Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) in London & UK

There are clinics throughout London and the UK offering tummy tuck surgery. If you would like to know more about the procedure, complete the form on the right and an advisor will contact you.

What is abdominoplasty & why would I want one?

Abdominoplasty is the medical term for what is commonly known as a ‘tummy tuck’.  This has become a more common surgery in recent years, with few risks and great results.  You could want one for a variety of reasons, the most common being post-pregnancy skin tightening.  A tummy tuck could also be appropriate if you have lost a lot of weight, the skin will have stretched and lost its elasticity so needing to be removed.  Abdominoplasty can be used to reduce the amount of fat within the abdominal region producing a flatter and more toned looking stomach, or to tighten the muscles that might be less effective due to illness or age.  Abdominoplasty involves tightening the abdominal muscles, so giving you an instantly flatter stomach and in the long term making it easier for you to lose weight in that area.  There are different degrees of surgery that you can have, ranging from a partial to an extended procedure depending on your individual circumstances.  Although a ‘partial tummy tuck’ sounds like it is less severe than the others, it too is a very invasive surgery.  Any type of surgery demands a serious amount of thought from you before you go ahead. 

Like with all cosmetic surgery, the surgeon you use is crucial to the final result.  It is important that you check your surgeons’ credentials and ensure that they are the best person to perform your surgery.  There are surgeons based throughout London and the UK. Some surgeons might have specialised in specific forms of abdominoplasty.  A tummy tuck can be quite expensive, costing between £3000 and £6000, with cheaper prices abroad.  There are many clinics in different countries offering package deals including accommodation and travel on top of your surgery.

What does tummy tuck surgery entail?

The surgery you undertake very much depends on what sort of tummy tuck you are having and why.  A normal complete tummy tuck will involve a general anaesthetic and two incisions: one from hip bone to hip bone, the other surrounding the naval.  During the surgery the excess skin and fat is removed, and the muscles sutured together to make them look more toned.  When the final stitches are being placed, the position of the naval is changed, or sometimes a new naval is created.  The wound is fitted with drains to ensure the best recovery. 

What sort of tummy tuck would suit me?

There are varying degrees of tummy tuck, and the one you have very much depends on your own circumstances.  A partial, or mini-tuck, allows the surgeon to tighten the abdominal muscles while keeping the incisions to a minimum.  A complete tummy tuck involves a quite large incision, removing excess skin and fat, some mild liposuction and a long recovery time.  This is the most common form of tummy tuck and is used for those wanting a more toned and flat stomach.  An extensive tummy tuck can also change the appearance of the thighs, hips and buttocks, with large incisions that continue onto your back.  This is most common with those who have lost a lot of weight and have a lot of excess skin that needs to be removed, and acts more of a body lift.

How long is the recovery time for a tummy tuck?

The recovery time for a tummy tuck depends upon which sort you had and how drastic it was.  For example a partial tummy tuck, merely tightening the muscles, has very small incisions and takes a lot less time than a complete tummy tuck, allowing the recovery time to be a lot smaller.  Generally it takes over three months to totally recover, and the scars will be there for life.  The surgeon you choose will discuss this with you, and position your incisions so that they are as inconspicuous as possible.  Often this will mean that they are hidden beneath your underwear line.

What risks are involved with a tummy tuck?

As with all cosmetic surgery, abdominoplasty does hold some risk and can have some side effects.  Excess fluid is the most common, which in extreme cases can lead to blood clots.  If this occurs then it can be very dangerous, with more surgery needed to remove any clots that might have formed.  Infections are a risk with any type of surgery, and you must take all precautions to ensure that you don’t get one.  If you think you might then you will require immediate medical attention.  Some patients complain of a loss of feeling around the scar, this normally dissipates within a few months but sometimes the nerve damage is permanent.  Tummy tucks are seen as a relatively safe form of surgery, and much can be done to reduce the risks involved, but they are still there and do still need to be taken into account. 

Are there any alternatives to having tummy tuck surgery?

There are other alternatives to surgery that might help you to reduce the amount of excess fat in the abdominal region as well as to tighten the skin in that area.  The most effective and natural of these is a healthy lifestyle and exercise.   There are certain exercises that you can perform that will tighten and tone your stomach, for example the crunch and certain sit-ups.  It is possible to get advice about this from your local gym, and also possibly from your GP.  There are creams that can be bought that claim to tighten the skin and aid fat cell break down within the abdominal region.  These, however, are usually quite expensive and can take a long time to take any effect.  Machines are available that are designed to vibrate and stimulate the muscles, so helping them to tone without you having to do any exercise. The machines aren’t too expensive, often retailing at about £100 but their results have been very varied.  Obviously in certain situations none of these alternatives will be a viable option.  In the instance of excess skin after severe weight loss or pregnancy these won’t be able to remove skin that has lost elasticity.   Alternatives are definitely worth investigating but might not be appropriate for your individual circumstance. 

