Surgical · Body
Consultant-led abdominoplasty — performed personally by Dr Hassan Soueid. Skin, muscle and contour addressed in one operation. The result is a flat, stable abdomen.
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Hello!
Medically reviewed by Dr Hassan SoueidConsultant Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon
Overview
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that addresses excess skin, weakened abdominal muscles and stubborn lower-abdominal fat in a single operation. It is the right answer when liposuction alone cannot achieve a flat contour because skin or muscle separation is the underlying problem.
At Kensington Cosmetic Clinic abdominoplasty is performed personally by Dr Hassan Soueid. The full operation includes skin tightening, muscle (rectus diaphragm) repair where indicated, umbilicus repositioning and contour refinement with simultaneous liposuction of the flanks.
We perform full, mini and extended abdominoplasty depending on case. The mini-tuck is rare — most patients who think they need a mini-tuck actually benefit more from a full operation. We are honest about which version is right for you, even when that is the harder conversation.
A tummy tuck addresses problems liposuction cannot — when skin and muscle are part of the picture, this is the operation that resets the abdomen.
How it works
A diagram of the procedure. Hover any pulsing marker to see how each anatomical layer is treated by Dr Hassan.
Hover or tap any highlighted region
Illustration is anatomical only — the procedure is tailored individually at consultation.
Treated Areas
Abdominoplasty addresses three things in one operation: skin, muscle and contour. Each component is assessed independently — the operation is tailored to which apply.
Loose abdominal skin
Skin redundancy after pregnancy, weight loss or ageing. Excess skin is excised through a low transverse incision, leaving the upper abdomen tight and flat.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks below the navel are removed with the excised skin. Stretch marks above the navel are not removed but may improve in appearance as skin is re-tensioned.
C-section scar
An old C-section scar is included in the new abdominoplasty incision and removed with the excised skin — patients are often left with a single scar where there were previously two.
Diastasis recti repair
Separation of the rectus abdominis muscles caused by pregnancy. Repaired with internal sutures during the same operation — restores core function and creates a flat profile.
Hernia repair
Small umbilical or incisional hernias can be repaired during abdominoplasty. Larger or complex hernias may require general-surgery involvement.
Internal corseting
Where appropriate, additional internal stitching narrows the waistline ('mommy makeover' technique) — most effective when combined with flank liposuction.
Liposuction of flanks
Almost always combined with a tummy tuck — refines the silhouette and produces a defined waistline rather than a tight-but-square contour.
Mons pubis lift
The pubic mound often descends with the abdominal skin in patients with significant laxity. Re-suspending it during the tummy tuck restores natural proportion.
Umbilicus (belly button) refinement
The belly button is repositioned through a new opening in the redraped skin. Careful umbilicoplasty technique creates a natural, in-set belly button — a key marker of a well-done tummy tuck.
Candidate
Benefits at KCC
Investment
Every patient is different — the area, technique and number of stages shape the plan. We share full pricing during your private consultation, after Dr Hassan or your treating clinician has reviewed your goals in person.
Before
Tummy tuck preparation begins six weeks before surgery. Smoking cessation and stable weight are non-negotiable for a safe outcome.
Choice
Three abdominoplasty patterns. The right one is determined at consultation by the amount of skin laxity, the presence of muscle separation, and how much above-the-navel skin needs addressing.
Option 1
Addresses lower-abdominal skin laxity only — no umbilicus repositioning, no above-navel work. Suitable for a small subset of patients with isolated lower-abdominal concerns and no significant muscle separation.
Option 2
The standard operation. Addresses both upper and lower abdominal skin, repairs muscle separation, repositions the umbilicus and refines the contour with liposuction. Suitable for the majority of patients seeking a tummy tuck.
Extended (fleur-de-lis) abdominoplasty is reserved for very significant skin redundancy after major weight loss — discussed at consultation if relevant.
The Treatment
Two consultations are standard before surgery. The first reviews candidacy, the second confirms operative plan and consent. Standardised photographs are taken; the incision line is reviewed in clothing where appropriate.
Performed under general anaesthetic in our CQC-registered theatre. Operative time is typically 3–4 hours; longer for combined operations.
Most patients stay one night in clinic. Drains removed at days 3–7 depending on output; sutures self-dissolving.
Step by Step
Tummy tuck is a major operation with real recovery — but a defined, predictable journey from consultation to final settled result.
01 · The Consultation
Two consultations. Skin laxity, muscle separation and fat distribution all assessed independently. Standardised photography. Honest discussion of which version — full, mini, extended — fits your case, and what realistic improvement looks like.
02 · Preparation
Six weeks smoking-free. Stop blood-thinners and supplements two weeks before. Stable weight for three months prior. Two abdominal binders bought ahead. Two to four weeks of clear social downtime arranged with help available.
03 · The Procedure
Performed personally by Dr Hassan in our CQC-registered theatre. Low transverse incision hidden under bikini line. Skin redraping, rectus diastasis repair, flank liposuction, umbilicus repositioning. One night in clinic for most patients.
04 · Recovery & Aftercare
Drains out at days three to seven. Hunched walking for the first week, gradually straightening. No lifting more than 2 kg for four weeks; full activity at six. Lymphatic drainage from week one. Final shape and scar maturation at six to twelve months.
After
Tummy tuck recovery is real — this is a major operation. Most patients return to non-physical work at 3 weeks and full activity at 6 weeks.
Results
Tummy tuck results settle gradually over 6 months. The shape at week 6 is not the final shape.
Questions
The main scar runs hip-to-hip, low across the lower abdomen — placed beneath underwear and bikini lines so it is concealed in everyday wear. There is also a fine scar around the belly button. Both fade substantially over 12 months. We discuss preferred underwear and bikini styles at consultation so the scar is placed accordingly.
The first 5–7 days are uncomfortable rather than acutely painful — most patients describe it as a strong tightness across the abdomen. A multimodal analgesia plan (paracetamol, NSAIDs once safe, short course of weak opioids if needed) keeps it well-controlled. Most patients are off opioids by day 5.
Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is medically safe but generally compromises the cosmetic result — particularly the muscle repair. We strongly recommend completing your family before tummy tuck surgery. Where this is not possible, a more conservative initial operation may be considered with planned revision later.
Tummy tuck combined with breast surgery (lift, augmentation or reduction) is the classic 'mommy makeover'. Performed in a single anaesthetic by the same surgeon, this saves recovery time and produces a more harmonised result. The combined operation is around 5–6 hours; recovery is similar to tummy tuck alone.
Permanent non-absorbable sutures are used for muscle repair. The repair is durable provided the patient avoids significant weight gain, pregnancy and very heavy lifting in the early recovery period. Long-term results at 5 and 10 years are typically excellent.
Liposuction removes fat. Abdominoplasty addresses skin and muscle in addition to contour. If your concern is loose skin or separated muscles, liposuction will not fix it — and aggressive abdominal liposuction in a patient with skin laxity can make the laxity worse. The right operation depends on which problem is dominant.
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