Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

As a result of pregnancy and weight loss women often develop an excess of abdominal skin and fat with stretched abdominal muscles. Men can also suffer a similar excess of skin and fat following weight loss. A Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) is an operation to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen in order to improve the shape and contour of this region of the body. The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes 2-3 hours requiring a 2-3 day hospital stay. During the procedure a long curved cut is made in the skin across the lower abdomen at the level of the top of the pubic hair, and a separate small cut is made around the umbilicus (“tummy button”). Beneath the skin and fat the abdominal wall muscles are tightened with stitches and the excess skin and fat are then excised. The lower wound is stitched with dissolving sutures leaving the resulting scar concealed by bikini style underwear. The umbilicus (“tummy button”) is stitched with a combination of dissolving sutures and some that will need to be removed 7-10 days after the operation. This is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures and has high patient satisfaction and low complication rate. It can be performed in conjunction with liposuction if additional excess fat needs removing. In some patients with a smaller excess of lower abdominal skin and fat, a mini version of an abdominoplasty is performed requiring a smaller scar in the bikini line but without the need for any scarring around the umbilicus. 

Tummy Tuck

AT A GLANCE

Length of surgery:
2-3 hours
Anaesthesia:
General anaesthesia
Overnight or day case:
2 nights stay
Recovery:
2 weeks off work
Avoid driving 2 weeks
No heavy lifting/gym/sports for 6 weeks
Follow-up:
7-10 days for removal of sutures, 3 months, 6 months

FURTHER INFORMATION

Frequently asked questions

Not everyone is suitable for an abdominoplasty. Suitability is a matter for you and Mr Johnson to discuss in clinic, following a thorough analysis of your medical history and a thorough clinical consultation.

The surgery improves the contour and shape of the abdomen increasing patient confidence and improving self esteem. Patients who have had an abdominoplasty enjoy being able to wear clothes and swimwear that they would have previously been to embarrassed to wear.

There is one long low abdominal scar extending in a curve from one side of the abdomen to the other. This scar is hidden within the bikini line. There is also a small scar around the umbilicus (“tummy button”). In a mini-abdominoplasty, the low abdominal scar is in the same location but usually shorter and there is no scar around the umbilicus.

During the operation strong painkillers are administered so that when patients wake up from the surgery they will be comfortable. It is normal for patients to experience some discomfort from the scar line and for the first day or two postoperatively, strong painkillers can be administered intravenously if required. This is usually controlled by the patient themselves pressing a button which administers the painkiller via an infusion pump. No patient is left in agony! On discharge from hospital, any discomfort from the wounds can usually be managed with a combination of simple tablet type painkillers such as paracetamol together with much stronger tablet type painkillers such as codeine or tramadol.

Following surgery, you will be given a corset to wear for six weeks. For the first week you will need to walk around stooped over a little, and sleep with a pillow under your knees to keep tension off the wound. For the first two weeks postoperatively, you should not lift anything heavier than a kettle. Depending on your job you can usually return to work for light duties after 2-3 weeks. A gradual increase in light exercise is encouraged after your first wound check following discharge from hospital, but no sport, strenuous exercises or weight lifting should be undertaken until six weeks following surgery or until you are seen by Mr Johnson for review.

The visual improvement in abdominal contour will be immediately apparent following abdominoplasty surgery. However, there may some bruising, swelling and numbness around the wound which may last several weeks. The area of skin between the tummy button and the lower scar will remain numb for up to a year. The scars will undergo a natural maturation process involving a series of colour and texture changes over a period usually varying from 6 months to 2 years. The final result can usually be judged at around 1 year following surgery. The results of abdominoplasty are long lasting but large fluctuations in weight, further pregnancies and the normal age related effects on skin laxity can lead to a recurrence of loose skin.

Complications are uncommon following abdominoplasty. During your initial consultation Mr Johnson will have a full discussion with you about the risks and complications of surgery. You will be given an information leaflet about abdominoplasty which includes complications and if you decide to go ahead with surgery, these risks will again be discussed as part of the consenting process. Fortunately, with correct patient selection and appropriate procedure selection, the risks are kept to an absolute minimum. It is important that you should be reassured that Mr Johnson will not agree to perform any cosmetic procedure on you unless he feels the benefits significantly outweigh the risks.

Mr Johnson will come and see you on the ward after your surgery and will review you everyday throughout your hospital stay. After you have been discharged Mr Johnson will arrange to see you in clinic after 7-10 days to review the wound and remove any stitches. He will then make arrangements to see you in clinic for longer term follow up appointments. You will be given contact details for the hospital and Mr Johnson’s secretary should you wish at any time to discuss further aspects of your care or make additional arrangements for review.

Treatment costs

Initial consultation

£220

Tummy tuck

The exact surgery cost will be confirmed after your consultation. This will include the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetic fees.

For more information click here

Booking a consultation

To book an appointment to see Mr Johnson please contact his private secretary and practice manager:

Marcia Pillai
Tel: 07780 514777
E-mail: davidjohnson@doctors.org.uk

Make an enquiry

BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY

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After
Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty with liposuction to flanks

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After
Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty with liposuction to flanks

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After
Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck

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Tummy Tuck

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VIEW ALL BEFORE & AFTERS

PATIENT REVIEWS

Thank you ever so much for what you have done for me. I’m over the moon with the result. Thanks again. You’ve changed my whole life.

