Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Before your surgery, you’ll have a detailed consultation with Dr Law to discuss your goals, the procedure, and any risks. Clinical photos will be taken, and a second consultation will be arranged to answer further questions. It’s important to stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery to reduce risks. You may need blood tests and other health checks, and will receive personalised instructions to prepare you for surgery.

An abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital. You will usually need to stay in hospital for a few nights.

In general, a traditional abdominoplasty involves the following:

• An incision is made across the lower tummy, from hip to hip.

• The abdominal muscles are tightened.

• Excess skin and fat are removed.

• The tummy is reshaped and closed in a way to give you a better abdominal contour. The incision is usually closed with stitches.

• The belly button is repositioned to sit naturally on the newly contoured abdomen.

• You may have drains.

• This procedure may be combined with liposuction to the upper abdomen and/or flanks.

In general, a mini abdominoplasty involves a shorter incision and focuses on removing excess skin and fat below the belly button. This may or may not involve tightening part of the abdominal muscles.

The most appropriate technique will depend on your abdominal anatomy and your desired outcome. Dr Law will guide you through your consultation to ensure the surgery aligns with your goals.

All surgical procedures leave scars, and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is no exception.

The length of the scar depends on the type of tummy tuck you have.

• Traditional abdominoplasty usually results in a low horizontal scar across your tummy that extends from hip to hip. Scars can be carefully placed in the bikini line in order to be easily hidden, and they will fade over time. There is also a scar around the belly button.

• Mini abdominoplasty leaves a shorter scar, as it involves a smaller incision and doesn't usually require repositioning of the belly button.

At first, the scar may appear red or raised. This is a normal part of healing. Over time - usually over several months to a year - the scar will fade and flatten. Everyone’s body heals differently, so the final appearance of the scar can vary.

To support good healing and reduce scarring, Dr Law will provide detailed post-operative scar care instructions. This may include:

• Keeping the area clean and protected.

• Using scar creams or silicone dressings.

• Avoiding sun exposure to the scar.

• Massaging the area once healing has progressed.

In some cases, if you are prone to hypertrophic or keloid scars, additional treatments may be recommended.

While the scar is permanent, patients often find it a worthwhile trade-off for the improvement in their abdominal contour.

Recovery varies, but in general:

Your tummy will be bandaged, and you’ll wear a binder. Most stitches dissolve on their own. Walking gently reduces swelling and helps prevent clots, though you may feel tightness and walk slightly hunched at first. Bruising, swelling, numbness, and discomfort are common early on. Pain medication will be provided. Avoid driving for at least 2 weeks, and strenuous activity for 6 weeks. Most people return to work after 3–4 weeks. Some swelling may last for months, but massage can help.