Body contouring
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in London
Abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin and fat and, where appropriate, repairs separation of the abdominal muscles. It is commonly considered after pregnancy or major weight loss, once weight is stable.
Take this away with you — view this information as a printable fact sheet or download the PDF, to read at home or share with your family. It supports, but does not replace, your consultation with Miss Hunter.
About abdominoplasty
Is it for me?
Abdominoplasty suits patients who are at or near a stable target weight and have loose abdominal skin, often with muscle separation after pregnancy or weight loss. It is not a weight-loss procedure.
As well as removing excess lower-abdominal skin and fat, abdominoplasty can tighten the abdominal muscles — the rectus abdominis, or ‘six-pack’ muscle — where they have separated. Miss Hunter assesses whether this muscle repair is appropriate for you and explains what it would involve.
Variants
Depending on how much skin is involved, options range from a mini abdominoplasty to a standard, extended, fleur-de-lys or circumferential (body-lift) procedure. Miss Hunter advises which is appropriate and where the scar will sit.
In some cases an abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction to refine the contour of the abdomen and adjacent areas. Whether this is suitable depends on your anatomy and aims, and Miss Hunter advises on this at consultation.
Recovery
Patients are encouraged to walk straight away after surgery. A supportive garment should be worn day and night for six weeks. Heavy lifting, driving and the gym should also be avoided for approximately six weeks, with individual advice provided by Miss Hunter.
Risks and limitations
Risks can include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, fluid collection (seroma), scarring, contour irregularities, asymmetry, changes in skin sensation, and the risk of clots (DVT). Occasionally further surgery is needed. Miss Hunter discusses these fully so your decision is informed.
Miss Hunter has an extensive library of before-and-after photographs of her own patients. These are reviewed during consultation rather than shown publicly, so that patient confidentiality is protected and relevant examples can be chosen for your individual discussion.
Common questions about abdominoplasty
Will I have drains or stay overnight?
Most patients stay in hospital overnight with a drain in place. For suitable patients—particularly those having a mini abdominoplasty—the operation may be performed as a day case. Miss Hunter has also been pioneering drainless closure for standard post-pregnancy abdominoplasty, meaning that selected patients having this procedure may also be suitable for day-case surgery. The appropriate approach is confirmed during consultation.
Where is the scar?
The main scar usually sits low across the lower abdomen, designed to be hidden by underwear where possible; there is also a scar around the navel for a full abdominoplasty. The exact pattern depends on the variant.
How do I know if I am suitable?
Suitability is assessed by Miss Hunter at consultation, taking account of your aims, medical background, anatomy and what is realistically possible. Sophie can tell you whether an enquiry is the kind of work Miss Hunter takes on before you book.
Will I see before-and-after photographs?
Yes — during consultation. Relevant examples from Miss Hunter’s own patient library are reviewed with you privately. They are not published online, for confidentiality.
What does recovery involve?
Patients are encouraged to walk straight away after surgery. A supportive garment should be worn day and night for six weeks. Heavy lifting, driving and the gym should also be avoided for approximately six weeks, with individual advice provided by Miss Hunter.
Who do I contact afterwards?
Sophie coordinates queries before and after surgery and escalates to Miss Hunter directly where clinical input is needed.
Make an enquiry
Speak with Sophie Freud
Sophie, our Practice Manager, is the first person you’ll speak to. She coordinates enquiries, appointments, fees and practical arrangements, and stays a familiar point of contact before and after surgery.
