Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

What is a Tummy Tuck? 

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), sometimes called a stomach tuck or belly tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, unwanted scars, and stretch marks from the abdominal area. In many cases, the surgeon will also tighten and repair weakened abdominal muscles, helping to flatten the stomach and improve the overall contour of the waistline.

Factors such as weight loss, ageing, or multiple pregnancies can lead to loose skin, stubborn fat, and weakened core muscles. A tummy tuck can address these changes, restoring a firmer shape to the abdomen. For many patients, this procedure is not only about aesthetics, but it can also be truly life-changing, boosting confidence and supporting a healthier lifestyle.

Many people confuse a tummy tuck with liposuction, it’s important to remember that these are two different surgeries. You can find out more in our Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction: Which one is right for you? Guide.

Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery:

There are several different types of tummy tuck procedures, and the right option will depend on your individual needs, body shape, and desired results. Some patients choose to undertake a tummy tuck procedure as part of a mummy makeover, where a stomach tuck is performed alongside a combination of procedures, such as a breast augmentation, liposuction and labiaplasty.

Full Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A full tummy tuck is best suited to patients with large fat deposits, loose skin, and weakened abdominal muscles. The surgeon makes a horizontal incision from hip to hip and an incision around the umbilicus (belly button), which is repositioned during surgery. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the stomach muscles are tightened. Depending on the technique used, wound drains may be required.

Mini Tummy Tuck (Modified Abdominoplasty)

A mini tummy tuck is designed for patients who have good muscle tone but want to remove a small amount of excess skin from the lower abdomen. This procedure involves a shorter incision across the lower stomach and focuses on subtle contouring.

Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck (FDL)

A fleur de lis tummy tuck is suitable for patients with significant excess skin and fat deposits, often following major weight loss. The surgeon makes both a vertical and horizontal incision, as well as one around the umbilicus, which is repositioned. This allows for the removal of larger amounts of skin and fat. Drains may be required.

Tummy Tuck with Liposuction

A tummy tuck can also be combined with liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits that cannot be addressed through abdominoplasty alone. This option helps achieve a smoother, more defined contour. Depending on the technique, wound drains may be required.

Complex Tummy Tuck

A complex tummy tuck may be recommended for patients who have experienced severe weight loss or multiple pregnancies. This tailored procedure addresses more advanced skin laxity and muscle separation.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck 

A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Instead, it’s most effective for patients who have a stable BMI (body mass index) and do not plan to lose further weight.

While one of the biggest benefits is often a boost in confidence and self-esteem, there are also many physical and practical advantages:

• A slimmer, more toned stomach

• Improved shape and overall contour of the abdomen

• Reduced irritation, discomfort, and sweating in the lower stomach area

• Tightened and repaired stomach muscles (including separation after pregnancy)

• Correction of scars from a C-section, trauma, or previous abdominal surgery

• Smoother appearance of stretch marks

• Greater comfort and confidence in underwear, swimwear, and fitted clothing

• Removal of excess skin after significant weight loss

For many patients, these improvements make everyday life more comfortable and enjoyable, as well as positively impacting physical health and lifestyle.

How much does a Tummy Tuck cost?

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) prices at MYA start from £7,595. Click here for detailed information on costs and what’s included.

We understand that cost is an important factor when considering cosmetic surgery. That’s why MYA offers a variety of flexible payment options, including:

• Paying in full

• Finance plans

• Credit card payments

• Bank loans

Our goal is to make tummy tuck surgery accessible to everyone. To find out more about our finance options and eligibility, click here.

Your Tummy Tuck Procedure with MYA

Step 1: FREE consultation

Your journey starts with a FREE consultation with one of our friendly advisors over the phone. Here you will run through your chosen procedure in more depth, and you will have the chance to ask as many questions as you like. This is your space to explore the procedure and decide whether a breast uplift feels right for you.

Step 2: Surgeon Consultation

Before your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) you will meet with your surgeon face to face. During that consultation:

• They will assess your BMI and overall suitability for surgery.

