Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck, Abdominal Reshaping, Plastic Surgery Body Shaping, Apronectomy, London

Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck, Apronectomy, Abdomen Reshaping is a Plastic Surgery operation to remove the excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen in order to reshape the abdomen to achieve a firm and flat youthful appearance.
“At London Bridge Plastic Surgery our experienced surgeons provide a caring professional service to achieve a firm and youthful appearance in Abdominoplasty, Plastic Surgery Tummy Tuck, Body Shaping Cosmetic Surgery”

        "I cannot begin to find the words to tell you how thrilled I am with the surgery. I went into the operation quite anti-cosmetic surgery, but I came out a complete convert. It is absolutely marvelous, wonderful, brilliant, fantastic.”  Abdominoplasty / Tummy tuck patient

Click here to view before & after photos

Why have an Abdominoplasty, Plastic Surgery Tummy Tuck ?

As we age, loss of skin elasticity and muscle strength combined with fatty deposits in the lower abdomen cause this area to bulge. Pregnancy, especially multiple and twins, clearly accelerate these changes as well as weaken the abdominal muscles. Tummy Tuck ,Abdominoplasty surgery can remove the excess skin and fat and tighten the muscles to achieve a more youthful, flat and firm abdomen. The Tummy tuck, Abdominoplasty surgery can also produce a lifting of the groin and perineal region to provide some rejuvenation and improved cosmetic appearance.  Abdominoplasty,Tummy Tuck is commonly combined with Liposuction - Liposculpture to achieve the optimum reshaping.  The type of Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck surgery required to achieve the best result for you will depend on the amount of excess skin and fat and will be discussed at the time of your Consultation.  A non  surgical option may also be suitable. Non surgical body reshaping

Remember Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty surgery will not change you and solve any life crises, but should boost your self-confidence and enjoyment of life.

Your Questions

Q: What is an Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery, is a Plastic surgical procedure performed to remove excess fat and skin around the lower abdomen to restore a shapely silhouette and achieve a natural aesthetic appearance.

Q: What are the benefits of Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: Abdominplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery is performed to reduce the heavy lower abdomen and hips to enable you to wear the clothes you want and boost your self-esteem.
A Tummy Tuck can restore a youthful figure following pregnancy of weight loss. Abdominoplasty can improve your posture and reduce lower back pain.
Diabetic patients may benefit following an Abdominoplasty by improved blood sugar control or reduced requirements for medication. The improvement in body shape can boost your self confidence and comfort enabling you to exercise effectively to maintain a good body weight and shape.

Q: Am I the ideal patient for Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: If you would like to improve your body shape because of skin laxity and excess fat in your lower abdomen, which does not reduce with good diet and exercise, and you have been concerned by this for a long time, do not have any serious medical conditions and are not significantly overweight, then an Abdominoplasty is likely to be suitable for you.

Q: Do I need to lose weight before my Abdominoplasty Surgery?

A: We recommend that you should be as close to your ideal body weight as possible before you undergo an Abdominoplasty surgery. However, many patients find it very difficult to exercise effectively with a heavy lower abdomen. It is important even in this circumstance that you eat a good diet and are losing weight before your surgery.

Q: Does Abdominoplasty require a general anaesthetic or hospitalisation?

A: Abdominoplasty surgery is performed under general anaesthetic or twilight, commonly as an overnight procedure or occasionally as a day case.

Q: How long is the Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: Abdominoplasty normally takes approximately 1 ½ to 2 hours to perform.

Q: What about the scars following Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: Unfortunately, it is necessary to have a scar as a result of Abdominoplasty, but every effort is made to minimize the scars and ensure that these are as inconspicuous as possible. The goal is to achieve a scar which is as short as possible and which, once fully healed is barely visible. The scar is placed within the pants line – bikini line usually from hip to hip. The extent of the scar is determined by the amount of excess skin to be removed. There will also be a scar around the umbilicus (bellybutton).

Q: Will the abdominal muscles need to be tightened at the time of my Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: Stretching of the muscle in the abdomen occurs during pregnancy and also with aging resulting in the widening of the youthful waistline. Therefore, at the time of your Abdominoplasty, the muscles will be tightened, if necessary.

Q: Will drains be used at the time of Abdominoplasty?

A: At LBPS, we believe that any blood or fluid under the abdominal skin leads to inflammation and scarring, which can prolong the healing and lessen the quality of your outcome. Therefore, drains will be placed at the time of your Tummy Tuck surgery. These will be removed before you leave Hospital.

Q: Can Abdominoplasty be combined with any other procedure?

A: Yes. Commonly, liposuction is performed at the time of an Abdominoplasty especially around the hips, outer thighs or inner thighs to achieve an aesthetically balanced shape. Abdominoplasty can also be performed with Breast Surgery such as uplift / Mastopexy or reduction. What is possible and safe for you will depend on your goals and your individual circumstance.

Q: What reassurance do I have with Abdominoplasty Surgery?

A: At LBPS, we understand that Abdominoplasty surgery is an important and daunting decision for you and we aim to support you before, during and long after your surgery. Right from your first contact through to your 1 year follow-up visit, we will provide you with the highest standard of care to minimize risks as much as possible and provide the optimum results for you.

