Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in London
Some abdomens cannot be trained back. Not because you haven't tried, but because the muscle has separated or the skin has lost the elasticity to retract. Tummy tuck surgery at The Ghanem Clinic, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess skin, repairs the abdominal wall, and restores a flatter, firmer midsection. Delivered by consultant plastic surgeons at our Wimpole Street clinic in London.
Schedule a Consultation
Tummy Tuck Overview
A tummy tuck, medically known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, repairs the underlying muscle wall, and repositions the belly button to restore a flatter, firmer midsection. Performed under general anaesthesia and typically lasting two to five hours depending on complexity, it is one of the most commonly performed body contouring procedures in the UK. At The Ghanem Clinic in London, tummy tuck surgery is delivered as part of our abdominal restoration and contouring services.
Choosing Tummy Tuck
By the time surgery becomes a consideration, diet and exercise have usually done all they can. After pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural loss of skin elasticity that comes with age, the abdominal wall often needs surgical correction rather than more sit-ups. Abdominoplasty is best suited to patients at or near a stable weight who have completed their family and want a long-term surgical solution to loose skin, weakened muscles, or a lower belly that will not respond to non-surgical treatment.
Tummy Tuck vs. Other Procedures
Liposuction removes fat but cannot address loose skin or muscle separation. Non-surgical treatments such as EmSculpt Neo can strengthen the abdominal muscles and reduce a small amount of fat, but they cannot repair diastasis recti or remove excess skin. A tummy tuck is the only procedure that addresses all three concerns in a single surgery. For patients with less significant laxity, a mini abdominoplasty targets only the lower abdomen, while a full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal wall including diastasis repair.
| Mini Tummy Tuck | Full Tummy Tuck | Liposuction | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Concern | Lower abdominal laxity only | Loose skin and separated muscle across the whole abdomen | Localised fat with good skin tone |
| Removes Excess Skin | Lower abdomen only | Yes, across the full abdomen | No |
| Repairs Diastasis Recti | No | Yes | No |
| Belly Button Repositioned | No | Yes | No |
| Incision | Short, low on the bikini line | Horizontal, placed low across the bikini line | Small access points |
Your Tummy Tuck Journey
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a private, no-obligation consultation at our Wimpole Street clinic. Your consultant surgeon reviews your medical history, examines the abdominal wall, and discusses your goals openly, confirming whether a mini, full, or extended abdominoplasty is the right procedure for your anatomy and lifestyle.
Surgical Planning
Once suitability is confirmed, a bespoke surgical plan is developed. This includes photography, incision mapping, and discussion of any complementary procedures such as flank liposuction, muscle repair, or breast surgery within our Mummy Makeover programme. Clear written guidance follows.
Pre-Op Preparation
In the weeks before surgery, our team guides you through pre-operative health checks, blood work and abdominal skin preparation. We advise pausing certain supplements, optimising nutrition, and avoiding nicotine for at least four weeks. A pre-admission appointment confirms final details and answers any remaining questions.
Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes two to five hours depending on the extent of correction required. Incisions are planned to sit low on the abdomen so they can usually be concealed beneath most underwear and swimwear. Excess skin and fat are removed, the abdominal muscles are repaired, and the belly button is repositioned.
Recovery and Follow-Up
An overnight stay under the care of our clinical team is standard. A compression garment is fitted and worn during recovery to support healing and reduce swelling. Light activity resumes within one to two weeks, with full recovery and final settling of results across three to six months.
Treatment Details
What it Treats
A tummy tuck addresses excess skin, fat and stretch marks following pregnancy or significant weight loss, along with weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). It also corrects lower belly bulges that will not respond to diet, exercise or non-surgical body contouring, and can improve overall core stability and posture.
Benefits
Patients enjoy a flatter, firmer midsection with restored waist definition and improved posture. Results are designed to be long lasting when supported by a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Many patients also report reduced back discomfort and increased confidence in clothing after abdominal wall repair and skin removal.
Additional Treatments
Many patients combine their tummy tuck with complementary procedures to achieve a fully harmonised body contour. Options include liposuction of the flanks or back, breast surgery, or fat transfer to the hips, often within our Mummy Makeover programme and tailored during consultation.
Tummy Tuck Results
Real patients, real results. Drag the slider to compare before and after. Individual results vary according to anatomy, skin quality and the extent of correction required. All images are published with patient consent.
Before
After
Abdominoplasty at The Ghanem Clinic. Individual results vary.
Before
After
Abdominoplasty at The Ghanem Clinic. Individual results vary.
Before
After
Abdominoplasty at The Ghanem Clinic. Individual results vary.
What to Expect from a Tummy Tuck Procedure
Most patients tell us the unknown is the hardest part of considering abdominal surgery. The timeline below covers what actually happens before, during and after a tummy tuck at our Wimpole Street clinic, so you can plan your weeks with clarity rather than guesswork.
Preparation
Before surgery, you will attend preparatory appointments including medical screening, photography, and a final pre-operative review. We provide tailored guidance on skincare, nutrition, sleeping arrangements, and practical preparation for your home recovery, ensuring you arrive on the day calm, supported and well prepared.
The Procedure
You are welcomed into our private surgical suite by the consultant anaesthetist and theatre team. Once comfortably under general anaesthesia, your consultant surgeon performs the abdominoplasty with meticulous precision. Most patients remain in our care overnight, with close monitoring and rest before discharge the following day.
Recovery and Results
You are up and walking the same day and return to light activity within one to two weeks. A compression garment is worn to support healing. Tightness and swelling improve steadily, with social commitments resuming from around three weeks and final results settling over three to six months.
Trusted Body Contouring Expertise in the Heart of Marylebone
Tummy tuck surgery at The Ghanem Clinic is delivered by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register, with specialist training in advanced body contouring and abdominal wall reconstruction. Every abdominoplasty is tailored to the patient's anatomy, skin quality and goals rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, at our CQC-registered Wimpole Street clinic under the medical direction of the UK's only Professor of Aesthetic Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tummy tuck cost in London?
How long is recovery from a tummy tuck?
Are tummy tuck results permanent?
Is a tummy tuck painful?
What is the difference between a mini and full tummy tuck?
Will I have a visible scar?
Can I have a tummy tuck if I plan to have more children?
Explore More
A Flatter, Firmer Midsection
Book a private consultation with our consultant plastic surgeons to discuss whether a mini, full or extended abdominoplasty is right for your anatomy and goals.
Schedule a Consultation