Tummy tuck

Need to know

• What happens during surgery? icon plus

  Tummy tucks are carried out under general anaesthetic which means you'll be asleep. There's more than one type of abdominoplasty so what happens during your procedure will depend on what you've agreed with your consultant.
  
  If you're having a standard abdominoplasty, your surgeon will make a cut above your bikini line. They'll take away excess skin from below your belly button, remove any fat using liposuction, tighten your muscles and reposition your belly button.
  
  An extended abdominoplasty involves removing fat and skin from your groin and lower back. In a mini abdominoplasty, the position of your belly button won't change.

• How to prepare icon plus

  Your consultant will tell you how to prepare for your operation. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you may have.

• After surgery icon plus

  You'll be cared for in hospital for at least a couple of nights. If you have fluid drains, these will be removed before you go home. Tummy tucks can be quite painful so you'll be offered pain relief whilst you're in hospital.
  
  It's common for the discomfort to continue for a couple of weeks so you should use pain relief as and when you need it. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine. However, you should expect to be off work for a couple of weeks and you should avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks. The type of scar you're left with will depend on the type of procedure you had.