An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is surgery that removes excess fat and loose skin from the lower abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles to create a firmer, flatter abdomen. It can be full, mini or extended, and is sometimes combined with liposuction. Dr Ong Wei Chen performs tummy tuck surgery at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Singapore.
Who can benefit from a Tummy Tuck surgery?
Who can benefit from a Tummy Tuck surgery?
“A tummy tuck is for loose skin and separated muscle that dieting can’t fix — not for weight loss. The best results come when
weight is already stable.”
— Dr Ong Wei Chen, Senior Consultant Plastic Surgeon
A tummy tuck suits people with excess lower-abdominal skin or fat, or separated abdominal muscles, that persist despite a stable weight. It is commonly considered in these situations:
- Post weight loss from diet and exercise
- Post weight loss after bariatric surgery
- Women after multiple pregnancies
- Individuals who have lost weight but have localized areas of fat or loose skin that cannot be reduced with further diet or exercise
What are the types of tummy tuck surgery?
What are the types of tummy tuck surgery?
There are several types of tummy tuck, chosen according to how much skin and fat need removing and whether the muscles are separated:
Full tummy tuck (Full abdominoplasty)
a hip-to-hip incision above the pubic area; the muscles are repaired and the belly button repositioned for a natural appearance.
Mini tummy tuck (Limited abdominoplasty)
a shorter lower-abdomen incision for excess skin and fat below the navel without significant muscle laxity; smaller scar and faster recovery.
Extended/Circumferential abdominoplasty
the incision extends beyond the hips (or all the way around) to address the flanks and back, often after major weight loss.
Tummy tuck with Liposuction
combined with liposuction to remove additional fat for a smoother contour, where suitable.
How is a tummy tuck performed and what does recovery involve?
How is a tummy tuck performed and what does recovery involve?
A tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia: the surgeon removes excess lower-abdominal skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles and reshapes the remaining skin. Recovery typically involves swelling, bruising and tightness that settle over several weeks, with strenuous activity avoided for around four to six weeks. A compression garment supports the abdomen while it heals, and the clinic provides pain relief, wound-care guidance and follow-up appointments.
What are the risks of a tummy tuck?
What are the risks of a tummy tuck?
Like all surgery, a tummy tuck carries risks including bleeding, infection, slower wound healing, fluid collection (seroma) and scarring. The horizontal scar is permanent but placed low so it can be concealed by underwear or swimwear. Choosing an accredited surgeon, stopping smoking and following post-operative instructions reduce complications. Dr Ong Wei Chen discusses the risks relevant to your health and procedure before you decide.
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck in Singapore?
You may be suitable if you have loose lower-abdominal skin, localised fat or separated abdominal muscles and a stable weight. Ideal candidates are in good health, have no upper-abdominal scars, hold realistic expectations and stop smoking before surgery. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss procedure. Dr Ong Wei Chen assesses suitability at WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, Gleneagles Medical Centre.
What is the difference between a full and a mini tummy tuck?
A full tummy tuck treats the whole abdomen with muscle repair and belly-button repositioning, while a mini tummy tuck treats only the area below the navel. A mini is suitable when excess skin and fat are limited to the lower abdomen without significant muscle laxity, giving a smaller scar and faster recovery. Dr Ong Wei Chen advises which is appropriate after examining your abdomen.
Will a tummy tuck leave a scar, and where is it placed?
Yes — a tummy tuck leaves a permanent horizontal scar, but it is positioned low on the abdomen so it can be hidden by underwear or swimwear. The length depends on how much skin and fat are removed; a mini tummy tuck leaves a shorter scar. The clinic provides scar-management guidance to support healing. Dr Ong Wei Chen explains expected scarring at consultation.
Can a tummy tuck be claimed under Medisave or insurance in Singapore?
A tummy tuck is usually considered cosmetic and is generally not claimable, but it may qualify when medically indicated — for example, repairing significant muscle separation or removing excess skin causing recurrent rashes. WC Ong Plastic Reconstructive Surgery is Medisave-accredited and staff assist with e-filing where eligible. Coverage depends on your policy and assessment, so confirm with your insurer beforehand.
