# Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) > Citation bundle for Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) on The Treatment Registry. > URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/abdominoplasty > Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/abdominoplasty - Category: cosmetic-surgery - Average recovery: 28 days - Typical sessions: 1 - Price range (USD international): $3,000–$9,000 ## Description Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles. It is commonly sought after significant weight loss or pregnancy. Full abdominoplasty involves a hip-to-hip incision and navel repositioning. Mini-abdominoplasty addresses only the area below the navel. ## Overview Full abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure performed under general anaesthesia, typically lasting two to four hours. The surgeon makes a horizontal incision from hip to hip above the pubic area and a second incision around the navel. Skin and subcutaneous fat are elevated from the abdominal wall, and the underlying rectus abdominis muscles are plicated (sutured together in the midline) to correct diastasis. Excess skin and fat are resected, the umbilicus is repositioned through a new aperture, and surgical drains are placed before wound closure. A compression garment is applied immediately post-operatively. Candidates are ideally at or near their goal weight (BMI under 30 is a common threshold), with stable weight for at least six months, and should not be planning further pregnancies, which would compromise the repair. Skin laxity from weight loss or previous pregnancy is the primary indication. Concurrent liposuction of the flanks is frequently performed to improve the overall contour but increases the risk of seroma and skin necrosis if extensive undermining has been performed. Patients are typically nursed in a semi-flexed position immediately post-operatively to reduce tension on the wound. Surgical drains are usually removed at five to seven days. Ambulation is encouraged from the first post-operative day to reduce DVT risk. Most patients require ten to fourteen days before they are comfortable to travel and four to six weeks before returning to sedentary work. Heavy lifting and vigorous exercise are restricted for six to eight weeks. Scar maturation continues for twelve to eighteen months. ## Peer-reviewed outcome rates - **Complication rate:** 10.00% (range 5.00–20.00%) — from 1 cited source - **Revision rate:** 5.00% (range 2.00–10.00%) — from 1 cited source - **Mortality rate:** 0.02% (range 0.01–0.05%) — from 1 cited source ## Common risks - Seroma (fluid accumulation under the skin) - Wound dehiscence (separation of incision) - Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to immobility - Prolonged numbness in abdominal area - Unsatisfactory scarring - Infection ## FAQs ### Is abdominoplasty the same as liposuction? No. Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles, which liposuction cannot achieve. Liposuction removes localised fat deposits but does not address skin laxity or muscle separation. The two procedures are often combined to improve overall abdominal contour. ### Can I have a tummy tuck if I plan to have more children? Surgeons generally advise completing your family before undergoing abdominoplasty, as a subsequent pregnancy will stretch the repaired abdominal muscles and skin, potentially undoing the results. The procedure is not medically unsafe during a later pregnancy, but the aesthetic outcome will likely be compromised. ### Will abdominoplasty remove my stretch marks? Stretch marks located on the lower abdominal skin that is excised during the procedure will be removed. Stretch marks above the navel — which becomes the upper extent of the resection — will remain, though they may shift slightly downward as excess skin is removed. ### What is the scar like after a tummy tuck? Full abdominoplasty leaves a horizontal scar running hip to hip above the pubic area and a small scar around the navel. The hip-to-hip scar is designed to sit below the bikini or underwear line. Scar maturation takes twelve to eighteen months, progressing from pink and raised to pale and flat. ### How long does the result last? The results of abdominoplasty are long-lasting provided weight remains stable. Significant weight gain after the procedure will stretch the skin and may compromise the result. The muscle repair is generally permanent unless disrupted by pregnancy or significant weight fluctuation. ### What is the DVT risk with a tummy tuck? Abdominoplasty carries one of the higher DVT risks among cosmetic procedures due to the combination of prolonged surgery, post-operative immobility, and abdominal compression. Most surgeons prescribe anticoagulant injections and compression stockings as prophylaxis, and early ambulation is encouraged. ### How much weight will I lose from a tummy tuck? Abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss procedure. The amount of tissue removed varies, but patients typically lose two to four kilograms from the resected skin and fat. The primary benefit is improved contour and profile rather than weight reduction. ### When can I drive after abdominoplasty? Driving requires the ability to perform an emergency stop safely, which is typically not possible until four to six weeks post-operatively due to abdominal pain and muscle tightness. Patients should not drive while taking prescription pain medication. ## Alternative treatments - **Liposuction** — Appropriate when fat — not skin laxity or muscle separation — is the only concern. - **Non-invasive body contouring (cryolipolysis, RF)** — Modest fat reduction without surgery or downtime; not effective for skin redundancy. - **Diet, exercise, and abdominal-wall physiotherapy** — First-line for diastasis recti and visceral-fat-driven contour issues; will not address true skin excess. ## Sources - [ASPS — Quality and Health Policy practice parameters](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/for-medical-professionals/quality-and-health-policy) — American Society of Plastic Surgeons (accessed 2026-05-09) - [RCoA — Guidelines for the Provision of Anaesthetic Services (GPAS)](https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/standards-of-clinical-practice) — Royal College of Anaesthetists (accessed 2026-05-09) - [ISAPS — Practice Resources and Position Statements for Aesthetic Surgery](https://www.isaps.org/medical-professionals/practice-resources/) — International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (accessed 2026-06-29) - [NICE NG89 — Venous thromboembolism in over 16s: reducing the risk of hospital-acquired DVT and PE](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng89) — National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (accessed 2026-05-09)