Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is cosmetic surgery to improve the shape of the tummy area (abdomen).

It can involve removing excess loose skin, fat and stretch marks and tightening the abdominal muscles.

The aim is to remove excess skin on the tummy that cannot be removed through exercise – for example, excess skin caused by pregnancy or losing a lot of weight.

It's not a quick fix for losing weight as the procedure is usually only recommended for people with a healthy body mass index (BMI).
 

There are 2 types of abdominoplasty, and both are usually done under a general anaesthetic.

A partial abdominoplasty involves:

• making a large cut (incision) across the lower tummy
• separating the skin from the abdominal wall below the belly button
• removing excess fat and skin
• pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place

A full abdominoplasty involves:

• making a large incision across the lower tummy, from hip to hip, just above the pubic area
• making a second incision to free the belly button from the tissue that surrounds it
• separating the skin from the abdominal wall
• realigning the abdominal muscles
• removing excess fat and skin
• cutting a new hole for the belly button and stitching this back in place
• pulling together the remaining skin and stitching it in place

The operation can take between 2 and 5 hours. Most people need to stay in hospital for a few nights.