Tummy Tuck
Excess skin and laxity of the abdomen commonly develop after pregnancy or significant weight loss. While exercise can improve strength and tone, it cannot always address lax skin or underlying muscle separation. An abdominoplasty can tighten and reposition these muscles, helping to restore core strength and improve overall support.
A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to address excess abdominal skin and changes to the underlying muscle structure. These concerns commonly develop following pregnancy or significant weight loss, when skin elasticity is reduced and the abdominal muscles may become stretched or separated.
Why Patients Consider Tummy Tuck Surgery
Abdominoplasty focuses on two main areas:
- Excess skin of the abdomen that does not respond to exercise
- Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti), which can occur during pregnancy
Muscle separation may contribute to a weakened core and, in some cases, back discomfort. During a tummy tuck, these muscles can be repositioned and tightened to help restore abdominal support, alongside removal of excess skin.
Types of tummy tuck
There is no single form of abdominoplasty. The most appropriate approach depends on individual anatomy, degree of skin excess, and muscle involvement. Common options include:
- Mini tummy tuck – focuses on the lower abdomen below the navel (belly button).
- Full tummy tuck – addresses the entire frontal abdominal area and includes muscle repair where required.
- Fleur de Lys tummy tuck – adds a vertical scar to the normal, full tummy tuck and is usually reserved for patients who have undergone significant weight loss.
- Extended tummy tuck – the normal horizontal scar from a tummy tuck stops at the front of the pelvic / hip area. An extended procedure continues back into a 270 or 360 tummy tuck to better address the sides and / or back of the abdomen.
The choice of procedure is determined during consultation following a detailed assessment.
Safety and surgical considerations
Abdominoplasty is a well-established procedure when performed by experienced surgeons. As with all surgery, it involves careful planning, appropriate patient selection, and clear discussion of risks, recovery, and expected outcomes.
A structured aftercare plan forms an important part of the overall treatment process and supports healing and recovery.
Alternatives and complementary treatments
In some cases, non-surgical body contouring or skin treatments may be discussed, particularly where skin laxity is mild or muscle separation is not present. These options may be considered as alternatives or as part of a broader treatment plan.
Consultation and assessment
A consultation gives patients the chance to talk through their abdominal concerns, including skin, muscle tone, and whether a tummy tuck is suitable. Different surgical options are explained in clear, simple terms, including what to expect during recovery.
The aim is to help patients make confident decisions that suit their individual goals, whether they are ready for surgery now or exploring options for the future.
Before & Afters
Below are some of the before & afters performed by consultants here at LASE Cosmetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Making the decision to undergo surgical procedures can be a difficult one, and there are many questions you may have. Please read the frequently asked questions below which may answer any queries or ease any concerns you may have.
Like procedures such as liposuction and liposculpture, an abdominoplasty is a body contouring surgery. This means it’s designed to improve the shape and aesthetics of your body, specifically the midsection in the case of tummy tuck revision surgery.
Due to the varying types of surgery available, the overall improvements will vary, but the aim is to reduce excess unwanted skin, contour the mid-section and leave you feeling more confident in the way your body functions and looks.
Surgery to rejuvenate the abdomen is most commonly sought by female patients looking to improve their midsection after having children. However, both men and women seek abdominoplasty procedures because of weight loss. A consultation is essential to determine whether this is the most suitable procedure for you.
Your surgeon will make an incision to remove excess skin. This incision will vary in location depending on what you wish to achieve, but this will be discussed with you before the procedure takes place.
Excess fat and skin are removed, and muscles can be tightened if this is necessary. In some cases, fat transfer or fat removal surgery is combined with abdominoplasty. The incisions are then closed, and you’re taken to a ward to rest.
This type of body rejuvenation surgery takes 2-3 hours, on average, but this will vary depending on the patient.
Some surgeons do and some do not. This can be discussed in the consultation, if surgery is performed by our lead surgeon Mr Ali-Khan he usually does not use drains. If drains are used, they are usually removed before you leave the hospital and go home. Drain removal is usually painless.
This will vary according to your occupation. Your surgeon will discuss this with you. In general, desk-based jobs might be suitable to return to within 7-10 days. More physical jobs will require more time.
Normally this is likely to be the case. After a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), patients are usually advised to wear a surgical compression garment. These garments help support the abdominal muscles and skin, reduce swelling, and minimise the risk of fluid build-up. The garment is usually supplied at the time of surgery and are worn for 4-6 weeks post-op depending on your surgeon’s protocols.
Providing you don’t gain weight again the results will be long lasting. You will have a scar but most patients agree this is a fair trade for a rejuvenated look. If you are considering a tummy tuck, it might be better to do so after you have completed your family for female patients or once you have achieved your target weight for weight loss patients.
Here at LASE Cosmetic in Newcastle, we have a team of plastic surgeons and body contouring experts ready to treat you. If you decide to go ahead with surgery, our team of skilled surgeons will give you honest advice on how best to book and undergo a tummy tuck. Our experts are also very experienced in tummy tuck revision surgery.
Patients can contact LASE Cosmetic in Newcastle to request a consultation about body rejuvenation surgery, including options such as a tummy tuck. There’s also more information on our treatment pages.
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that lasts about 2-3 hours in most cases. Like any surgical procedure, there are risks. Patients are assessed by our consultant surgeons before surgery to ensure they are suitable, and a full explanation of the risks is provided so you are fully informed before making any decisions.
A mini tummy tuck is ideal for slim patients who have a little loose skin affecting the lower third of the abdomen. Performed under local or general anaesthetic, it is a smaller procedure than a full tummy tuck. It can improve the lower third of the tummy, but usually does not significantly improve the middle third (around the belly button) or the upper third. It leaves a scar that is usually shorter than a traditional tummy tuck, and there is no scar around the belly button, as this is not affected by the surgery.
When you are assessed, your surgeon will listen to your request and hopes and assess your body shape. Liposuction is not always necessary, but it is useful to flatten the tummy skin that is tightened by a tummy tuck and is helpful to reduce the fullness of the flanks that might pre-exist or be accentuated by a tummy tuck. Not all patients want or need liposuction, so it is a personal choice.
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Second Floor, The Jesmond,
Lyndhurst Avenue, Newcastle,
NE2 3HH
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