Tummy Tuck

As an ethical Cosmetic Surgery provider, we do not perform Cosmetic Surgery on people under 18. We do not set an upper age limit for Tummy Tuck surgery. However, the older we get the longer it takes our bodies to recover, so your Cosmetic Surgeon will assess your current physical health and medical history to ensure you’re fit and well enough to undergo surgery.
 

The results of Tummy Tuck surgery will last for many years if you maintain a healthy weight.

However, it is important to be aware that our bodies change as we get older, so you may find that your skin loses some of its elasticity. If your weight fluctuates this may be exacerbated.  

Because our bodies change dramatically during pregnancy, if you plan to have a family we recommend waiting to have Tummy Tuck surgery. However, this is not a medical requirement and is something you should discuss with your Cosmetic Surgeon.

Yes. Tummy Tuck surgery is not a recommended weight loss method as it primarily tightens loose skin on the stomach.  If you have the surgery then lose a significant amount of weight, you may find that you need to have another Tummy Tuck to remove further loose skin.

*Tummy Tuck results and benefits can vary and are different for every individual. Specific results cannot be guaranteed

In some cases it can but we can’t guarantee this. Because the surgery involves pulling the skin taut and removing any excess, for some people the appearance of stretch marks can be reduced.

*Tummy Tuck results and benefits can vary and are different for every individual. Specific results cannot be guaranteed

Full recovery from Tummy Tuck surgery usually takes between six and eight weeks during this time you are required to wear a light support garment. Some bruising and swelling is expected.  It’s important that you attend your post-operative follow up appointments.  You will need to take up to two weeks off work following Tummy Tuck surgery.  It’s likely you will need help with daily chores during the first week to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the lower abdominal area.  In the first six weeks you should avoid any strenuous activities.

With a full tummy tuck the incision will be made as low on the abdomen as possible so any scar will sit below your hip line and be hidden by your underwear or bikini bottoms. An extensive tummy tuck may also require a scar from navel to breast bone. 

With a mini tummy tuck the incision will be made as lower on the abdomen, closer to the bikini line, and will be smaller - only slightly larger than a C-Section scar. 

Your scar will be visible in the first few weeks but should fade quickly until it’s barely noticeable. If you’re worried about scarring, please talk to your Cosmetic Surgeon and read about our highly effective scar revision treatment.

*Tummy Tuck results and benefits can vary and are different for every individual. Specific results cannot be guaranteed

The risks with Tummy Tuck surgery are the same as with any surgical procedure performed under a general anaesthetic. However, your Cosmetic Surgeon will talk you through these before you make any decisions.
 

You don’t need to take any long-term precautions, however you will need to avoid any strenuous exercise in the first six to eight weeks.

It is important that your Cosmetic Surgeon is fully qualified and experienced. To ensure your Cosmetic Surgeon is reputable, ensure the clinic is registered with The Care Quality Commission (CQC) or The Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW). You should also look for Cosmetic Surgeons who are registered with The General Medical Council (GMC) and ask if they are carrying out Cosmetic Surgery procedures on a daily basis.

Your full and quick recovery is our main priority, that’s why you will be seen by a fully trained, qualified medical professional to understand the recovery process and aftercare. Following your Tummy Tuck procedure, you will stay in hospital overnight so we can monitor your progress and ensure you’re recovering as expected. When you’re ready to go home we’ll give you printed advice to take with you, as well as a number to call 24 hours a day if you have any questions or concerns. Follow up appointments will be arranged and it’s imperative you attend these so you can receive ongoing aftercare from your team of medical professionals.

Recovery varies from person to person, but we usually recommend taking ten days off work and avoiding sports of any kind for the first three months. You will have bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes and a splint in place for between seven and ten days after surgery. This will be removed in the clinic and we will give you ongoing advice and care. To help reduce the swelling and advise you to minimise the blowing of your nose in the two weeks following the procedure. You can expect to see the full results of your Nose Reshaping surgery after six to 12 months.

At The Harley Medical Group we highly recommend researching all of your options when considering surgery to ensure you are happy with your decision.

One possible option is the NHS, who operate with BAPRAS and BAAPS surgeons, and we highly recommended speacking with your GP to see if the NHS can help. However we have found that increasingly there is a reluctance to perform 'comsetic' procedures, particularly a tummy tuck, on the NHS.

We see many patients who explain that the wait for their procedure is either too long or they have been advised that they are not presently eligible. For example many women who come to us  have been told that they need to maintain a BMI below 25 for two years before they can be placed on the long waiting list. Often the excess skin is the cause of the increased weight and they find it impossible to drop their BMI lower. 

Also, many surgeons who work with the NHS how are required to perform a wide number of surgerys, this means unless they are specialists e.g.gynaecologists they may not frequently perform tummy tuck procedures. At The harley Medical Group are surgeons are dedicated Cosmetic Surgeons who are specialists in their field of expertise.