How can having a tummy tuck improve my life?

Having a tummy tuck can seriously improve the life of the patient.  There are situations where excess skin or fat can cause real confidence problems and affect how you might live your life.  For example swimming can cause a great deal of embarrassment for someone who might have an excess of skin after having lost a lot of weight.  Taking this lack of confidence away can completely change an individuals’ lifestyle.  The results are usually life-long, and can improve muscle formation for years after the surgery. 

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Reasons for having a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) »

Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty) Clinics in London

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Nip/Tuck Surgery
27 Wellbeck Street
London
W1G 8EN
Tel: 020 7224 2242

111 Harley Street
London
W1G 6AW
Tel: 0845 222 5111

Surgicare
592 Finchley Road
London
NW11 7RX
Tel: 08000 461000

BMI Garden Hospital
46/50 Sunny Gardens Road
London
NW4 1RP
Tel: 020 8457 4500

The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic
100 Harley Street
London
W1G 7JA
Tel: 020 7486 5111

The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic
100 Harley Street
London
W1G 7JA
Tel: 020 7486 5111

The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St Johns Wood
London
NW8 9LE
Tel: 0 20 7483 5148

Surgicare
58 Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8YR
Tel: 08000 461000

Aurora Plastic Surgery & Cosmetic Centres
10 Harley Street
West Minster
London
W1G 9PF
Tel: 01844 214362

Cosmedics Reaqua Spa
12 Gravel Lane
London
East London
E1 7AW
Tel: 020 7386 0464

Cosmedics Knightsbridge
166 Brompton Road
Knightsbridge
London
Greater London
SW3 1HW
Tel: 020 7386 0464

Guys Nuffield House
Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust
Newcomen Street
London
SE1 1YR
Tel: 020 7188 5292
Fax: 020 7188 5251

Harley Street Oculoplastic Clinic
73 Harley Street
London
W1G 8QT
Tel: 0207 935 7990
Fax: 0207 224 1744

Court House Clinic London
30b Wimpole Street
London
W1G 8YB
Tel: 0845 555 50 50

Linia Healthcare London
17 Harley Street
London
Greater London
W1G 9QH
Tel: 0845 230 1700
Fax: 0207 436 4709

London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
Greater London
SE1 2PR
Tel: 0845 602 7906
Fax: 020 7407 3162

The Hurlingham Clinic
67 Studdridge Street
London
Greater London
SW6 3TD
Tel: 020 7348 6380
Fax: 020 7348 6388

London Independent Hospital
1 Beaumont Square
Stepney Green
London
E1 4NL
Tel: 0207 780 2400
Fax: 0207 780 2401

Sharmi Joseph
100 Harley Street
London
Greater London
W1G 7JA
Tel: 020 7486 4868

Surgicare
10 Harley Street
London
Greater London
W1U 4JA
Tel: 08000 46 1000

The Harley Medical Group
2 St. Marks Place
Wimbledon
London
SW19 7ND
Tel: 0800 085 4984

The Harley Medical Group London
Marc House
Great St Thomas Apostle
London
EC4V 2BB
Tel: 0800 085 4984

The Harley Medical Group London
216 Regent's Park Road
London
N3 3HP
Tel: 0800 085 4984

The Harley Medical Group Harley Street
6 Harley Street
London
W1G 9PD
Tel: 0800 085 4984

The Hospital Group
31 Weymouth Street
London
W1G 7BT
Tel: 0845 762 6727

Transform Cosmetic Surgery
Nightingale House
1-7 Fulham High Street
London
SW6 3JH
Tel: 0800 655 6406

Transform Cosmetic Surgery
Cavendish House
55 New Cavendish Street
London
W1G 9TF
Tel: 0800 655 6406

Transform Cosmetic Surgery
Heath Hospital London
58 West Heath Drive
London
NW11 7QH
Tel: 0800 655 6406

Cosmedocs
10 Harley Street
Paddington
Greater London
W1G 9
Tel: 0800 8600178

London Plastic Surgery Associates
30 Devonshire Street
London
W1G 6PU
Tel: 020 7908 3777