Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)Abdominoplasty, more popularly known as tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that serves to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It is quite different from liposuction which only addresses excess fat. A tummy tuck however, involves removal of excess skin and fat, and tightening of abdominal muscles.

Tummy tuck is commonly requested by women who dislike the appearance of their abdomen as a consequence of pregnancy. Following pregnancy, the abdominal skin stretches and overhangs and the abdominal muscles separate. Tummy tuck may also be requested by those who have experienced significant weight loss, either through dieting or weight-loss surgery. Such patients may be left with sagging, excess abdominal skin.

Tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss and is ideally suited for those patients with a stable weight or are at or near their ideal weight. The procedure is also not undertaken in women still planning to get pregnant as future pregnancy is likely to separate the abdominal muscle repair. Since tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure it is not recommended for those with significant medical issues or those who are active smokers.

There are different types of tummy tuck and Mr Karri will advise the most suitable one for you and the result you can expect.

Full Abdominoplasty – Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck involves removal of all the skin and fat between the belly button and bikini line as an ellipse. The abdominal muscles are subsequently tightened and the skin pulled down to create a flatter abdomen. The belly button is detached and re-sited in the abdominal skin that has been pulled down. The final scar runs from hip to hip.

Mini abdominoplasty – Mini tummy tuck

This type of tummy tuck is performed when skin laxity and excess fat is predominantly confined to below the belly button. Generally speaking, such patients only have mild to moderate skin and fat excess. The final scar is shorter than that of a full tummy tuck and the belly button is not touched. The abdominal muscles can also be tightened but not as extensively as with a full tummy tuck.

Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty

For patients who have both vertical and horizontal skin excess, a full tummy tuck will not adequately address the horizontal excess.

To remove the horizontal excess a central segment of skin and fat is also removed leaving an additional vertical scar. The final scar pattern looks like an upside-down T, resembling a fleur-de-lis symbol. Although the vertical scar will be visible, it is an acceptable trade-off for an improved abdominal contour.

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck can be likened to wearing a shirt, in which doing up the buttons brings in the sides of the shirt and tucking in the shirt ensures there is no excess material hanging over the belt line.

Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is more commonly performed for patients who have experienced massive weight loss, either naturally or through weight-loss surgery.

Brazilian abdominoplasty – Brazilian tummy tuck

A Brazilian tummy tuck is a modification of the full tummy tuck and involves a combination of abdominal liposuction, tightening of abdominal muscles and removal of excess abdominal skin.

Tummy tuck surgery is typically performed under general anaesthetic with an overnight stay in hospital. Drains may be used.

Prior to your surgery, Mr Karri and his team will give you detailed aftercare instructions. This will include how to care for the surgical site and incisions, pain relief that may be used to handle discomfort and when you may resume normal activity.

Risks of tummy tuck

Complications following tummy tuck depend on numerous factors such as general health, smoking history, previous abdominal surgery and medications. Mr Karri will explain how risks apply to you and will send you detailed pre-operative instructions to minimise these risks.

Scar / poor scarring – a full tummy tuck scar runs from hip to hip and will initially be red and raised. For some patients it can take a number of months for the scar to settle.

Asymmetry

Bruising and swelling

Numbness - numbness of the lower tummy is expected. It usually improves over several months, but a small area above the scar can stay numb permanently.

Bleeding and haematoma formation

Collection of fluid (seroma) – can collect under the skin and will resolve over a few weeks

Infection – antibiotics will be given at the time of surgery to reduce the risk of infection

Skin necrosis / delayed wound healing - higher risk in smokers

Belly button problems (slow healing or an unnatural shape)

Small bulges of skin at the ends of the scar ('dog ears')

Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)

Skin relaxation – after a number of months a small roll or bulge may appear just above the scar. This represents skin relaxation and the roll can be removed with additional surgery. Any further surgery is charged as set out in our Revision Surgery Policy.

Risks of general anaesthesia

Medically reviewed by

Mr Vasu Karri

BSc(Hons), MBBS, MRCS, MSc, FRCS(Plast)
Consultant Plastic Surgeon

Last updated 30th September 2026