An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a safe and highly effective cosmetic procedure designed to address excess abdominal fat, rejuvenate sagging skin, and restore the firmness of the abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction in areas such as the back, waist, thighs, or buttocks to provide comprehensive body contouring. Given the diversity of body types and unique areas of concern, there are different types of abdominoplasty: mini, standard, full (extended), or circumferential. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will engage in a thorough discussion to determine the most suitable approach for your individual needs.
Ideal candidates for an abdominoplasty are individuals with excess skin and/or tissue in the abdominal area that doesn’t respond to regular exercise and nutrition efforts. Sometimes, the natural ageing process means that these wellness techniques contribute to improved health but may not fully address aesthetic concerns as desired.
Types of Abdominoplasty:
Mini Abdominoplasty
- This procedure is renowned for its minimal scarring and remarkable outcomes
- Typically performed without drains, with the skin closed using knotless sutures
- Involves a modest bikini-line incision, typically 6-8 inches in length
- Ideal for individuals in fairly good shape with specific concerns below the belly button
- Recovery from a mini abdominoplasty is often quicker than other procedures
- Patients can resume normal activities, including work and driving, within 24-48 hours
Standard Abdominoplasty
- The most common type of abdominoplasty, addressing the entire abdominal wall for a tight, flat abdomen
- Features an incision along the bikini line, typically 8-10 inches in length
- Drains are employed during recovery to enhance healing
- Removes excess skin and tissue both above and below the belly button
- Addresses diastasis recti and umbilical hernias
- Recovery generally involves returning to work and driving within 5-7 days
Full (Extended) Abdominoplasty
- Similar to the standard abdominoplasty but also targets excess fat and skin folds in the back and hips
- Utilises a hip-to-hip incision to reshape “love handles”
- Ideal for individuals with more pronounced skin laxity due to genetics, childbirth, or weight loss
- Recovery typically takes 7-10 days
Circumferential Abdominoplasty
- Recommended for extensive abdominal rejuvenation, often following significant weight loss
- Addresses excess sagging skin across the hips, back, and buttocks
- Often combined with liposuction for enhanced sculpting
Recovery Duration
- Recovery duration is individualised and influenced by the complexity of the surgery.
- Return to work: 2-5 days, based on comfort
- Resuming driving: 2-5 days, based on comfort
- Drain removal (if applicable): Typically 5-7 days post-op
- Light workouts: 2-3 weeks
- Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or physical labour: 4-6 weeks