Deciding if this surgery is going to be right for you and will bring the results you’d like is something that we’ll go over in depth at your consultation. If I find that you’re suitable for surgery, I’ll give you lots of information about the procedure so that you can make a fully informed, personal decision about your treatment and whether you’d like to go ahead.

If you’ve lost a lot of weight which has resulted in excess skin and fat in your abdominal area, or if a pregnancy has stretched your abdominal muscles and skin, a tummy tuck could help. Some people have abdominoplasty because they’ve inherited a prominent belly, or have disproportionate fat distributed in the abdominal area. Ageing, too, can have a negative effect on the abdomen area.

To be considered for this operation, you should be over 18 years old and in good mental and physical health. You should also have realistic expectations about the potential outcome after I’ve carried out your procedure.

Abdominoplasty can give long-lasting results, and you can help to maintain your outcome by following the guidance I give you for post-operative care.

Tummy tuck surgery can bring a wide range of benefits, and I’ve seen the difference that it can make to my patients, both mentally and physically.

It can help to improve your body image and your self-esteem and, because it results in a flatter tummy and tighter abdominal muscles, you might feel more confident. You could be able to wear more fitted clothing than you have previously because your abdomen’s more toned a defined.

Abdominoplasty can also eliminate stretch marks, strengthen a weakened core and improve your overall flexibility. In addition, stronger abdominal muscles can relieve lower back pain and improve posture. Pregnancy and C-sections can mean some women have surplus skin and weakened abdominal muscles, and in these cases a tummy tuck can help to restore the body to its condition before having children.

During your consultation with me, we’ll talk about the benefits of having a tummy tuck, as well as the possible risks that come with this surgical procedure.

There’s an element of risk and possible complications with every surgical procedure. As a guide, having a tummy, tuck could result in bleeding, bruising and/or infection. Other risks related to having surgery include fluid build-up (known as seroma), changes in sensation, skin or fat necrosis and scarring. General anaesthetic also poses its own risks.

We’ll discuss the risks at your consultation, so you’re completely aware of all the pros and cons of treatment. It’s important that you follow the guidance I’ll give you regarding your aftercare to minimise any complications as far as possible and, of course, I’ll always be available if you have any questions or concerns regarding your procedure.

Before I begin your tummy tuck operation, you’ll be given general anaesthesia to ensure that you’re comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.

I’ll start the procedure by making an incision along your lower abdomen. The precise technique that I use will depend on the type of tummy tuck that you’re having, and length and shape of the incision can vary depending on how much correction is needed.

I’ll then separate the skin from the underlying tissue, and excess fat can also be removed if required. The abdominal muscles may be tightened if they’ve become separated or weakened, too. I’ll stretch and re-drape the abdominal skin to create a smoother, tighter appearance, and then trim any excess skin away. During a full tummy tuck, I may also need to reposition the belly button for a natural look.

To complete the surgery, I’ll carefully close the incisions with sutures or staples, and drains may be placed to remove excess fluid during the initial stages of healing.

Typically, the surgical site is dressed and a compression garment applied to help reduce swelling and provide support during the healing process.

I’ll make sure that you have all the details you need to help make your recovery as smooth and speedy as possible.

You’ll need to take time off work after your abdominoplasty – usually 2-4 weeks, although this will depend on factors such as the job you do and how physical it is. Typically, my patients will have some post-operative discomfort for 1-2 weeks and might experience a feeling of ‘tightness’ for several weeks, too. Try to sleep on your back for the first 4 weeks.

You’ll have to wear your compression garment day and night for 2-3 months, which will help with swelling and bruising. Avoid any strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks.

To help you make the best recovery, be sure to attend your post-op appointments with me as scheduled, so that I can check that everything’s progressing well.