Tummy Tuck LondonAbdominoplasty — Mr Reza Nassab FRCS Plast

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower and mid abdomen, repairs separated or weakened abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), and repositions the navel to create a flatter, firmer abdominal contour. It is suitable for men and women who have excess abdominal skin following significant weight loss, pregnancy, or ageing, and who are at a stable, healthy weight. A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss and is most effective in patients who are near their target weight but have excess skin and muscle laxity that cannot be resolved through diet and exercise alone.

A full abdominoplasty addresses the entire abdominal area from the pubic region to the lower ribs. It involves a longer incision along the lower abdomen (typically hip to hip), removal of a larger panel of excess skin, full muscle repair along the length of the abdomen, and repositioning of the umbilicus. A mini tummy tuck is a less extensive procedure that addresses only the lower abdomen below the navel. It involves a shorter incision, removal of a smaller amount of skin, and typically does not involve navel repositioning. A mini tummy tuck is suitable for patients with mild to moderate lower abdominal skin laxity and minimal muscle separation. Mr Nassab will assess which approach is most appropriate for your anatomy at consultation.

The cost of a tummy tuck in London with Mr Nassab depends on the extent of the procedure — whether a mini, full, or extended abdominoplasty is required — and your individual anatomy. All-inclusive pricing covers the surgeon's fee, anaesthesia, hospital stay at a leading London private hospital, compression garment, and all follow-up appointments. There are no hidden fees. An accurate, personalised quote is given at your consultation following a full assessment. Finance is available for eligible patients.

Diastasis recti is the separation of the two parallel bands of the rectus abdominis (six-pack) muscles along the midline of the abdomen. It is extremely common after pregnancy, and also occurs with significant weight gain. It causes a visible bulge in the centre of the abdomen, lower back pain, poor core strength, and a protuberant belly that does not respond to exercise. As part of a full abdominoplasty, Mr Nassab repairs the diastasis by suturing the separated muscles back together (plication), restoring core integrity and flattening the abdominal profile. Muscle repair is one of the most functionally significant aspects of a tummy tuck and cannot be achieved through non-surgical methods.

Most patients are able to return home the same day or after one overnight stay at a leading London private hospital. Light daily activities are typically possible within 2–3 weeks, though you will need to walk in a slightly bent-forward posture for the first week or two to avoid tension on the incision. Driving is usually possible from 4–6 weeks. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 6–8 weeks. A compression garment is worn for 6 weeks to support healing and reduce swelling. Swelling and bruising resolve progressively over 3–6 months, and final results — including full scar maturation — develop over 12–18 months.

A full abdominoplasty leaves a horizontal scar along the lower abdomen, positioned low enough to be concealed within underwear or a swimsuit. The length of the scar depends on the extent of the procedure — extending from hip to hip in most full abdominoplasties, and shorter in a mini tummy tuck. There is also a small circular scar around the repositioned navel. All scars fade and mature significantly over 12–18 months. Full scar management guidance is provided post-operatively by Mr Nassab's team, including silicone products and sun protection advice.

A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks that are located on the panel of excess skin that is excised during the procedure — typically those in the lower abdomen below the navel. Stretch marks above the navel may be partially improved as the skin is pulled downward and redraped, but they cannot be fully eliminated. Mr Nassab will indicate at your consultation which stretch marks are likely to be removed and which may be improved or remain. For remaining stretch marks, non-surgical skin treatments may be discussed as a complementary option.

Yes. A tummy tuck is frequently combined with liposuction to the flanks, hips, and thighs as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan. It is also a central component of a mummy makeover — which can include breast surgery (augmentation, lift, or reduction) alongside tummy tuck and liposuction, performed as a single operation. Combining procedures reduces total recovery time and overall cost compared to having each procedure separately. Mr Nassab will assess your suitability for combined surgery carefully at your consultation.

The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight after surgery. The excess skin that has been removed and the muscles that have been repaired will not return to their pre-operative state. However, significant weight gain or future pregnancies after a tummy tuck can stretch the abdominal skin and muscles again, potentially compromising the result. For this reason, Mr Nassab recommends that patients are at or near their target weight before surgery, and that those planning future pregnancies consider delaying their tummy tuck until their family is complete.

It is generally recommended to delay a tummy tuck until after you have completed your family. A future pregnancy following abdominoplasty will stretch the abdominal skin and muscles that have been tightened and repaired, potentially undoing the results of surgery and making revision more complex. While pregnancy after a tummy tuck is entirely safe and possible, the aesthetic results of the procedure are likely to be affected. Mr Nassab will discuss the timing of surgery in detail at your consultation, taking your personal circumstances and goals into account.

Liposuction removes fat deposits from beneath the skin but does not address excess skin or muscle laxity. A tummy tuck removes excess skin, repairs separated abdominal muscles, and repositions the navel — but does not remove deep fat deposits in the same way. The two procedures address different problems and are often best used in combination. Liposuction alone is suitable for patients with good skin elasticity who have localised fat deposits but no significant skin excess. A tummy tuck is appropriate where there is excess, loose skin — often following pregnancy or weight loss — that liposuction cannot correct and that will not tighten on its own.

Consultations take place at the Battersea Reach clinic, Unit 35 Trafalgar House, Juniper Drive, London SW18 1GY. Surgery is performed at a leading private hospital in London. Mr Nassab also consults in Knutsford, Cheshire. Patients travel from Chelsea, Fulham, Battersea, Putney, Clapham, Kensington, and across London and the South East for tummy tuck surgery with Mr Nassab.