Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, removes excess abdominal skin and fat while tightening and reshaping the abdomen. Where required, the separated abdominal muscles can also be repaired to create a firmer abdominal wall and improve the waistline.
The operation is individually planned and may be combined with liposuction to refine the flanks, waist and upper abdomen.
Who is abdominoplasty suitable for?
An abdominoplasty may be appropriate if you have:
- Loose or overhanging abdominal skin
- Changes following pregnancy
- Excess skin after significant weight loss
- Separation of the abdominal muscles, known as rectus diastasis
- A lower abdominal apron or skin irritation
- Localised fat that does not respond to diet and exercise
- Previous scars that distort the abdominal contour
Ideal candidates are in good general health, do not smoke and have reached a stable, sustainable weight. If you are planning further pregnancies or substantial weight loss, it may be advisable to delay surgery because these changes can affect the result.
An abdominoplasty is a body-contouring procedure rather than a treatment for obesity or an alternative to weight loss.
A personalised approach
There is no single tummy-tuck technique suitable for every patient. I assess the amount and position of excess skin, fat distribution, abdominal muscle separation, previous scars and the shape of the waist and flanks.
The operation may range from a limited mini abdominoplasty to a full lipoabdominoplasty or fleur-de-lis procedure following major weight loss. My aim is to select the least extensive operation that will safely address your concerns and create a balanced, natural contour.
Comparing abdominoplasty techniques
| Mini abdominoplasty | Full abdominoplasty | Lipoabdominoplasty | Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ideally suited to | A small amount of loose skin and fat confined below the belly button | Significant loose skin across the lower and central abdomen | Loose abdominal skin combined with excess fat around the abdomen, waist or flanks | Substantial excess skin in both vertical and horizontal directions, often after major weight loss |
| Skin removal | Limited removal below the belly button | Skin removed from the lower abdomen, with tightening extending above the belly button | Full abdominal skin removal combined with targeted liposuction | More extensive removal of skin from the lower and central abdomen |
| Liposuction | May be added selectively | Limited or not routinely required | A central part of the procedure, used to contour the abdomen, waist and flanks | May be added cautiously where appropriate |
| Muscle repair | Limited lower abdominal repair may be possible | Full muscle repair can be performed when required | Full muscle repair can be performed when required | Full muscle repair can be performed when required |
| Belly button | Usually remains in its original position | Repositioned through a new opening | Repositioned through a new opening | Repositioned through a new opening |
| Scars | A shorter horizontal scar above the pubic area | A longer low horizontal scar, usually from hip to hip, plus a scar around the belly button | A low horizontal scar and a scar around the belly button; small liposuction access scars may also be present | A low horizontal scar, a vertical midline scar and a scar around the belly button |
| Main advantage | Shorter scar and less extensive surgery | Removes substantial loose skin and repairs muscle separation | Treats loose skin, muscle separation and surrounding fat for more comprehensive contouring | Provides the greatest correction of extensive skin excess and narrowing of the waist |
| Main limitation | Does not correct significant looseness above the belly button | Less effective for fat around the flanks unless combined with liposuction | More extensive contouring may increase swelling and recovery | The improvement in contour is achieved at the cost of a prominent vertical scar |
| Typical return to light activities or desk work | Approximately 1–2 weeks | Approximately 2–4 weeks | Approximately 2–4 weeks | Approximately 3–4 weeks |
| Avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting | Approximately 4–6 weeks | Approximately 6 weeks | Approximately 6 weeks | At least 6 weeks |
Recovery varies between individuals and may be longer when muscle repair or more extensive surgery is required.
Scars
All forms of abdominoplasty leave permanent scars. I plan the lower abdominal scar carefully so that it can usually be concealed beneath underwear or swimwear. A full or lipoabdominoplasty also leaves a scar around the belly button.
A fleur-de-lis procedure adds a vertical scar along the centre of the abdomen. This is a significant trade-off, but it allows loose skin to be removed in two directions and may produce a much better contour after major weight loss.
Scars are initially firm and pink but usually soften and fade over 12 to 18 months. Individual scar quality varies depending on your skin type and any connective tissue disorders.
Recovery
You should expect swelling, tightness and bruising during the early recovery period. You may initially walk slightly bent forward because of abdominal tightness, gradually returning to an upright posture.
A compression garment is usually worn for several weeks. Drains may occasionally be required, depending on the technique used. Gentle walking is encouraged early to reduce the risk of blood clots, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting must be avoided until healing is established.
The final contour develops gradually as swelling settles over several months.
Risks and limitations
Potential risks include:
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Infection
- Seroma or fluid collection
- Delayed wound healing requiring a longer period of dressings
- Prominent, widened or asymmetrical scars
- Numbness of the lower abdomen
- Contour irregularity or residual skin laxity
- Fat necrosis or loss of skin around the wound or belly button
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- The need for revision surgery
Smoking, obesity and some medical conditions substantially increase the risks of wound-healing problems and blood clots. Your individual risk factors will be assessed carefully before surgery.
An abdominoplasty can create a flatter, firmer and better-proportioned abdomen, but it cannot prevent future changes caused by pregnancy, ageing or weight fluctuation. Maintaining a stable weight is important for preserving the result.
I plan every abdominoplasty around your own anatomy and goals, and I perform each stage of the surgery personally.
Assessment & planning
At consultation I examine your skin laxity, the degree of muscle separation (rectus divarication) and your general fitness for surgery, and we discuss whether a full, mini or fleur de lis approach suits you best.
Skin and fat removal
An incision is made low across the abdomen, from hip to hip, concealed within the underwear line. The excess skin and superficial fat above it is removed and the abdominal flap is lifted up to the ribs.
Muscle repair
Where the rectus muscles have separated, commonly after pregnancy, I stitch them back together in multiple strong layers to restore a firmer abdominal wall and a more defined waist.
Repositioning & closure
The remaining skin is drawn down, the umbilicus is repositioned through a new opening, and the incision is closed in layers to give the smoothest possible scar.
Before & After
Coming soon
Before-and-after photographs are shared only with each patient’s consent. Examples will be added here in due course — in the meantime, Dr Borges is happy to discuss expected results at your consultation.
Why choose this procedure
Advantages of a Full Abdominoplasty
A flatter, firmer abdomen
Removing excess skin and fat gives a smoother contour that diet and exercise alone cannot achieve once skin has stretched.
A stronger abdominal wall
Repairing separated muscles improves core strength and can ease lower back discomfort related to muscle laxity.
Improved clothing fit
Many patients find clothes sit better and skin folds that caused irritation or discomfort are resolved.
Long-lasting results
Provided your weight remains stable, results are generally long-lasting.
Can be combined with liposuction
Liposuction to the flanks is often performed at the same time to further refine your waistline.
Improved confidence
Many patients describe a real boost in body confidence once healing is complete.
For most patients, abdominoplasty is a private, cosmetic procedure and an exact quote follows your consultation, with a price guide available on request. Occasionally, when significant excess skin causes genuine functional problems after massive weight loss — such as recurrent skin infections or rashes — abdominoplasty or panniculectomy can qualify for NHS or insurer funding; I'm happy to discuss whether this may apply to you.
Book a ConsultationLocations
Consultations and surgery take place at accredited hospitals and clinics across Kent and London, with consultations available in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4UL
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Wells Health, Fordcombe Hospital
Fordcombe Road, Fordcombe, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0RD
Google Map →Wells Health, Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Tonbridge Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4QJ
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