Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) : what is it?
Abdominoplasty removes excess skin from the abdomen and repairs the abdominal muscles that have separated through pregnancy or weight change (rectus diastasis). It should not be confused with liposuction: liposuction removes fat but does not tighten sagging skin or repair separated muscle. If there is an apron of skin hanging forwards and a persistent bulge above the navel that exercise will not shift, the answer is usually a tummy tuck.
Who is a suitable candidate?
- Excess hanging skin on the abdomen after pregnancy or weight loss
- Abdominal muscles separated in the midline (rectus diastasis)
- An abdominal apron that does not respond to diet and exercise
- Weight stable for at least 6 months
- Family planning complete
- Not smoking (critical for wound healing)
How is it performed?
The incision is made just above the bikini line so that it stays within underwear. Skin and fat are lifted as far as the level of the navel.
The abdominal muscles separated in the midline are brought back together with permanent sutures. This step is what flattens the abdomen and can only be done surgically; it also narrows the waist.
The skin is pulled downwards, the excess removed, and the navel brought out through its new position and stitched in place. Liposuction of the waist and flanks is usually added in the same session to shape the contour.
If the laxity is limited to below the navel, a mini abdominoplasty may be possible: the navel is left untouched and the scar is shorter.
Recovery
The timeline below shows an average course. Your personal recovery depends on your age, skin quality, smoking and the extent of the operation.
You lie slightly bent forward (jackknife position) so the suture line is not under tension. A drain is placed. You get up for the first time, with help, within a few hours of surgery; this is important because it reduces the risk of clots.
The compression garment is worn day and night. The drain is usually removed on day 3 – 7. You walk slightly bent forward; this posture straightens within 7 – 10 days.
Desk work resumes at 10 – 14 days. The garment continues for up to 6 weeks. Heavy lifting and abdominal exercise are not allowed.
Swelling resolves and the contours of the abdomen become clear. Numbness of the abdominal skin gradually returns during this period; full recovery can take up to 12 months. The scar begins to fade.
Possible risks
Every surgical procedure carries risk. Knowing them is not meant to frighten you but to let you decide with full awareness. Each point is discussed individually at your consultation.
- Seroma (fluid collection), the most common complication
- Wound healing problems, particularly in smokers
- A long, permanent scar
- Temporary or permanent numbness of the abdominal skin
- Risk of deep vein thrombosis; early mobilisation reduces this
- Change in the shape of the navel; asymmetry
This page is for general information and does not replace a consultation. The method that may apply to you, the expected outcome and the risks can only be determined after a medical examination.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tummy tuck a weight-loss operation?
No. It is not a method of losing weight but a shape-correcting operation for people close to their target weight. The best result comes once weight has stabilised.
Where does the scar sit?
The incision is planned above the bikini line so that it stays within underwear and swimwear. Its length depends on how much skin is removed.
What if I become pregnant afterwards?
The repaired muscles may separate again and the result may be lost. For that reason the operation is not advised before family planning is complete.
Wouldn’t liposuction be enough?
If skin elasticity is good and there is no sagging, liposuction may be enough. Where there is excess skin and separated muscle, liposuction solves neither problem.
