Tummy Tuck in Edinburgh
Mr Omar Quaba performs tummy tucks at Quaba Plastic Surgery in Edinburgh, based at Waterfront Private Hospital. He uses the no-drain abdominoplasty technique that Mr Awf Quaba published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 2015, which documented a revision rate of 8.9% against an industry-published range of 11% to 34.4%. Mr Omar has further refined the technique by adding quilting sutures, which further reduce the rates of seroma and infection. Surgery is performed by consultant plastic surgeons on the GMC Specialist Register.
I had a full tummy tuck and muscle repair in March 2024 after having my baby in 2023. The difference this has made to my body has been life-changing, particularly the muscle repair (7cm wide) that Mr Quaba performed.
I no longer have back pain, and I no longer have the loose excess skin that used to hang over my previous c-section scars. I can exercise more freely, and this has made a difference in my ability to run again after having a baby. My journey to this point has been tough, and my tummy tuck meant more to me than how I looked on the inside. A few years ago, I lost my son during labour. Somehow, I felt that my procedure formed an important part of my journey through grief. I’m struggling to find the words to explain, but the reason I mention this is that Mr Quaba knew how much my procedure meant to me, and he responded with care and empathy.
The level of care and service I received while in hospital was amazing. The nurses took good care of me and did what they could to make me feel comfortable. They were lovely to talk to and made me feel at ease in a hospital setting. I’m so glad I decided to have my procedure done by Mr Quaba. I researched where I should go and if I should consider going abroad. After my operation I was healing as hoped, however I just had a major operation and in my view it is not worth the risk travelling overseas. There is something to be said about having easier access to medical attention following a major operation. A few times I was paranoid about my recovery (all in my head) and I was able to drive over and get check out by a nurse. Also, if there had been any serious complications, Mr Quaba would be there to support. I have since learned that many people travel all over to have their procedure carried out by Mr Quaba, and now I see why.
Thank you for everything. You have changed the quality of my life. I will be forever grateful.
Elaine
Contents
Tummy tuck overview
TYPE OF ANAESTHETIC
- General anaesthesia
LENGTH OF SURGERY
- 2.5 to 3 hours
HOSPITAL STAY
- Mini — day case at Waterfront Private Hospital; Full, extended, and fleur-de-lis — overnight at Spire Hospital, Edinburgh
RECOVERY
- 2 to 3 weeks off work; 6 weeks before strenuous exercise; 6 months before exercise involving the abdominal muscles where muscle repair has been performed
Understanding Tummy Tuck Surgery
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) addresses both physical and aesthetic concerns. The procedure can:
- Repair separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis), which can improve core strength and reduce some forms of back pain.
- Remove excess skin that can lead to irritation, rashes, or hygiene issues.
- Eliminate the apron of skin that often hangs over caesarean section scars or other surgical scars.
- Address certain types of small hernia when combined with muscle repair.
Outcomes published in the British Journal of Plastic Surgery on abdominoplasty with muscle repair report improvements in posture and core stability, exercise tolerance, stress urinary incontinence in some women after childbirth, and back pain related to core muscle weakness. Both the physical improvements and aesthetic outcomes are considered during your consultation when planning your procedure.
Procedures
Tummy tuck surgery is tailored to the individual case. The right approach depends on the amount and pattern of excess skin, the degree of muscle separation, and the area to be treated. The decision is made at consultation.
Standard (full) abdominoplasty
The standard procedure addresses the abdomen from the pubic area up to and around the belly button. It involves:
- Removing excess skin and fat between the pubic area and the belly button.
- Preserving the belly button in its natural position and repositioning the upper abdominal skin downwards over it.
- Repositioning the belly button through a new opening in the relocated skin.
- Repairing weakened or separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis).
- Creating a horizontal scar along the lower abdomen, typically positioned to sit below underwear or swimwear.
The standard approach is suited to patients with significant skin laxity, muscle separation after pregnancy, or substantial weight loss. It is performed under general anaesthesia with an overnight stay at Spire Hospital, Edinburgh.
Mini tummy tuck
The mini tummy tuck addresses only the area below the belly button. The procedure removes a smaller amount of skin and fat through a shorter horizontal scar, and the belly button is not repositioned. Muscle repair, where needed, is limited to the area below the navel. The mini procedure is suited to patients with limited excess skin and no significant muscle separation above the belly button. It is performed as a day case at Waterfront Private Hospital.
