Skip to content

Tummy tuck in Edinburgh

Removes loose skin from the abdomen and repairs separated muscles after pregnancy, weight loss or time. Smaller cases are day surgery here, and larger ones stay overnight at a partner hospital with the same consultant.

Your consultant
Consultant assessing loose abdominal skin during a tummy tuck consultation
Anaesthetic
General
Surgery time
2 hours
Hospital stay
Mini – day surgery, Full – 1 night
Recovery
2-3 weeks off work, 6 weeks before strenuous exercise
Guide price
From £7,000

Contents

Who is an ideal candidate?

Mini tummy tuck

Ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck are individuals who:

  • Have a small amount of excess skin and fat localised below the navel.
  • Have relatively good muscle tone and do not require extensive muscle repair.
  • Are close to their ideal body weight but seek minor contouring for a smoother abdomen.
  • Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking to ensure optimal healing.
  • Are in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the outcome.

Full tummy tuck

Ideal candidates for a full tummy tuck are individuals who:

  • Have significant excess skin and fat across the entire abdomen.
  • Have weakened or separated abdominal muscles, often due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, or ageing.
  • Are looking for a more dramatic transformation and overall tightening of the abdominal area.
  • Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking to ensure optimal healing.
  • Are in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the outcome.

Both types of candidate should be committed to maintaining a stable weight and leading a healthy lifestyle to sustain the results of the procedure.

What the procedure involves

Initial consultation: A comprehensive consultation to discuss your goals, examine the abdomen, identify whether a mini or full procedure is appropriate, and explain what each would involve.

Second consultation: Recognising the significance of this decision, a second consultation is offered before any commitment is made, ensuring you are confident and fully informed.

At Waterfront Private Hospital, we offer two types of tummy tuck procedures to meet different needs: the mini tummy tuck and the full tummy tuck.

Mini tummy tuck

A mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients with minor excess skin and fat below the navel. This day case procedure involves:

  • Anaesthesia: Usually general anaesthesia. A small, skin-only mini tummy tuck can sometimes be done under local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation.
  • Incision: A small incision above the pubic area.
  • Procedure: Removal of excess skin and fat, slight muscle repair.
  • Recovery: Same-day discharge with post-operative care instructions.

Full tummy tuck

A full tummy tuck suits patients with significant excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity. This procedure, requiring an overnight stay at a partner hospital, involves:

  • Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia.
  • Incision: Horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and navel.
  • Procedure: Repair of abdominal muscles, removal of excess skin and fat.
  • Recovery: Overnight stay for close monitoring and initial recovery, with your consultant continuing to look after you through this period.

Both procedures utilise advanced techniques to ensure the highest standards of safety and precision.

Full tummy tuck animation

A short 3D animation of the procedure. It loads only when you press play.

Mini tummy tuck animation

A short 3D animation of the procedure. It loads only when you press play.

What a tummy tuck can and can’t do

A tummy tuck can make a real difference when loose skin or separated muscles are the problem. It is a big operation with a long scar, and we want you to weigh that up with the full picture in front of you.

It can

  • Remove loose, overhanging skin and some fat from the lower tummy.
  • Repair separated tummy muscles as part of a full tummy tuck, for a flatter, firmer front wall.
  • Remove the stretch marks that sit on the skin being taken away, usually those below the belly button.
  • Make clothes and swimwear sit more comfortably around your middle.

It can’t

  • Help you lose weight. It removes skin and some fat, not body weight, and works best when you are already at or near a weight you can keep.
  • Remove fat from your flanks or hips. That is done with liposuction, sometimes at the same operation.
  • Leave you without a scar. A full tummy tuck leaves a low scar from hip to hip and a scar around the belly button. It fades but never disappears.
  • Promise to ease back pain. Some people with separated muscles say their back feels better afterwards, but the evidence is limited and we would not operate for that reason alone.
  • Protect the result from pregnancy or weight gain. Both can stretch the skin and muscles again, so it is best to wait until you have finished having children.

Your consultant will tell you at your consultation which of these apply to you.

What does a tummy tuck cost?

Final pricing depends on the extent of work required and whether other procedures are combined. Pricing for any combined procedures is discussed individually at consultation.

Free · anonymous

Questions before you book?

