A traditional Tummy Tuck or abdominoplasty is an operation to tighten and reshape the abdominal area. Most other surgeons tend to simply focus on the removal of excess skin to create a “flatter” appearance. Whilst our specialist surgeons will remove any excess skin and fat, they also tighten and (if muscle separation has occurred during pregnancy) repair the underlying muscles to create a more sculpted, smoother, and more toned tummy.

During a Tummy Tuck, extra skin is excised, so that any stretch marks or scars in the area are cut away. “Contoured” Tummy Tuck surgery can effectively regain your abdominal tone and shape, and significantly improve your self-esteem.

Age, pregnancy, and weight loss can make the midriff loose, wrinkly, and saggy. Some people develop a fatty overhang over the lower abdomen and mons pubis. Excess skin can be uncomfortable and unsightly, in or out of clothing. A Tummy Tuck can get rid of excess skin and tighten your tummy so that it looks toned, flat and firm.

If your tummy is affecting your confidence, the cosmetic surgeons at Bella Vou can help. Cosmetic surgery is not just about the operation; it's about your wellbeing. We understand that your physical appearance can affect you emotionally as well as physically.

A Tummy Tuck can rejuvenate your abdomen, smooth your silhouette, and boost your body image.

Tummy Tuck surgery is performed under general anaesthetic. You will stay in hospital overnight to maintain your comfort and monitor your recovery. The correct procedure for you will depend on your body and the results that you want to achieve.

Mini Tummy Tuck
In a mini Tummy Tuck, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat from below the belly button but doesn’t tighten the muscles. It is often performed to treat fatty deposits, fullness, and overhang above the pubic area. The scar is shorter, similar to that from a Caesarean section. There is no umbilical scar, and the recovery is usually significantly quicker.

Tummy Tuck
A “Contoured” or full Tummy Tuck is the procedure most frequently performed at Bella Vou. The whole abdomen up to the ribcage is reshaped and, if necessary, the six-pack muscle underneath can also be tightened and repaired.
You will be left with a fine curved scar from hip to hip. The surgeons place the scar as low as possible so that it is hidden in the bikini line. There is also a scar around the belly button, which is hidden in the rim of the navel.

Weight-loss Tummy Tuck (Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck)
In a Weight-loss or Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck, the surgeon removes a large amount skin and fat from the abdomen and, if necessary, the six-pack muscle underneath can also be tightened and repaired.

The fleur-de-lis tummy tuck gets its name from the incision shape with a vertical scar running down from just below the breast bone to meet the horizontal scar running from hip to hip. The surgeons place this bottom scar as low as possible so that it is hidden in the bikini line. There is also a small scar around the belly button, which is hidden in the rim of the navel.

Circumferential Tummy Tuck
A Circumferential Tummy Tuck is performed in a similar way to a “Contoured” Tummy Tuck except that it looks to reshape the whole abdominal, hip and lower back (upper buttock) area by removing excess skin and fat and, if necessary, repairing and tightening the abdominal muscles.

You will be left with a fine curved scar running the full 360° circumference of your lower abdomen, hips and lower back. The surgeons place the scar as low as possible so that it is hidden in the bikini line. There is also a scar around the belly button, which is hidden in the rim of the navel.

Traditionally, after a tummy tuck, surgeons use drains to collect the fluid that builds up between the layer of repaired muscle and the abdominal tissue. The drains empty into external collection chambers which patients monitor and empty many times over the course of several days. Over time, the skin and muscles come together and begin to heal, but until that point, the drains are important to prevent seroma (i.e. fluid accumulation under the skin).

Our Tummy Tuck doesn’t require drainage as stitches are made between the abdominal wall and the belly to allow the fluid to escape, preventing it from collecting in the space between. Avoiding the use of drains also minimises the risk of infection, results in faster healing times and reduces discomfort after the procedure.

You will stay on the ward overnight following Tummy Tuck surgery. The following day you will be able to go home with pain-relief and a supportive pressure garment to reduce pain, bleeding, and swelling.

It takes around six weeks to recover from a Tummy Tuck fully; however, after two weeks, you may feel ready to return to work. From four to six weeks, you can reintroduce exercise, gradually increasing activity as you regain fitness, strength, and confidence.

Bella Vou offers clients a uniquely individual approach to cosmetic surgery. The state-of-the-art clinic provides the very latest surgical, cosmetic, and aesthetic treatments in a chic, comfortable, and welcoming environment in the heart of the beautiful historic town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Bella Vou is dedicated to providing satisfaction, the highest standards of care, and a very personal touch throughout the client journey. The highly-skilled, professional staff are passionate about helping people achieve the results they want, but also making their experience enjoyable, stress, and hassle-free.

Bella Vou’s leading cosmetic surgeons are recognised by the most highly-regarded aesthetics and cosmetic surgery associations, including the UK Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (UKAAPS) and named among the world’s top influencers in cosmetic medicine in the prestigious RealSelf 100 awards. The clinic and leading-edge operating suite are approved and inspected to ensure the highest standards of patient care and assured with exacting standards on cleanliness and infection control safeguards.

Bella Vou offers competitively priced packages of care, with no hidden extras. The clinic is confident in the skills and professionalism of the staff and provides a benefit warranty to provide patients with peace of mind. If there is a problem or complication, the client will be looked after throughout, without any extra bills or charges.

Bella Vou combines cutting-edge treatment and clinical excellence with the luxury, comfort, and discretion of a spa and the hospitality of a five-star hotel.