• They’ll recommend the best treatment plan for your individual needs and discuss the risks, benefits, and limitations of the procedure.

Step 3: Nurse Pre op Assessment

You will meet with the nurse for a pre-operative medical assessment making sure you are fit and healthy ahead of your procedure.

During this consultation, the nurse will take pre-procedure photographs, check the your vitals and blood pressure and any other requirements on review of your medical history.

The nurse will also give you guidance on the dos and don’ts before surgery, run through MYA’s aftercare and arrange post-op nurse appointments.

Step 4: The Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, our team will be there to welcome you and help you settle in, putting you at ease with any last-minute nerves.

• You will receive a general anaesthetic, administered via a small needle in the back of your hand. If you are anxious about needles, your MYA nurse can speak to the anaesthetist ahead of time to make you more comfortable.

• During the procedure, the surgeon will make a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, similar to a C-section. Depending on the type of tummy tuck, additional incisions may be made vertically and/or around the umbilicus (belly button), which can be repositioned during surgery.

• Excess skin and fat are removed, and the abdominal muscles are tightened to create a firmer, flatter stomach. In some cases, the procedure may also be combined with liposuction for enhanced contouring.

• Once the surgery is complete, dressings and a compression garment are applied. This garment should be worn day and night (except when showering) for the period recommended by your surgeon to reduce swelling, aid healing, and prevent fluid build-up (seromas). In some cases, drains may be inserted to remove excess fluid and will be removed by a nurse before discharge or at a MYA clinical hub.

• The procedure usually takes up to 3 hours, and most patients stay 1–2 nights in hospital to recover.

Stomach Tuck Recovery

After surgery, it is normal to experience pain, swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which typically begins to improve between 7–21 days. Pain relief will be provided to help manage any discomfort.

Patients are advised to rest for the first 14 days, with limited mobility in the initial week. Gentle movement is encouraged to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A compression garment should be worn for 4–6 weeks to support healing and prevent excess swelling.

It is important not to get your incisions wet until your MYA nurse confirms it is safe. Shallow baths and careful washing around the area are permitted, but wounds must not be fully submerged until fully healed. Regular post-operative nurse appointments at a MYA clinical hub are essential for dressing changes, wound care, and monitoring recovery.

Many patients notice an immediate improvement in abdominal shape, but the final results can take several months as swelling continues to reduce. Scars are a natural part of healing - they will generally fade, become flatter and paler over time, though they do not completely disappear.

You can find out more in our What to expect with Tummy Tuck recovery guide.

Our Patient Tummy Tuck Journeys

Here’s what some of our tummy tuck patients had to say about their MYA experience:

“I couldn't be happier!!! I LOVE my new body shape. I’ve finally reached a point in my life where I can look in the mirror and feel happy with what I see! I actually cried the first time I properly saw myself (Happy tears though)” - read Emma’s story here.

“I feel like I am more confident in every single way. Before having my procedure, the loose skin around my stomach affected my mood, the way I saw myself, my confidence and the way I dressed. Now I can wear whatever I want and put myself out there more than I did before.” - read Chloe’s story here.

Book Your Tummy Tuck Consultation Here

If you’re considering a tummy tuck and want to learn more about the procedure, benefits, and recovery, our MYA team is here to help.

Book a consultation to speak with one of our experts, ask any questions you have, and get all the information you need to make a confident decision about your tummy tuck surgery.

Click here to book your FREE consultation!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and check out our patient forum for patient stories and tips from those who have experienced nose surgery first-hand.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Before and After

The gallery below shows MYA performed tummy tuck before and after images. Hopefully these images help you see what the results of a tummy tuck surgery could be for you. When you attend your initial consult, your consult advisor will share the exclusive MYA before and after hub with you, where you'll be able to see many more surgeon-specific photos. Please bear in mind that all of MYA's photos of breast lifts are taken at 6-8 weeks post-op and scarring will continue to fade for up to a year.