Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the questions to reveal the answers. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to call our dedicated customer care team on 0845 555 5050.

1. How is the operation performed?

   Prior to your procedure, incision lines will be marked on your abdomen. The entire procedure is typically performed in 2-4 hours and will require general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic combined with sedation.
   
   Once you have been sedated, your surgeon will make a horizontal incision that extends across your lower abdomen. A second incision may be made around the navel to remove excess tissue from the upper abdomen. The skin will be gently separated from the underlying tissue. Excess skin, fat and tissue will be removed, repositioned or reshaped. Liposuction may be necessary to suction out excess fatty deposits.
   
   The skin will then be pulled tightly across the abdominal wall and secured in place with sutures. Temporary drainage tubes may be placed at incision sites to collect fluid drainage. Your abdomen will be wrapped in surgical gauze and an elastic compression garment to minimise swelling and discomfort.
   
   

2. Is a tummy tuck a good way to lose weight?

   A tummy tuck is a great way to target loose skin and excess fat deposits that have been resistant to traditional methods of diet and exercise. However, it should not be used as a weight loss tool and obese patients are typically not ideal candidates for abdominoplasty. A healthy diet and exercise programme is the best way to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
   
   

3. Can men benefit from a tummy tuck?

   Yes, tummy tucks are suitable for both men and women. More men are seeking out tummy tucks for abdominal contouring than ever before. Our cosmetic surgeons will be able to determine if you are an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck.
   
   

4. Will I need to take time off work?

   Yes, a tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure and you will require time to recover following surgery. Most patients take 1-2 weeks off before resuming work and other daily routines. Physical exercise should be restricted for at least a month
   
   

5. Will I feel pain afterwards?

   It is normal to experience some bruising, swelling and discomfort for the first several days following surgery. You will be provided with oral pain medication and a compression garment to help manage your discomfort. Pain after surgery is variable from patient to patient and the full results may be obscured by swelling and bruising for several months.
   
   

6. Will I have any scars?

   If you´re considering a tummy tuck, it is important to understand that permanent scarring is inevitable. When at all possible, incisions will be concealed from view. Most incisions are made below the bikini line.
   
   Immediately following surgery, scars may appear dark and raised. Over the course of several months, these scars will begin to fade and flatten. You will not see the final appearance of your scars for up to a year after surgery.