Abdominoplasty London

Booking a consultation with Mr Ahid Abood on Harley Street is the first step in understanding whether abdominoplasty is right for you. This is a dedicated appointment where you can talk through what bothers you about your abdomen, the kind of change you would like to see, and any questions or worries you may have about surgery or recovery.

During your initial consultation, you and Mr Abood will discuss your reasons for considering a tummy tuck, how the operation is performed, what recovery usually involves and what kind of result is realistic in your situation.

What Happens at Your First Appointment?

To plan your procedure safely and accurately, Mr Abood will need to carry out a careful examination of your abdomen. This typically includes:

• Assessing the quality and looseness of the skin
• Checking muscle tone and any separation or weakness
• Identifying previous scars or abdominal conditions, such as hernias, that may influence the technique used
• Reviewing your general health and taking a full medical history

Once he has a clear picture of your goals and anatomy, Mr Abood will explain which type of abdominoplasty is most likely to suit you. You will be able to see genuine before-and-after photographs from previous patients, which can help you understand the range of possible outcomes.

This is a Two-Stage Decision-Making Process

Choosing to go ahead with surgery is a significant decision, and it is important that you feel fully informed and confident. For this reason, there is always a second consultation before your operation is confirmed.

This follow-up appointment gives you time to reflect on the information from your first visit, consider your options away from the clinic, and come back with any new questions or concerns. Only once you are happy to proceed will your tummy tuck surgery at Harley Street be scheduled.

A tummy tuck is a highly tailored operation. The exact technique depends on your body shape, skin quality, muscle tone and the kind of improvement you are hoping for. All abdominoplasty procedures involve removing some degree of excess skin and fat from the abdomen, and in many cases tightening the underlying muscles. At your Harley Street consultation, Mr Abood will explain which approach is most appropriate for you and why.

Full Abdominoplasty (Standard Tummy Tuck)

A full abdominoplasty is the most commonly performed type of tummy tuck. In this procedure, loose skin and fat are removed from the area between the belly button and the pubic region, and the underlying abdominal muscles can be tightened if needed. The belly button is also repositioned so that it sits naturally on the newly contoured abdomen. This technique is often recommended for patients who have significant skin laxity and muscle weakness, such as after pregnancy or major weight changes.

Extended or Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty

An extended, or fleur-de-lis, abdominoplasty is designed for people who have a larger amount of excess skin and tissue affecting both the upper and lower abdomen, typically following substantial weight loss. In this procedure, more skin and fat are removed than in a standard tummy tuck, allowing the abdomen to be tightened in both horizontal and vertical directions. As part of this more extensive reshaping, an additional vertical scar is created as well as the low horizontal scar. Although the scarring is more noticeable, this approach can provide a more dramatic and comprehensive improvement in carefully selected patients.

Apronectomy

This is a modification of the standard abdominoplasty and is generally more limited in the approach. It is often reserved for those who have an isolated ‘apron flap’ in the lower abdomen that causes functional issues- for example rubbing or creates difficulty with clothing. This procedure is restricted to removing the excess skin and does not involve bringing together of the tummy muscles. It is a procedure that can be undertaken in patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI), provided they are appropriately selected and counselled. It is primarily a functional procedure with cosmetic benefits.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini abdominoplasty is suitable for those who have only a small amount of loose skin, usually confined to the lower abdomen. The focus is on the area just above the pubic line, where a limited amount of excess skin is removed. In most cases, the belly button does not need to be repositioned. This more modest procedure typically takes around an hour and can be carried out under either local or general anaesthetic, depending on your individual needs and preferences.

Reverse Tummy Tuck

The reverse tummy tuck is a less commonly carried out procedure which focuses upon the removal of localised, excess or sagging skin from the upper abdomen (above the belly button). The procedure uses the crease under the breasts to remove excess skin from the upper abdomen and can therefore be combined with breast procedures. The placement of the scar means that it can be well hidden.

The Corset Abdominoplasty

This is an advanced body contouring procedure which effectively combines the fleur-de-lis and reverse tummy-tuck in one procedure. It is best suited in those patients who have lost significant amounts of weight- often as a result of bariatric surgery- and have excess skin throughout the abdomen. The inclusion of a ‘reverse’ component means that is can also be effectively combined with breast-uplift procedures.

Using Liposuction to Refine Results

For all of these techniques, liposuction can be combined with abdominoplasty to enhance the final outcome. It can be used to smooth stubborn pockets of fat, refine the waistline and improve overall abdominal contour and definition. Your treatment plan at Harley Street will be designed to ensure that the chosen tummy tuck technique, and any use of liposuction, work together to produce a natural, balanced and long-lasting result.

Before you leave the hospital after your tummy tuck, you will be given clear written and verbal guidance on what to do in the first few weeks, and what to avoid. This will cover wound care, movement, driving, work, exercise and what is considered normal during recovery. You will also be provided with contact details so you can reach the team if anything worries you between appointments. Your progress is usually checked at follow-up visits around 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months and 1 year after surgery.

In the days and weeks following your abdominoplasty, it is entirely normal for your abdomen to feel tight and tender. Swelling and bruising can persist for several weeks. You will be advised to wear a post-surgical compression garment, which helps to support the area, minimise swelling and make everyday movements more comfortable. Pain relief and aftercare advice are tailored to you so that discomfort is kept to a manageable level.

Although you will generally be encouraged to be up and walking from the first day after surgery, it does take time to feel fully back to yourself. Most people need a period of time off work and are advised to increase their activity gradually, avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until they have been cleared to do so. You will notice an immediate change in the contour of your abdomen, but the final result takes longer to emerge. As the swelling settles over the following weeks and months, the abdomen typically appears flatter, firmer and more defined, with scars continuing to mature and fade over time.