nick Pantelides
Plastic surgery

Mr Nick Pantelides is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon who specialises in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery across Essex and London. He has over a decade of experience in plastic surgery and offers a wide range of procedures including abdominoplasty, breast reduction, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty, skin cancer treatment, and liposuction.
 
Mr Pantelides practises at Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital, London Skin and Hair Clinic, and London Real Skin. He also holds a substantive NHS post at the world-renowned St Andrew’s Centre for Plastic Surgery in Chelmsford, Essex, where he focuses on breast reconstruction and skin cancer surgery, including complex microsurgical reconstructions.
 
He graduated from Cambridge University in 2009 and undertook higher plastic surgery training in leading UK hospitals, including in London, Cambridge and Manchester, before receiving the FRCS(Plast) from the Royal College of Surgeons in 2019. Notably, he was awarded the prestigious BAAPS/BAPRAS fellowship to undertake comprehensive training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery.
 
In addition to his clinical practice, Mr Pantelides is actively engaged in research, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. He has a Post Graduate Certificate in Medical Education and currently serves as the Educational Lead at St Andrew’s, helping to shape the future of plastic surgery through education and mentorship. A member of the Royal College of Surgeons, Mr Pantelides maintains a dedication to professional excellence and continuous learning in his field.

View Profile

Overall assessment of their patients


  • Related procedures
  • Medicine body aesthetics
    Laser
    Dark circles
    Lip augmentation
    Hidrolipoctasia cavitation
    Laser tattoo removal
    Laser scar therapy
    Laser Lifting
    Alopecia
    Hair transplant
    This website uses our own and third-party Cookies to compile information with the aim of improving our services, to show you advertising related to your preferences as well analysing your browsing habits. You can change your settings HERE.