Extended abdominoplasty
The extended abdominoplasty addresses skin laxity that continues around the flanks and into the lower back. The scar extends further around the body than a standard tummy tuck. The procedure is most often considered after substantial weight loss, where excess skin extends well beyond the front of the abdomen. It is performed with an overnight stay at Spire Hospital, Edinburgh.
Fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty
The fleur-de-lis is a variant of the full abdominoplasty designed for patients with substantial vertical and horizontal excess skin, most often after major weight loss. In addition to the standard horizontal scar along the lower abdomen, a vertical incision runs up the midline of the abdomen. This allows excess skin to be removed in both directions and the abdomen to be reshaped more effectively than a horizontal-only approach. The trade-off is a more extensive scar. The fleur-de-lis is considered when a standard or extended abdominoplasty cannot adequately address the degree of skin laxity. It is performed with an overnight stay at Spire Hospital, Edinburgh.
Frequently asked questions
Will the same surgeon plan, perform and review my tummy tuck?
Yes. The consultant who assesses you at your first appointment is the consultant who plans your surgery, performs it, and reviews you afterwards. There are no handovers between consultants.
What happens if I have concerns after my surgery?
A nurse reviews you at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant sees you again at around six months once the result has settled. Between then, your consultant is always available — if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
Tummy tuck surgery at Quaba starts from £6,000 for a mini abdominoplasty and from £9,500 for a standard (full) abdominoplasty. Extended and fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty are quoted at consultation. Each price covers the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee, the hospital and theatre fee, and all post-operative reviews until discharge.
What specific concerns can a tummy tuck address?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tightens weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It is most often considered after pregnancy or significant weight loss. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure; where additional fat reduction is required, liposuction may be combined with the abdominoplasty at the same operation.
How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck?
Most patients take 2 to 3 weeks off work. You will walk bent over for the first week as the tissues feel tight, and posture gradually returns to normal by the end of the second week. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for six weeks. Where muscle repair has been performed, exercise involving the abdominal muscles should be avoided for six months to allow the repair to settle.
Will a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?
Stretch marks within the area of skin that is removed — typically between the belly button and the pubic area — are removed with the skin. Stretch marks elsewhere on the abdomen are not addressed by the procedure. The pattern of stretch marks on your abdomen is assessed at consultation to give you a realistic idea of what will and will not be removed.
Is liposuction combined with abdominoplasty?
Liposuction is sometimes combined with abdominoplasty to refine areas of localised fat — for example, the flanks or the upper abdomen — that the tummy tuck alone does not address. Whether liposuction is appropriate for your case is decided at consultation.
Can I have liposuction alone instead of an abdominoplasty?
Liposuction addresses excess fat but does not remove excess skin and does not repair separated abdominal muscles. Where excess skin or significant muscle separation are present, liposuction alone will not produce the result a tummy tuck does. Where the concern is localised fat only, with good skin tone and no muscle separation, liposuction alone may be appropriate.
What if I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Pregnancy after a tummy tuck is possible but will stretch the skin and abdominal muscles again, which can compromise the result. Most patients are advised to complete their family before considering surgery. If pregnancy occurs after surgery, the result can sometimes be revised once recovery from pregnancy is complete.
Are there any long-term impacts on abdominal muscles after a tummy tuck?
Where muscle repair has been performed, the repaired muscles continue to function normally once healing is complete. Many patients report improved core strength after recovery. Exercise involving the abdominal muscles should be avoided for six months to allow the repair to settle, after which strengthening exercises can be reintroduced gradually.
How visible are tummy tuck scars?
The standard tummy tuck leaves a horizontal scar along the lower abdomen, positioned to sit below underwear or swimwear. A small scar also sits around the repositioned belly button. The fleur-de-lis variant adds a vertical scar up the midline of the abdomen. Scars take up to 18 months to settle and fade; in most patients they become pale and flat over time. Scar quality varies with skin type and individual healing.
Are the results of a tummy tuck permanent?
Yes. The skin and fat that are removed do not return. The shape of the abdomen will continue to change naturally with age, and significant weight gain or pregnancy after surgery can affect the result.
When will I see the final result of my tummy tuck?
The shape of the abdomen is broadly visible by six weeks once the early swelling has eased. The final result settles over a longer period — fine swelling and scar maturation can take up to 18 months to fully resolve.
Benefits of tummy tuck surgery
Tummy tuck surgery offers benefits that extend beyond the change in appearance.
Core strength
The repair of separated abdominal muscles restores the functional integrity of the core, which can improve posture, stability, and some types of back pain. Many patients report feeling stronger and more supported once the repair has healed.
