Mini-abdominoplasty
Suitable when there is just mild or moderate amount of loose skin below the tummy button only. Useful also if you simply want to improve or remove a C-section scar. This procedure tightens and flattens the lower half of the tummy and leaves a short scar in the bikini-line.

Standard/Full abdominoplasty
Great when there is loose skin both above and below the tummy button. This procedure leaves slightly longer scar in the bikini line to give tightening and flattening of the whole front of the tummy, from the groin up to the edge of the ribcage.

Fleur de Lis abdominoplasty
Ideal when you’ve lost large amounts of weight and want to get rid of lots of excess tummy skin, particularly when the skin is loose and flabby in both the up-down and side to side directions. This procedure gives good tightening of the skin at the both the front and sides of the abdomen, and it offers maximum improvement in body shape and reduction in waist circumference. In addition to the regular bikini line scar, there is a vertical scar running up and down the middle of the tummy.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty (Belt lipectomy)
This is a great procedure to improve the shape and contour of both your trunk and buttocks, including the hips and back. A belt of excess skin and fat is removed from the front of the tummy, running around the sides to and onto the back. This lifts and rejuvenates the buttocks and sides of the thighs, whilst flattening the tummy and removing some of the “love handles.” This procedure has very high patient satisfaction.

Apronectomy
This procedure focuses on removing the problematic apron of skin and fat overhangs the pubic hair region.

Abdominal muscle repair
As part of all tummy tuck procedures, I can at the same time repair and tighten the abdominal muscles. In some people the “six-pack” (rectus abdominis) muscles have stretched apart and separated in the middle, often as a result of previous pregnancies. This is known as divarication of the rectus muscles, or “diastasis recti,” and can sometimes cause bulges, weakness or discomfort.

If the rectus muscles have separated by 1-3cm, during a tummy-tuck Mr West can simply stitch the muscles back together in their correct position. If the muscles are separated more than 3cm, I’ll discuss with you about using specialist abdominal wall reconstruction techniques to repair the split muscles to give a reliable, long lasting correction.

Liposuction
Abdominoplasty is sometimes combined with liposuction to slim the waist or recontour the hips, flanks or thighs. Whilst abdominoplasty is great for flattening and tightening the front of the tummy, it can accentuate fullness around the hips. Many people find that once they get their new flat tummy they become more aware of bulges over the hips, flanks or thighs. Liposuction at the same time as the tummy tuck can reduce and reshape these areas. I can advise you whether you’d benefit from this, because it very much depends upon your own body shape.

• The Tummy Tuck procedure is done under a general anesthetic (asleep) and takes 2-3 hours.
• You will stay in hospital 1-2 nights following surgery.
• Loose skin and fat is removed with reshaping of the abdominal area. The scar depends upon the precise procedure, but generally is concealed low down in the bikini line.
• There are 2 silicone drains that are removed by simply sliding them out, usually on the day after the operation.
• During the operation I use local anesthetic during surgery to ensure that you should be comfortable when you wake up after the operation. As you recover, there may be mild discomfort when you move around, but this should be easily controlled with simple painkillers.
• You’ll be seen in the outpatient clinic after 1 week to check the dressings and how you are healing. All the stitches are dissolving, so no stitches need removing.
• I encourage you to get back on your feet within a few hours of the operation, but things feel a little tight to begin with so you will need to stoop when you walk around. Over the next week, things relax and you can gradually straighten up.
• You should walk and gently exercise, gradually increasing your activity over six weeks after the operation. It’ll be 2-3 weeks before you can return to work and driving, but this is dependent on the nature of your job and your recovery. If you have an abdominal muscle repair, the recovery will take a little longer. It will be nearly 6 weeks before your energy levels fully return and you can return to sports and full activities.
• Once you have healed Mr West recommends moisturizing and massaging the scars to help the scars pale and soften over the following 6-12 months.

• You should be delighted with the flatter, smoother and more taut appearance to your tummy.
• If you choose liposuction you should achieve a slimmer waistline with improved definition and contour to your hips.
• Your figure should be restored to somewhere close to where you were before children or weight change.
• Having a firm, flat stomach can make a huge difference to the way you feel about yourself and the confidence you project to others.
• The scars are generally sited as low as possible along “the bikini line” so they are concealed by your underwear or swimwear. Scars start red and firm, and will fade and soften over the next 6months to 2 years to become inconspicuous. In most the scars are barely noticeable.
• Tummy tuck generally removes any stretch marks below the tummy button, and by pulling the skin taught can improve the appearance of the stretch marks that remain. It is possible that new stretch marks may develop.
• It’s recommended, but discretional, that your BMI (body mass index) should be below 30 at the time of surgery, because this reduces any risks of surgery and will also get you a better cosmetic result. If you can keep your weight down before the op, it’s possible to remove more skin for a tighter, flatter tummy.
• The good results of tummy tuck surgery should last for many years. Our bodies do however change as we get older, so you may find that your skin loses some of its elasticity.
• A change in weight, either gaining or losing weight after tummy tuck will undo some of the benefits of the procedure. If you have the surgery then lose a significant amount of weight, you may find that you need to have another tummy tuck to remove further loose skin. It’s therefore recommended you reach your weight loss goal and maintain a stable weight prior to abdominoplasty surgery.
• Any pregnancies after having a tummy tuck will also undo some of the good work. For a long-lasting result it’s best therefore to have a tummy tuck after you’ve completed your family, but I understand that some women prefer not to wait.