Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Restore Your Core with Confidence
Key Benefits
- Contoured midsection
- Removal of excess skin and fat
- Improval of abdominal wall support with repair of Diastasis Recti
Results are tailored to suit your lifestyle, body type, and personal goals.
Duration
3-6 hours
Recovery
2-4 weeks
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that is commonly sought by individuals who experience sagging skin or abdominal laxity after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
It is designed to create a flatter firmer more contoured midsection and improve abdominal wall support and appearance by
- Removing excess abdominal skin and fat
- Tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles (Diastasis Recti Repair)
Unlike liposuction, which targets fat alone, abdominoplasty also addresses loose skin and muscle laxity—making it a more comprehensive solution for abdominal reshaping as it addresses all 3 layers of the abdominal wall: Skin, Fat and Muscle.
Types and Treatment Options
There are several variations of tummy tuck procedures, tailored to suit different needs. Your surgeon will discuss with you which one is most appropriate for your condition.
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Full Abdominoplasty
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Mini Abdominoplasty
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Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty
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Extended or Circumferential Abdominoplasty
Who Is Suitable for a Tummy Tuck?
Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty are patients who have:
- Loose or sagging abdominal skin
- Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) post-pregnancy
- Achieved a stable weight and are not planning future pregnancies
- Good overall health and are non-smokers
- Realistic expectations and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle
Adjunct Procedures often Combined with Treatment
Tummy tucks are often combined with other procedures for enhanced results:
- Liposuction
- Breast augmentation/lift
- Monsplasty
- Umbilical hernia repair
- Umbilicoplasty
What to Expect
- The surgery is performed under General Anaesthesia and typically lasts 3–6 hours.
- Drains may be placed temporarily and removed a few days after surgery
- Patients may need to rest in a slightly flexed position immediately after surgery
- Compression garments are worn post-operatively to reduce swelling
Recovery Process
Recovery varies by individual and procedure extent
- Downtime: 2–4 weeks before returning to light activities or work
- Swelling and bruising is common for the first few weeks
- Pain is generally well controlled with prescribed medication
- Surgical scars will fade over time with proper care
Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks and follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions closely.
Risks and Complications
While tummy tucks are generally safe in experienced hands, risks include:
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Infection or delayed wound healing
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Unfavourable scarring
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Deep vein thrombosis (rare but serious)
- Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in body contouring minimises these risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss. It is best performed after you have reached a stable and healthy weight
Yes, all tummy tucks involve scarring. However, incisions are placed low on the abdomen to be easily hidden by underwear or swimwear. Scars typically fade over time.
Yes, but future pregnancies may compromise the results of your surgery. It is best to complete your family before undergoing abdominoplasty.
With a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, tummy tuck results can be long-lasting. However, natural aging and weight fluctuations may affect the outcome over time.
Mild to moderate discomfort is expected in the early recovery phase. This is manageable with prescribed pain medication and typically improves within a week.