After pregnancy or major weight loss the abdominal skin can remain loose and overhanging, and the two long muscles of the abdomen may stay separated (diastasis), so the tummy bulges however much you exercise. Diet and exercise cannot remove excess skin or close a muscle gap.
Abdominoplasty — a Tummy Tuck — removes the excess tissue, tightens the muscle wall and repairs any hernia, for a flat, firm abdomen. It is often combined with Liposuction or a Breast Lift as a 'mummy makeover' once a woman has completed her family.
Who a Tummy Tuck Is For
- Loose, overhanging abdominal skin after pregnancy or weight loss
- Separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) causing a persistent bulge
- Stretch marks on the lower abdomen (those below the navel are removed with the skin)
- An umbilical or incisional hernia that can be repaired at the same time
- A stable weight, no plans for further pregnancy, and a non-smoker (or willing to stop)
How the Surgery Is Done
Through an incision placed low on the abdomen, below the line of underwear, the skin and fat are lifted off the muscle wall up to the ribs. The separated muscles are stitched back together along their full length, any hernia is repaired, the excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is re-draped; the navel is brought out through a new opening. A mini-abdominoplasty with a shorter scar and no navel repositioning suits patients whose laxity is confined to below the navel.
The operation is done under general anaesthesia with a 3–4 day hospital stay.
Recovery
Drains, if used, come out before discharge. A compression garment is worn for about six weeks. Most people return to normal daily activities in about a week and to desk work in two; strenuous exercise and heavy lifting wait for six weeks. The scar is red for some months and fades over a year or more; it sits low enough to be hidden by underwear and most swimwear.
Risks and Limitations
Wound-healing problems (higher in smokers and diabetics), fluid collection (seroma), infection, numbness of the lower abdomen and the risk of blood clots are the main concerns, and preventive measures are routine. A Tummy Tuck is not a weight-loss operation and does not remove fat from the flanks or back unless Liposuction is added; weight gain or a later pregnancy can stretch the result.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hospital stay after a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty is done under general anaesthesia with a 3–4 day hospital stay. Most people return to normal activities in about a week and strenuous exercise after 6 weeks.
Where is the scar after Abdominoplasty?
Low on the abdomen so that it is hidden under the line of underwear. There is also a small scar around the navel when it is repositioned.
Does a Tummy Tuck fix separated abdominal muscles?
Yes. The separated muscles (diastasis recti) are stitched back together along their length, and any hernia is repaired at the same time.
Can a Tummy Tuck be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It is often combined with Liposuction, a Breast Lift or other procedures as a 'mummy makeover' once a woman has completed her family.
Is a Tummy Tuck a weight-loss operation?
No. It removes loose skin and tightens muscle. The best results are in patients already at a stable weight; fat elsewhere is treated with Liposuction.
Is a consultation a commitment to surgery?
No. Use the consultation to understand your options, alternatives, limitations and recovery, then take the time you need to decide.
This page is general information written by Dr Vybhav Deraje for patients and families. It does not replace an individual consultation; treatment plans depend on clinical assessment.