
Tummy Tuck
Recovery
4–6 weeks
Anaesthesia
General
Duration
2–3 hours
Pregnancy and major weight loss can leave the abdomen with loose, stretched skin and separated tummy muscles (diastasis recti) that no amount of exercise will fully correct. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes the excess skin, tightens the underlying muscle wall, and restores a firmer, flatter, more comfortable stomach. For many patients it is as much about function and confidence — posture, core support, clothing that fits — as it is about appearance.
A tummy tuck suits adults left with excess abdominal skin and weakened or separated muscles, most often after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Ideal candidates are at a stable weight, have finished having children (as future pregnancy can undo muscle repair), and are in good general health as non-smokers or willing to stop. Where the concern is limited to skin below the navel, a less extensive "mini" tummy tuck may be appropriate; more extensive laxity is better addressed with a full abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes two to three hours. Through an incision placed low across the bikini line — where it can be hidden by underwear — Mr. Khalil removes the excess skin, repairs and tightens the separated abdominal muscles to rebuild core support, and redrapes the remaining skin for a smooth, flat contour. The navel is repositioned neatly. Liposuction is often combined to refine the waistline and flanks at the same time.
A tummy tuck involves a more substantial recovery than many procedures. Most people take four to six weeks before returning to normal activities, and you will feel tight through the abdomen at first — walking slightly bent for the first days is normal. A compression garment supports healing, and heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are avoided for around six weeks. The scar sits low and fades over the following twelve to eighteen months, while the flatter, firmer result is apparent early on.
The main scar sits low across the lower abdomen, positioned so it can be concealed by underwear or swimwear. It fades over twelve to eighteen months.
Yes. Repairing diastasis recti — the separation of the abdominal muscles common after pregnancy — is a core part of the procedure and helps restore both a flatter profile and core support.
It is usually best to complete your family first, as a future pregnancy can stretch the repaired muscles again and reduce the longevity of the result.
Yes. Liposuction is commonly combined to refine the waist and flanks, and a tummy tuck can form part of a wider "mummy makeover" — discussed individually at consultation.
Images published with full patient consent. Individual results may vary.