Ask an expert: Tummy tuck FAQs

In this informative article, renowned plastic reconstructive aesthetic consultant surgeon Ms Anna De Leo gives an expert guide to what patients can expect from a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure. The highly experienced specialist also answers commonly asked questions on pricing, recovery and the best age to opt for this type of cosmetic surgery.

What is the best age to undergo a tummy tuck?

There is no “best age” to undergo a tummy tuck but any type of plastic surgery should only take place when the patient is in good health. Therefore, any patient with good health and a good diet will always be suitable for the surgery.

Most of the requests we get for tummy tuck surgery are from middle aged people. This may because they have lost weight after pregnancies or they may have been obese in their teenage years and so they are looking to have their tummy reduced around the ages of thirty or thirty-five. We have other patients who are at a pre-menopause age who wish to have their weight reduced to avoid immobilisation in old age.

What factors can affect the healing process?

Age can affect the healing process but if we guide the patients through the journey, although their recovery may be slower, older patients will not be at higher risk of complications. This is because we are able to teach them how to prevent problems and we take special care with their recovery. My patients of average age tend to spend around four weeks recovering after a tummy tuck.

How long does it take for a tummy tuck to look natural?

Initially, the stomach area following a tummy tuck is very tight and has a long scar. My patients often describe it as being as hard as a stone. It takes time for the skin’s elasticity to return to normal, typically around three months.

Massage can accelerate the process and the scar fades slowly over time. Some patients see a good amount of fading within six weeks of their surgery but in some others, this is only seen after a year. We give the patients some tips and some treatments, such as special creams, that can be used to accelerate the outcome and patients are usually discharged from our care around two months after surgery.

How long does a tummy tuck last?

Tummy tuck surgery takes from two and a half to three hours to complete but the result lasts forever. This is because during surgery, we remove a large piece of the skin and so it is difficult to have a recurrence.

Unfortunately, if patients don't change their diet, they may need to repeat liposuction treatment to maintain their results. If they put on a lot of weight, the fat gets deposited in the same area and typically the waistline requires further treatment.

Can you recall a tummy tuck success story from one of your previous patients?

The level of patient satisfaction in my clinic is really high as this is a life changing procedure. I recently had an amazing result from a very grateful patient who had lost around forty kilos before having the surgery with me. Following the birth of her baby, she started the journey with me and we guided her through diet, exercise and then, finally, surgery. From start to finish, her BMI reduced from thirty-four (obesity weight) to just thirteen. She is now very healthy and fit with a lovely figure as, if patients collaborate and lose weight before surgery, the cosmetic results are often even better than many imagine. By losing weight, the risk of complications is also far reduced. I often show my patient success stories on my Instagram profile.

What is the average cost of a tummy tuck?

The cost is very specific to the patient as it depends on what will be required in surgery. A number of factors have to be considered, including:

• if muscle repair is required
• if liposuction is necessary
• how long the surgery will likely last
• the size of the patient, as those with a larger hip, for example, have a longer area to suture

I always do personalised quotes for my patients according to all of these factors. The total cost doesn’t usually fall below £10,000 due to some essentials related to patient safety. There are number of aspects to maintain safety as a priority, such as preordering blood, performing some tests before surgery and prepaying for hospital support in the event of complications in surgery.

One patient in two thousand could have a serious issue in surgery and we take that very seriously and believe that it is better practice to have a slightly higher cost in order to keep the patient safe and maintain good patient satisfaction.

If you are considering a tummy tuck and wish to discuss your options with Ms De Leo, don’t hesitate to visit her Top Doctors profile where you can learn more about her and book a consultation.