Ask anything about tummy tuck, its recovery, risks or cost, any time and in plain language. If you would like, our team can contact you afterwards.

Start the free AI consultation

General information, not a substitute for a consultation.

Patients often ask

The free AI consultation on a phone

Quick answers

How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A mini tummy tuck at Waterfront Private Hospital is £7,000, and a full tummy tuck £11,200. Your firm price is confirmed after your consultation, and depends on whether other procedures are combined.
Can I spread the cost?
Yes. You can pay in full two weeks before your procedure, or spread the cost with interest-free finance through Omni Capital Retail Finance over 6 or 10 months, with a deposit of between 10% and 50%. There is no interest and no hidden fee, and most applicants get a decision straight away. We do not accept private medical insurance for cosmetic treatment.
What is the consultation policy at Waterfront?

Our initial consultations are paid as they are clinical assessments with a consultant plastic surgeon. The consultant who assesses you is the consultant who would plan, perform, and review your surgery. We do not offer price matching, and we do not pressure decisions — a second consultation is offered before any commitment is made, free of charge, if you would like one before deciding to proceed.

What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck targets excess skin and fat below the navel and involves a smaller incision, making it less invasive with a shorter recovery time. A full tummy tuck addresses excess skin and fat across the entire abdomen and includes muscle repair, requiring a longer incision and recovery period.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Yes, a tummy tuck can often be combined with other procedures, such as liposuction or breast augmentation, to enhance overall results. Discuss with your surgeon to determine the best combination for your goals and health.

How long will the results of my tummy tuck last?

The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations or pregnancies after the procedure can affect the results.

What kind of scarring should I expect?

Scarring varies depending on the type of tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck typically results in a smaller scar above the pubic area, while a full tummy tuck leaves a horizontal scar between the hips. Over time, scars usually fade and become less noticeable.

Will I lose weight after a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure but rather a contouring surgery. While you may lose a small amount of weight due to removing excess skin and fat, the primary goal is to improve the abdominal contour, not to achieve significant weight loss.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

Yes, you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck, but it may affect the results. It’s generally recommended to wait until you have finished having children before undergoing the procedure to maintain optimal results.

How long do I need to wait before resuming exercise?

Light activities and gentle walking can typically resume a few days post-surgery. However, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 6 weeks or until your surgeon gives you clearance.

What should I expect during the recovery period?

Recovery involves swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications. You will wear compression stockings day and night until you are fully mobile, usually about three weeks, to lower the risk of blood clots. An abdominal compression garment is optional. Your nurse will go through the care of your incisions. Full recovery can take several weeks to a few months.

Recovery varies depending on the type of tummy tuck performed:

  • Mini tummy tuck: Recovery is typically quicker, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few weeks. Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided to ensure optimal healing.
  • Full tummy tuck: A longer recovery period is expected, with initial recovery monitored during an overnight stay at our partner hospital. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress.

Our dedicated team at Waterfront Private Hospital is here to support you throughout your recovery journey, providing comprehensive care and guidance.

Can a tummy tuck help with stretch marks?

A tummy tuck can remove some stretch marks, particularly those located on the excess skin that is removed during the procedure. However, it may not eliminate all stretch marks, especially those outside the excised area.

How do I prepare for tummy tuck surgery?

Preparation includes medical evaluations, stopping certain medications or supplements, quitting smoking, and arranging for help during recovery. Your surgeon will provide detailed pre-operative instructions tailored to your situation.

What are the chances of complications during a tummy tuck?

While tummy tuck surgery is generally safe, complications can occur, including infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, or blood clots. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following pre- and post-operative instructions can help minimise these risks.

Is a tummy tuck painful?

Pain levels vary, but you can expect some discomfort and soreness after the surgery. Pain is typically managed with prescribed pain medications, and most patients report that discomfort decreases significantly after the first week.

Will I need drains after surgery?

On the whole, we rarely ever use drains.

How long do I need to take off work for a tummy tuck?

Most patients take about 2 to 3 weeks off work after a full tummy tuck, and 1 to 2 weeks after a mini tummy tuck, depending on the nature of their job and the extent of the surgery. Desk jobs may allow for an earlier return, while more physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery.

What if I am not satisfied with my tummy tuck results?