Relief from physical discomfort
Removing excess skin eliminates the friction, rashes, and hygiene challenges that can occur with overhanging tissue. This often makes daily activities more comfortable and reduces skin irritation.
Exercise capacity
Once recovery is complete, many patients report finding physical activity more comfortable. Heavy exercise involving the abdominal muscles should be avoided for six months after muscle repair, after which most patients return to a full exercise range.
Clothing fit
The flatter, more proportionate contour allows for greater comfort in clothing that may have been difficult to wear before.
Long-lasting result
Unlike non-surgical treatments, a tummy tuck creates permanent changes to the abdominal structure. The removed skin and fat do not return. Significant future weight change or pregnancy can affect the result.
Psychological wellbeing
Outcomes research on body contouring procedures reports improvements in body image and self-esteem, particularly for patients who have experienced major weight loss or pregnancy-related changes.
What are the risks?
A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure. Most patients have few problems, but serious complications can occur and are discussed in detail at consultation.
General complications include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, chest infection, and developing a blood clot, most commonly in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). If a clot spreads to the lungs (pulmonary embolus), the consequences can be severe. Pulmonary embolism after abdominoplasty is uncommon (under 1 in 100). Risk is assessed at pre-assessment, and precautions taken include compression stockings, mechanical pumps that maintain leg circulation during surgery, and blood-thinning injections where appropriate. The risk of a life-threatening complication under general anaesthesia is approximately 1 in 100,000. Complications specific to tummy tuck surgery are listed below.
Infection
The wound can become infected and usually settles with antibiotics. Rarely, infection can be more severe and require an operation to clean the abdominal wound. In extreme cases this can cause loss of skin or difficulty closing the wound. The use of quilting sutures in our technique reduces but does not eliminate this risk.
Bleeding
Bleeding during or after the operation is uncommon. Where it does occur it may require a return to theatre. Significant bleeding may require a blood transfusion.
Delayed healing
Some areas of the wound may heal more slowly than others, particularly at the midline of the lower abdominal scar where blood supply is most limited. Smoking and uncontrolled diabetes significantly increase this risk. Delayed healing is managed with dressings and time and rarely requires further surgery.
Seroma
A collection of clear tissue fluid can occasionally form under the skin in the weeks after surgery. A seroma is one of the complications the no-drain technique and quilting sutures were developed specifically to reduce. Where a seroma does occur, it can usually be drained in clinic with a needle.
Poor scarring
The horizontal scar takes up to 18 months to settle and fade. In a small number of patients the scar can become thickened, red, or raised. Scar quality varies with skin type and individual healing.
Numbness
Areas of numbness in the lower abdomen and around the scar are common after surgery. Most numbness recovers over months, though some areas can remain permanently altered in sensation.
Change in shape of the belly button (umbilicus)
The belly button is repositioned through a new opening in the relocated skin in a standard tummy tuck. The shape and appearance of the new belly button may differ slightly from before surgery, and in a small proportion of patients the scar around it can become visible.
Asymmetry
Small differences between the two sides of the abdomen are common and usually settle as swelling resolves. Persistent asymmetry can occasionally require revision.
Revision surgery
The published revision rate following Mr Awf Quaba’s no-drain abdominoplasty technique is 8.9%, against an industry-published range of 11% to 34.4%. Revision is most often considered for small refinements once the result has fully settled at 12 to 18 months.
What is the cost of tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck surgery at Quaba is priced according to the variant performed:
- Mini abdominoplasty: from £6,000.
- Standard (full) abdominoplasty: from £9,500.
- Extended abdominoplasty and fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty: quoted at consultation.
Each price covers the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee, the hospital and theatre fee, and all post-operative reviews until you are fully discharged. Mini abdominoplasty is performed as a day case at Waterfront Private Hospital; the full, extended, and fleur-de-lis procedures involve an overnight stay at Spire Hospital, Edinburgh.
The full price for your individual case can only be confirmed after a face-to-face consultation with the consultant who will perform your surgery.
Our consultation fee with a consultant plastic surgeon is £200. Where a further consultation would help you reach a decision, this is offered without additional charge.
The no-drain tummy tuck technique
The no-drain abdominoplasty technique used at Quaba was popularised and published by Mr Omar and Awf Quaba. It has been presented and published in peer-reviewed forums:
- Best presentation at the Scottish Meeting of Plastic Surgeons, 2013.
- Published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2015 — the most widely cited journal in plastic surgery.
- Featured presentation by Mr Awf Quaba at the annual meeting of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), 2018.
