A Tummy Tuck, also known as an Abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the abdomen and tightens the muscles underneath. Pregnancy, rapid weight loss and ageing can cause the abdominal skin to sag which leads people to seek Tummy Tuck surgery.

Tummy Tuck surgical techniques such as removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles, can be performed for a number of reasons, and these may be available either through the NHS or privately, depending on your personal concerns and requirements.

NHS Tummy Tuck funding is based on treating patients whose need is urgent based on the funding they have available at any one time. 

• Severe skin infections or chronic rashes: Loose skin folds can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, leading to persistent infections and discomfort which may not be sustainably treatable with non-surgical options.
• Functional limitations: The weight and bulk of excess skin can impede mobility, making everyday activities like walking, bending, and hygiene difficult and painful leading to other health concerns.
• Approval from the NHS is limited and based on individual requirements. It’s largely dependent the funding available in your area, and your GP being able to support you through the process.

Obtaining NHS Tummy Tuck approval involves:

• Plastic surgeons assess your needs and recommend the most suitable surgical approach. 
• GPs advocate for patients, gather medical evidence, and submit formal funding requests to the NHS.
• NHS administrators scrutinise requests to ensure alignment with their budget and established criteria.

The optimal BMI threshold recommended for undergoing an Abdominoplasty on the NHS is below 30, with allowances made for variations in body type. Typically, a BMI above 40+ is deemed too high and for safety reasons, an NHS Tummy Tuck may not be able to go ahead. 

Plastic surgeons may recommend a Tummy Tuck with Liposuction for individuals weighing 150 and 200 lbs, with eligibility typically established at a BMI of 35 or under. This guideline aims to mitigate surgical risks and ensure patient safety.

The procedure removes loose skin and addresses weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Thorough pre-surgical screening evaluates risk factors, including body fat percentage and thickness. The thickness of the body fat is important to consider as the procedure becomes more difficult and often not as effective with thicker levels of body fat. This is one of the factors that can cause Tummy Tuck results to vary.

Wait times for a Tummy Tuck on the NHS will depend on a patient's personal circumstances, and the NHS do not publish an average wait time for these procedures.

Various factors contribute to the NHS Tummy Tuck wait time, including:

• The severity of the case: The extent of excess skin and tissue requiring removal significantly impacts the complexity and urgency of the surgery.
• Regional capacity: Different hospitals have varying surgical capacities and waiting lists. This influences the availability of resources and the length of the waiting period.
• Surgeon availability: The number of surgeons specialising in reconstructive procedures also influences wait times. Tummy Tucks on the NHS are typically performed by experienced surgeons with specialised training.

The alternative options for having a Tummy Tuck with the NHS include methods performed in an independent private setting, including the following: 

• Tummy Tuck (and/or Liposuction) surgery performed privately at an independent clinic 
• Non-Surgical Body Contouring treatments such as Agejet Nitrogen Plasma, or Morpheus8 that use focused energy to target and tighten loose skin without surgery.
• Exercise: You can strengthen the abdominal muscles with targeted exercises such as leg raises, crunches, and planks.
• Compression clothing: Compression clothing provides a temporary solution to excess abdominal skin by supporting the stomach area. This makes the excess skin of the abdomen less apparent under clothing and may prevent chafing.

The effectiveness and suitability of alternative options vary depending on individual circumstances. Consult with a relevant, qualified healthcare professional to determine the most suitable course of action to ensure the safe and effective performance of any chosen procedure.

The price of a Tummy Tuck procedure will differ depending on the location and type of clinic you visit. You should expect to pay anywhere between £9,000 and £14,000, depending on what is covered in the surgical package you choose.

Yes, you can get a Tummy Tuck on finance when opting for private healthcare. At Cadogan Clinic, we work with Chrysalis Finance to provide a range of payment options. We believe that finances shouldn’t be a constraint on your ability to receive treatment to address your medical concerns and improve your quality of life. You can choose from a variety of finance options spanning months or years depending on what’s best for your needs.