It’s important to have realistic expectations and communicate your goals clearly with your surgeon. If you’re not satisfied with the results, discuss your concerns with your surgeon, who can advise you on possible revisions or additional treatments to achieve your desired outcome.

Our tummy tuck surgeons

You meet your consultant at your first appointment. The same consultant plans your treatment, carries it out and sees you afterwards.

Mr Omar Quaba

Consultant plastic surgeon

GMC Specialist Register (Plastic Surgery)BAAPS · ISAPS · Board Certified in cosmetic surgery (ICSB)

From my consultation I had every confidence that my surgeon understood what I wanted. I had a tummy tuck and brachioplasty and honestly the results are amazing. Scaring is nowhere near as bad as I expected and my recovery was smooth. I the standard of care was exceptional from everyone involved. I am already considering the next step in my journey and will be seeking the advice of Omar once again.

Angela
May 2026 Read on Trustpilot (opens in a new tab)

4.9TrustScoreout of 5

581 reviews

All reviews on Trustpilot

Risks, and how often they happen

Every operation carries risk. Here they are in three groups. The figures come from UK national guidance and published studies, averaged across many patients, so your own risk may be higher or lower. Your consultant will go through what applies to you, and every risk is in your written consent.

Expected Almost everyone, and they settle

  • Swelling and bruising across the tummy for several weeks, settling gradually over a few months.
  • Tightness and discomfort for the first week or two, eased by painkillers.
  • Numbness of the lower tummy below the belly button. It usually improves over 12 to 18 months but may not fully recover.
  • A long scar low across the tummy, shorter after a mini tummy tuck, red at first and fading over 12 to 18 months.

Uncommon Some patients, and some need further treatment

  • Fluid collecting under the skin (seroma). It may need draining with a needle in clinic, sometimes more than once.
    About 1 in 10
  • Part of the wound breaking down or healing slowly, most often in the middle of the scar. Smoking and a higher BMI make this much more likely. Small areas heal with dressings; larger ones can need further surgery.
    About 1 in 30higher in smokers
  • An infection needing antibiotics.
    About 1 in 30
  • Bleeding that needs a return to theatre (haematoma), usually in the first day.
    About 1 in 100

Rare but serious

  • A blood clot in the leg or lung (DVT or PE). A tummy tuck carries the highest clot risk of the common cosmetic operations, so we assess your risk and take steps to prevent it.
    Under 1 in 100higher when combined with other surgery
  • Loss of part or all of the belly button, if its blood supply is disturbed. It heals as a scar and may need further surgery.
    About 1 in 500
  • A serious reaction to the anaesthetic.
    Very rare

For the long term

  • Scars take 12 to 18 months to settle. Some stretch or thicken, and a few need treatment later.
  • Pregnancy and weight change still matter. A stable weight keeps the result, and a later pregnancy can stretch the muscles and skin again.
  • A small touch-up is sometimes needed. Puckers at the ends of the scar usually settle, but occasionally need a minor procedure under local anaesthetic.
Where these figures come from

Aftercare and recovery

Your recovery is led by the consultant who performed your surgery. A nurse reviews you at one week, and your consultant sees you again once everything has settled. Between appointments, our team are available whenever you have a concern — you do not need to wait for a scheduled review. Practical guidance on dressings, activity and returning to work is in our aftercare guide.

  1. Day of surgeryHome the same day with your written aftercare guide. Waterfront is a day hospital.
  2. Week 1Nurse review: wound checked, dressings changed, questions answered.
  3. Weeks 1–2Back to desk work. No driving until you are off pain relief.
  4. Weeks 2–4Most everyday activities. Light walking throughout.
  5. Week 6Most exercise, building up slowly. No sit-ups until 3 months.
  6. 6 monthsYour consultant reviews the settled result. Sooner if you need it.
  7. 12 monthsNurse reviews, dressing clinics and the treatment of any complications are included.

Typical timings. Your consultant and nurse will tailor them to you.

Detailed aftercare instructions
A nurse talking with a patient resting on the couch at a follow-up review

Written by

Mr Omar Quaba, consultant plastic surgeon

Mr Omar Quaba, MBBChir, FRCS (Plast), GMC 4586300, is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery. Based at Waterfront Private Hospital in Edinburgh, he is fully accredited on the GMC Specialist Register and specialises in advanced cosmetic procedures. Full member of BAAPS.