Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in Singapore

Argent Plastic Surgery offers abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) in Singapore, performed by Dr Lee Hanjing, a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon. This surgical procedure focuses on the removal of excess skin and localised fat from the abdomen and, where appropriate, tightens weakened or separated abdominal muscles.

Abdominoplasty is most often considered after pregnancy, after significant weight fluctuations,  or where age-related tissue laxity does not respond to exercise or non-surgical approaches. All abdominoplasty surgery at Argent is performed at Mount Alvernia Hospital under general anaesthesia, with full hospital admission and recovery facilities.

The suitability of a tummy tuck depends on individual tissue characteristics, underlying muscle condition, medical history, and specific anatomical goals. Your initial consultation serves as a clinical discussion to evaluate your options and determine the most appropriate approach for your care, without any obligation to proceed.

What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Clinically known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck sometimes referred to as an abdominal tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to address the contour and structural integrity of the abdomen.  Abdominoplasty surgery in Singapore is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital setting, and at Argent Plastic Surgery, the operating facility is Mount Alvernia Hospital.

During the surgery, excess skin and localised fat are removed, most commonly from the infraumbilical region (the area below the navel), while the underlying abdominal wall may be plicated to correct rectus diastasis, which is the separation of the abdominal muscles. 

When appropriate, liposuction may be integrated to address fat distribution along the flanks and waistline. Additionally, if an umbilical hernia is present, it can be repaired concurrently during the operation, addressing both structural and contour concerns. Any stretch marks located within the excised lower abdominal skin are naturally removed during this process. 

For patients with mild skin laxity and limited tissue redundancy, a mini-abdominoplasty may be considered. This utilises a shorter incision and and generally involves a quicker recovery, making it an option for those seeking a smaller refinement.

Every procedure performed by Dr. Lee Hanjing is tailored to the patient's unique anatomy, with incision placement planned low on the abdomen to allow scars to be positioned discreetly beneath underwear or swimwear lines.

Who is suitable for a Tummy Tuck?

Patients consider abdominoplasty for a range of reasons. The most common are post-pregnancy body contouring, where stretched abdominal muscles, sagging skin, and stretch marks have not responded to exercise, and after weight loss, where excess skin remains after a stable target weight has been reached.

The following patients may be suitable for tummy tuck surgery in Singapore:

  • Post-Pregnancy Patients: Women whose abdominal muscles remain separated and whose skin has not retracted after one or more pregnancies, often as part of a mummy makeover in Singapore.
  • Patients After Significant Weight Loss: Those who have lost substantial weight through bariatric surgery, lifestyle change, or other means, and are left with excess skin and laxity that exercise cannot address.
  • Patients With Abdominal or Umbilical Hernia: Where a hernia is present alongside laxity, the repair can be performed during the same operation.
  • Men Seeking Abdominal Contour: Tummy tuck surgery is relevant for men as well, particularly after major weight loss where exercise alone cannot retract loose skin.
  • Patients With Age-Related Laxity: Where the abdominal skin and muscle have loosened over time, abdominoplasty may be appropriate once other options have been considered.

General suitability also depends on overall health and lifestyle. Candidates should be in good general health, with a stable weight and a BMI ideally below 30. Smoking should stop at least six weeks before surgery and remain stopped during the early healing period, as smoking measurably impairs wound healing and increases the risk of complications.

Before any decision is made, Dr Lee Hanjing reviews your medical history, previous surgeries, and current medications, and arranges pre-operative blood tests to confirm fitness for general anaesthesia.

Types of Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

The extent of your abdominoplasty depends on the degree of excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity. After a detailed consultation and physical examination, Dr. Lee will recommend the approach most suited to your goals:

  • Mini Abdominoplasty: Addresses excess skin and laxity below the navel with a shorter incision. Best suited to patients with mild laxity confined to the lower abdomen, where muscle repair above the umbilicus is not required.
  • Standard Abdominoplasty: Involves a full horizontal incision from one hip bone to the other, allowing for muscle repair and complete re-draping of the abdominal skin.
  • Extended Abdominoplasty: The incision extends slightly beyond the hips to contour the flanks.
  • Circumferential (Belt) Body Lift: A 360° approach that addresses the abdomen, flanks, and back; ideal after massive weight loss.
  • Lipo-Abdominoplasty: Combines abdominoplasty with liposuction of the abdomen and flanks in the same operation. The liposuction refines contour while the abdominoplasty addresses skin and muscle separately.