How a standard tummy tuck uses drains
Many surgeons in the UK use surgical drains during abdominoplasty. Drains remain in place for between one and five days after surgery, with the aim of reducing the risk of blood and fluid collecting under the skin. Drains can be uncomfortable, can limit mobility, and can prolong hospital stay. There is limited evidence for their routine use in the published literature.
What is different about the technique
The technique preserves the sub-Scarpa fat layer — a deep layer of fatty tissue that sits between the abdominal muscle and the overlying skin — rather than removing it as a standard abdominoplasty does. Preserving this layer reduces disruption to the lymphatic drainage of the abdomen and reduces the potential space where fluid would otherwise accumulate. Fluid accumulation under the skin is the problem that drains are conventionally used to manage. The technique allows tummy tuck surgery to be performed without drains in the great majority of cases.
Mr Omar Quaba’s quilting sutures refinement
Mr Omar Quaba, who performs tummy tuck surgery at the practice, has modified the technique by adding quilting sutures alongside the sub-Scarpa fat preservation. Quilting sutures are an additional layer of internal sutures placed between the deep tissue and the overlying skin during closure, securing them together and reducing any residual potential space for fluid to collect. The result is a lower rate of seroma and a lower rate of wound infection than the published technique alone, while retaining the benefits of operating without drains.
Published outcomes
The 2015 publication in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reported a revision rate of 8.9% in patients treated with the no-drain technique, against a published industry range of 11% to 34.4%. Lower revision rates reflect both the surgical technique and careful patient selection.
Why this matters for patients
The practical effect for the patient is no drains to manage at home, a lower documented rate of seroma and infection, and the published evidence of a lower-than-average revision rate.
What to expect and tummy tuck aftercare
The recovery timeline below is based on Mr Omar Quaba’s no-drain technique with quilting sutures. Individual recovery varies, and the timeline at consultation will be set for your specific case.
First week
You will be discharged the morning after surgery with pain medication, typically including a strong painkiller such as dihydrocodeine. Gentle walking around the home from day one promotes circulation and reduces the risk of clots. You will walk bent forwards because the tissues feel tight; this gradually improves. A small amount of blood-staining on dressings is normal. You can shower but should avoid soaking the dressings. Keep the new belly button clean with soap, water, and a cotton bud. A nurse review at the end of the first week removes the outer dressings.
Second week
Posture continues to straighten. Swelling and bruising peak in the second week and begin to settle. Most patients feel comfortable doing light tasks at home. Driving is generally avoided until you can perform an emergency stop without discomfort — typically two to three weeks. Most patients return to desk-based work between weeks two and three.
Weeks three to four
You can resume light daily activities and walking for longer periods. Swelling continues to reduce. You may still feel tightness across the abdomen, particularly first thing in the morning. The horizontal scar starts to flatten.
Weeks five to six
Most patients return to normal daily activity by week six. Strenuous exercise — running, gym work, heavy lifting — can be reintroduced from six weeks. Exercise specifically involving the abdominal muscles (sit-ups, planks, abdominal weight training) should still be avoided where muscle repair has been performed.
Beyond six weeks
The shape of the abdomen continues to settle over the following months. Fine swelling resolves over several months and the scar continues to mature for up to 18 months. Where muscle repair has been performed, exercise involving the abdominal muscles should be avoided for six months in total to allow the repair to settle, after which it can be reintroduced gradually.
Important notes
Smoking significantly increases the risk of delayed wound healing and is strongly discouraged for several weeks before and after surgery. Weight should be stable in the months leading up to surgery — significant weight change after surgery can affect the result.
A nurse reviews you at one week, and more often if needed in the early healing period. Your consultant sees you again at around six months once the result has settled. Between then, your consultant is always available — if anything concerns you, they will respond directly and arrange to see you as soon as needed.
If you have had surgery with us or are considering it, more detailed advice is available on the tummy tuck aftercare page.
Author
Mr Omar Quaba, MBBChir, FRCS (Plast), GMC 4586300, is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon on the GMC Specialist Register with over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery. He is among the first surgeons in the UK to achieve Board Certification under the Cosmetic Surgery Board Certification Scheme overseen by the Royal Colleges of Surgeons. Educated at Cambridge University and trained in Aberdeen and Glasgow, with a fellowship in Australia, he transitioned to full-time private practice in 2020. As Hospital Director of Waterfront Private Hospital and a full member of BAPRAS, BAAPS, and ISAPS, he combines extensive expertise with a commitment to excellence in patient care.