Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure designed to create a flatter, firmer, and more sculpted abdomen.

Pregnancy, significant weight loss, ageing, and natural changes in the body can leave behind loose skin, stretched abdominal muscles, and stubborn fat deposits that cannot be corrected with diet or exercise alone.

A tummy tuck addresses these concerns by removing excess skin, repairing separated abdominal muscles, and improving the overall contour of the abdomen.

At our practice, we often combine tummy tuck surgery with 360° liposuction to create a more harmonious, natural-looking silhouette. Rather than focusing only on the front of the abdomen, this approach sculpts the waist, flanks, and lower back to achieve beautifully balanced results. Every treatment plan is personalised, and the need for liposuction is determined on an individual basis.

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Who May Benefit From a Tummy Tuck?

You may be a suitable candidate if you have:

• Loose or hanging abdominal skin

• Stretched abdominal muscles after pregnancy (diastasis recti)

• An abdominal bulge despite maintaining a healthy weight

• Excess skin following significant weight loss

• Stretch marks on the lower abdomen

• Difficulty achieving a flatter abdomen despite regular exercise

A tummy tuck is best suited for patients who are close to their ideal weight and are looking to improve body contour rather than lose weight.

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What Does the Procedure Involve?

Every tummy tuck is carefully tailored to your anatomy and goals.

Removal of Excess Skin

Loose, stretched skin is removed to create a smoother, firmer abdominal contour.

Muscle Repair

Separated abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened to restore core support, improve posture, and flatten the abdominal profile.

360° Liposuction (When Appropriate)

For many patients, liposuction is performed around the entire midsection, including:

• Abdomen

• Waist

• Flanks (love handles)

• Lower back

This helps refine the waistline and enhances the overall body shape rather than treating the abdomen alone.

Belly Button Reshaping

The belly button is repositioned to maintain a natural appearance after the abdominal skin has been tightened.

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Where Will My Scars Be?

A tummy tuck does involve a scar, but every effort is made to keep it as discreet as possible.

Lower Abdominal Scar

• Positioned low on the bikini line

• Extends from hip to hip depending on the amount of excess skin

• Hidden beneath underwear and swimwear

Belly Button Scar

A fine scar around the belly button that usually blends well with its natural contours.

Small additional scars from liposuction are only a few millimetres long and are placed in discreet locations whenever possible.

Over time, scars gradually soften and fade.

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Recovery and Downtime

Recovery varies from person to person, but most patients experience steady improvement over the first few weeks.

First Few Days

• Mild to moderate discomfort and tightness

• Swelling and bruising

• Walking encouraged from the first day to aid recovery

First 2 Weeks

• Gradual return to light daily activities

• Compression garment worn to reduce swelling and support healing

• Improved mobility each day

4–6 Weeks

• Return to most normal activities

• Progressive reduction in swelling

• Exercise resumed as advised

Long-Term Recovery

The abdominal contour continues to improve over several months as swelling settles and scars mature.

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What Results Can I Expect?

A tummy tuck can provide:

• A flatter, firmer abdomen

• A narrower, more defined waist

• Improved abdominal muscle support

• Better body proportions

• Smoother skin contour

• Improved fit of clothing

When combined with 360° liposuction, the results are often more comprehensive, creating a sculpted silhouette from every angle rather than simply flattening the front of the abdomen.

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How Can a Tummy Tuck Change Your Life?

For many patients, a tummy tuck represents the final step after pregnancy or weight loss.

Patients often report:

• Feeling more confident in fitted clothing

• Greater comfort in swimwear

• Improved posture and core support

• Renewed confidence after childbirth or significant weight loss

• Motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle

Our goal is not simply to remove excess skin, but to restore balanced body contours that look natural and complement your unique shape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a tummy tuck the same as liposuction?

No. Liposuction removes excess fat, while a tummy tuck removes excess skin and repairs stretched abdominal muscles. Many patients benefit from a combination of both procedures.

Why do you often combine tummy tuck surgery with 360° liposuction?

Treating only the front of the abdomen can leave the waist and flanks out of proportion. Combining tummy tuck surgery with carefully planned liposuction helps create smoother, more balanced contours around the entire torso. Whether this is appropriate depends on your anatomy and surgical goals.

Will my stretch marks disappear?

Stretch marks located on the skin that is removed during surgery are eliminated. Remaining stretch marks may still be visible but are often repositioned lower on the abdomen.

Will my abdominal muscles be repaired?

If you have separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), they can usually be repaired during the procedure to improve abdominal contour and core support.

How long will the results last?

Results are long-lasting when supported by a stable weight, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.