Many patients who are interested in a tummy tuck procedure might wonder if they can get it on the NHS. In exceptional circumstances the NHS can perform surgery that may be deemed by some to be cosmetic in nature, but it would only consider this in the setting of functional impairment. Whilst torso contouring after weight loss (including abdominoplasty and apronectomy) is sometimes offered, it is very rare for this to be permitted in the current era of financial NHS constraints.
If you’re considering a tummy tuck and want to find out more about costs, how the treatment works and alternatives to NHS treatment, read Sinclair Gore’s comprehensive guide.
What Is A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a type of cosmetic surgery designed to enhance the stomach area by tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin and fat.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic or sedation, and typically takes between 2 and 4 hours depending on what manoeuvres are undertaken. While some patients can be discharged immediately following abdominoplasty surgery, others may need overnight monitoring in hospital.
There are several types of tummy tuck surgery, and some will come with more scarring than others, but generally the long low scar can be hidden discreetly in underwear or a bikini.
Abdominoplasty surgery is often performed alongside other body procedures, such as liposuction, arm lifts, breast reduction, breast lifts or breast augmentation, to create the perfect body shape.
Types Of Tummy Tuck Surgery
There are several different types of abdominoplasty surgery available, depending on what you want done and how much work is required to achieve your desired results. Some of the most common types of abdominoplasty are listed below.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck may be indicated for very limited lower tummy laxity, or may be included as part of a scar revision following caesarian section surgery. It aims to improve the contour of the skin below the belly button only, and usually does not address any laxity above the belly button. It is typically indicated in the setting of tummy laxity after pregnancy or to improve the contour of a C-section scar. This option comes with a low scar that can be hidden easily in the bikini line, and no scar around the belly button.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck (full abdominoplasty) is a more comprehensive procedure that involves an incision from hip-to-hip, which allows the surgeon to undermine all of the tummy skin up to the ribs, redrape this skin, and remove more skin and subcutaneous fat than in possible in a mini-abdominoplasty. This results in improved tighter contour both above and below the belly button. At the same time, the abdominal muscles can be repaired or tightened if they are stretched (known as rectus divarication) or have developed midline hernias.
This surgery allows your surgeon to reshape your entire abdomen to create the look you want, but it does take longer than a mini tummy tuck, and therefore costs more. The incision is made from hip-to-hip, and this scar can again be hidden in the bikini line. Additionally in a full abdominoplasty there is a little scar around your belly button which must be stitched up very carefully to minimise the risk of visible scarring.
Liposuction may be included in abdominoplasty surgery to improve the definition of the waist and other areas, depending on your starting point.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck, as the name suggests, goes beyond the traditional scope of the abdominal area and covers the lower abdomen, hips and upper buttocks. The impact to the front of your tummy is the same as a full abdominoplasty but the additional power comes in improving the contour around the sides (eradicating a “muffin top” bulge) and hence extending the scar around to the upper buttocks.
An extended tummy tuck is often carried out alongside liposuction and other procedures to ensure the perfect result.
What Patients Are Ideal Candidates For A Tummy Tuck?
There are two main groups of patients who get tummy tucks:
- Postpartum Women: Women who have had children and are left with loose skin and excess fat pockets that are hard to remove with exercise.
- Patients Who Have Undergone Significant Weight Loss: After massive weight loss, there is likely to be loose skin, and a tummy tuck can be an effective treatment. With excess skin removed and the stomach muscles tightened, patients will be able to feel the full benefits of their weight loss.
Sinclair Gore places patient safety at the heart of his work, and will only perform abdominoplasty on patients who will get ideal results and are healthy enough to undergo major surgery. During your initial consultation he can discuss whether a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you or recommend other options to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
What Is The NHS Criteria For Abdominoplasty Surgery?
As a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure, it is usually not available on the NHS. The NHS usually only performs abdominoplasty in exceptional circumstances and for medical non-cosmetic reasons, for patients aged 18 and over. An apronectomy can sometimes be offered on the NHS to patients who had a previous BMI (body mass index) of 40 or over, but are now at a healthy BMI and have a large apron of loose skin that is causing severe problems, such as mobility issues or chronic skin infections.
You may need to prove that the excess skin is causing psychological problems or significant health issues to be eligible.
In rare cases, abdominoplasty might be carried out as part of abdominal hernia correction or other abdominal wall surgery.
To get abdominal surgery of this sort on the NHS, you will need to speak to your GP, who can discuss whether this is a viable option for you.
If you are eligible, it can take many months or even years to reach the top of an NHS waiting list for a tummy tuck.
What Are The Alternatives To NHS Treatment?
For anyone who isn’t eligible for an NHS tummy tuck, or wants to avoid a long waiting list, private aesthetic plastic surgeons can be an ideal alternative option.
Surgeons such as Sinclair Gore have the expertise to carry out abdominoplasty that will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
It is important to remember that a tummy tuck is not a quick fix to get a flat stomach, and is major surgery. For minor issues, such as excess fat or a small amount of sagging stomach, compression garments, exercise and non-surgical treatments might be more appropriate, so explore your options and discuss your situation with your GP before contacting a plastic surgeon.
How Much Does Private Tummy Tuck Surgery Cost?
If you choose an experienced surgeon like Sinclair Gore, a mini tummy tuck can cost from £4000, while a full abdominoplasty can start from £9200. The exact price you pay depends on the type of procedure you choose and any additional treatments you require.
These costs include your consultations before the procedure, as well as follow-up appointments during the recovery period. The surgery is performed in hospital and the cost includes any time spent in surgery and on a ward for post-operative recovery.
The cost may increase if you choose other body contouring procedures, such as breast reduction surgery, alongside your tummy tuck.
Book Your Consultation Today
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, or another body sculpting surgical procedure to create the ideal body shape, then Sinclair Gore could be the ideal surgeon. Thanks to his extensive experience, he can help you get the results you want from your tummy tuck procedure.
Sinclair Gore’s abdominoplasty surgery service is performed privately, giving you the opportunity to receive fast treatment without meeting the restrictive NHS criteria.
The first step is to book a consultation. Sinclair Gore can discuss your expectations and goals for your surgery, and then help you select the right surgical procedures to help you achieve them. If you’re ready to get a tummy tuck or want further information, get in touch on +447833 221725 or by emailing admin@sinclairgore.co.uk.
+447833221725