Breast augmentation, Patient KM

Thanks for all you’ve done for me. You’re the best!

Facelift, upper and lower blepharoplasties, fat transfer, Patient RB

I just wanted to say a personal thank you from the bottom of my heart for my nose. To me my nose is perfect. I love it so much. I can’t possibly explain how much you have changed my life for the better. I just wanted you to know how much you have changed me. I am a different person now with so much more confidence. I know to you, you probably think you are just doing your job but you are not – you are making dreams come true, especially mine. Thank you so so so much for making my dream come true.

Rhinoplasty, Patient Debbie

I would like to thank you and your team so very much once again for your kindness and professional service given to me at the Ridgeway hospital. Having my rhinoplasty operation has given me much more confidence.

Rhinoplasty, Patient SS

Just want to say many thanks for all your support and help both before and after my operation. I am very pleased with the results and appreciated your kindness, throughout my stay at the Manor.

Exchange breast implants with capsulectomies, Patient EH

I don’t think I will ever be able to fully let you know just how grateful I am to you. All you have done for me this last year has changed my life for the better in so many ways… I’ll never be able to put into words what your work has done for me, not only physically but mentally. I have more confidence, more courage, and now after these operations more hope. You have given me one of the greatest gifts – the opportunity of an optimistic future. One in which I can now look in the mirror. Thank you so much for your support, your time but most of all your kindness.

Post weight loss body contouring surgery, Patient BP

Many thanks for your kindness and care. You have changed my life for the better.

Brachioplasty, abdominoplasty, thigh lift, Patient JJ

Thank you very much for my new nose! It has made such a difference to me. I no longer worry when people see me in profile. My friends and family who know about the operation have all said how natural it looks and how well it suits me, so thank you for doing such a good job! I really am thrilled, and much happier.

Rhinoplasty, Patient NA

You really do work miracles! Many, many thanks for the fabulous results. Ts superb. Feeling great too.

Abdominoplasty, Patient LB

Thank you so much for your wonderful work. You have given me so much more confidence. Thank you again for everything you have done for me.

Breast reduction and liposuction, Patient MK

I feel the need to write a few lines of thanks following the breast augmentation surgery you performed on me last month. I knew this was something I wanted desperately for a very long time but the final result, I have to say, is above and beyond all my hopes and expectations. I am totally amazed and reeling still at the new me, both physically and mentally.

Breast augmentation, Patient AH

Thank you so much for the amazing surgery that you have done on our little girl. We felt so confident in you, and knew that if we needed to hand her over to anyone, we wanted it to be you. Thank you for allowing her the chance to grow up normally.

Craniofacial surgery, Parents of patient SH

I would just like to say thank you for your care in performing my surgery. You have made a big difference and given me the confidence I needed. You are a true professional.

Rhinoplasty, Patient SJ

A big thank you for everything that you have done for me. It’s a dream come true.

Blepharoplasty, Patient MO

Thank you so very much for doing my surgery, and for your compassion and care. The results are wonderful. You have given me back my self esteem.

Patient EG, Breast reduction

Thank you for repairing me and making me feel normal again! The operation has already had a huge impact on my life.

, Patient SM

Thank you for the fantastic job you have done for my daughter. You saved her life and gave her the best possible chance in life.

Craniofacial surgery, Patient KJ

Thank you for all your care in arranging my breast augmentation. I’m delighted with the results!

Breast augmentation, Patient V

I wanted to thank you for an amazing mastopexy. I’ve never been so happy! The level of care you showed me and my family was fantastic.

Mastopexy, Patient KW

I love my new nose. It means so much to start my new job feeling confident.

Rhinoplasty, Patient NA

This seems so little in thanks for all you have done for me. It seems such a big step to take, but you gave me confidence and encouragement to go on with the operations. Thank you so much… I feel very honoured to have this operation performed by you.

Major scalp reconstruction, Patient PK

Thank you for the lovely job you did on me the other week. I am absolutely thrilled! Thanks for putting me at ease throughout.

Minor skin surgery, Patient GL

Thank you just doesn’t come close! Jacob looks absolutely amazing already and it’s thanks to you. You have changed his life in more ways than one. We really appreciate your knowledge, understanding and support. You are an inspiration. A million and one thank you’s again.

Craniofacial surgery, Patient JL

Thank you so much for fixing our daughter’s ears. They are looking so much better. We are very grateful for your expertise.

Prominent ear correction, Patient OR

Thank you so much to you and your whole team for changing my whole life! I’ve waited and wanted this operation for so long and now it’s done I cannot begin to tell you how much it’s changed my like. Thank you thank you thank you.

Abdominoplasty, Patient TS

I would like to thank you very much for my surgery that, for me, has been a complete success. It has given me loads of confidence and made such a difference to my life.

Breast reduction, Patient EW

I cannot thank you enough for the care and attention during my operation. You have truly changed my life and I am so grateful. I cannot be happier with the results. You and your team are inspirational. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything.

Abdominoplasty, Patient KS

It’s been 10 and a half years since you saved my life in April and May 2006 from necrotising fasciitis. I am always grateful to you.

Emergency surgery, Patient MS

Following my brow lift procedure, I am writing express my great thanks for the treatment and care you have provided. The eyebrow is a brilliant result. I am now so much more at ease with myself and appearance.

Brow lift procedure, Patient GT

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