Q: How long is the recovery time?

A: Moderate pain / discomfort is expected for 3 – 5 days. Patients can go back to their normal daily activities after 2 weeks, but avoid strenuous exercise / activity for 6 weeks. It will be necessary to wear a support garment for the first 6 weeks, day and night and the second 6 weeks during the day. The majority of swelling will resolve in 4 -6 weeks but it will take up to 3 months to return to normal.

Q: What about the results of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

A: The results are first and foremost natural. The goals of Tummy Tuck surgery are to restore your proportions to achieve a natural aesthetic appearance. The result should boost your self-confidence; allow you to wear the clothes you wish and feel more comfortable.

Q: What are the risks of Abdominoplasty?

A: Common to all surgical procedures there are always risks associated with surgery. However, Abdominoplasty surgery is a safe procedure when performed by a fully qualified and trained Plastic,  Cosmetic Surgeon in Hospitals with a high standard of care. The common risks are bleeding (less than 0.5%), infection (less than 0.5%) delayed skin healing, and seroma collection (fluid under the skin). Each of these risks may require revision surgery. Other risks that may occur are, poor scarring – hypertrophic or keloid, blood clots – DVT and PE (0.5%), asymmetry, numbness of the skin.

Q: How long do the results  of Tummy Tuck Surgery last?

A: The results of Abdominoplasty surgery are expected to permanent if performed in conjunction with a good diet and exercise. However, you should be aware that if you gain weight following your Tummy Tuck, the results of your surgery will not be optimal.

Q: Is there an alternative to an Abdominoplasty?

A: At the present time there is not an alternative to Abdominoplasty for a person who has significant excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. However, for patients who desire modest improvement and wish to avoid surgery, non-surgical treatments usually in combination – Ultrashape and Velashape can effectively reduce excess fat and tighten the skin. Both of these treatments provide a painless option with gradual improvement in body contour.

Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck, Plastic Surgery Summary 

Before Your Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck, Plastic Surgery


Weight -          Before your abdominoplasty, tummy tuck you should be close to ideal weight, therefore diet pre-operatively. It is not a correction for obesity.
Smoking -      Essential to stop at least 3 weeks prior to your abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery.  Smoking increases your risk of infection by 40%.  Avoid smoking until                           wounds are fully healed or at least 2 weeks after.
Other scars - Some may prevent full abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery, and the technique will be modified accordingly.
Drugs -           Avoid aspirin/ibuprofen type analgesics for 3 weeks before and after your abdominoplasty,tummy tuck surgery as these can increase swelling and bruising post-operatively.

Your Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck, Plastic Surgery Body Shaping


Scar -           - Tummy tuck incision is a Bikini line just above the hair line and around the umbilicus.
                     - You may need a vertical scar; however this will be discussed on an individual basis.
                     - Muscle tightening may be required during the Abdominoplasty - Tummy tuck surgery especially following pregnancies.
Sutures      - During your abdominoplasty - tummy tuck surgery dissolving sutures are used with no need to remove any sutures.
Drains        - Remain in place until significant drainage ceases and before discharge from hospital.
Dressings - An individually sized garment will be supplied following your abdominoplasty - tummy tuck surgery. All dressings remain intact until your follow up appointment with one of our nurses.
Posture      - The abdominal skin will feel tight and you are usually unable to stand up straight for several days following your abdominoplasty - tummy tuck surgery.
Skin support - Firm cycling shorts or girdle type pants should be worn for 6 weeks after your abdominoplasty - tummy tuck  surgery day and night, and then 6 weeks during the day.  This helps to  support the abdominal skin, and decrease post operative swelling after your Tummy Tuck Surgery.
Exercise       - Avoid vigorous exercise, including lifting of heavy shopping bags etc, for 6 weeks following your Abdominoplasty - Tummy Tuck surgery. Moderate exercise such as walking or swimming is recommended 4 weeks post surgery.
Care of scars - Apply Micropore tape (1 inch) along the scar for 3 months after your Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty, to prevent stretching and accelerate scar softening. Vit E creams may be used after this period.

After Your Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck, Plastic Surgery


Pain              - Moderate discomfort can be expected following your Tummy tuck - Abdominoplasty surgery.
                         Avoid aspirin/ibuprofen type analgesics.
Bruising       - May last for several weeks, we recommend a course of arnica tablets and creams. General post-operative swelling may last for several months after your Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty surgery.
Wound         - Occasional mild infections occur, invariably responds to a short course of antibiotics following your Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty surgery.
                      - Very rarely, delayed healing, skin loss or poor scars requiring revision of your Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty surgery.
                      - Very rarely, serious infection or haematoma (blood collection) which requires drainage.
Numbness - This is expected in the lower abdominal skin. Invariably lasts for 3 -6 months but may be permanent following Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty surgery.
DVT              - Leg vein thrombosis is rare following your Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty surgery. Measures are taken to keep risk low.


Reshape your Tummy and enjoy the summer!  To book your Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck, Plastic Surgery Consultation, call 0845 009 2775 or Contact LBPS