Discovering the appropriate approach begins with a comprehensive physical assessment. Schedule a clinical consultation with Dr. Lee Hanjing to evaluate your options.

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When Is the Best Time for a Tummy Tuck?

Timing affects both the safety of the procedure and how durable the result will be over time.

 

  • After weight loss: Surgery is best timed once your target weight has been stably maintained for several months and BMI is under 30. Operating before weight has stabilised can compromise the contour as further weight is lost or regained.
  • After pregnancy: If further pregnancies are planned, abdominoplasty is generally deferred. Pregnancy after surgery can stretch the repaired muscles and skin, reducing the durability of the result.
  • Lifestyle considerations: Surgery is best timed when work, caregiving, and travel allow for at least two to three weeks of restricted activity, with a further few weeks of gradual return to full activity.
  • Medical Optimisation: Where chronic conditions such as diabetes are present, they should be well-controlled before surgery. Pre-operative blood tests and medical review confirm readiness.

Can a Tummy Tuck Repair Diastasis Recti (Abdominal Muscle Separation)?

Yes. Diastasis recti,also referred to as rectus diastasis, occurs when the rectus abdominis muscles separate down the midline. This most often happens during pregnancy or following significant abdominal stretching. The separation weakens the core, can affect posture, and may contribute to lower back pain.

Targeted exercises like Pilates and physiotherapy can partially address mild cases. Where the separation is significant or has not responded to conservative treatment, surgical repair is the only way to bring the muscles back to the midline. Diastasis recti surgery in Singapore is performed during abdominoplasty by suturing the separated rectus muscles together, restoring core support and abdominal wall integrity.

Alongside the change in contour, many patients notice improvement in lower back pain, posture, and abdominal support following the repair. Where diastasis is present alongside loose skin, the muscle repair and skin removal are addressed together in the same operation.

Can Umbilical Hernia Be Repaired at the Same Time?

Yes. Umbilical hernias, a small bulge around the belly button caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall, can be safely repaired during abdominoplasty.

This concurrent repair strengthens the abdominal fascia and addresses both the cosmetic and medical aspects of the condition. In most cases, the hernia repair portion is Medisave or insurance claimable, while the cosmetic components are not.

For details on accepted insurance providers, see our insurance partners page.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

At your consultation, Dr. Lee will take time to understand your goals, medical history, previous pregnancies, or surgeries.

A detailed assessment includes:

  • The degree of abdominal muscle laxity (divarication)
  • Presence of hernia or weakness in the abdominal wall
  • Quality of skin, presence of stretch marks, and fat distribution
  • Discussion of scar placement and achievable contour

Pre-operative blood tests and a general medical review are arranged before surgery to confirm fitness for general anaesthesia. Dr. Lee will guide you through the surgical plan, recovery process, and scar management, so you have a clear and realistic understanding before deciding.

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How is the Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited operating facility at Mount Alvernia Hospital, with a licensed anaesthetist present throughout.

A tummy tuck surgery typically takes three to four hours. Dr Lee Hanjing elevates the abdominal skin, repairs any separated muscles or hernia present, and removes excess skin and fat before re-draping the remaining tissue. Progressive tension sutures, sometimes called quilting sutures, are used during closure to anchor the skin flap to the underlying fascia. This technique reduces the dead space where fluid can collect, which lowers the risk of seroma in the early healing period.

Liposuction of the flanks may be added in the same operation to refine contour and address fat that extends to the sides. The mons pubis is often elevated slightly to maintain proportion with the lifted lower abdomen. Tummy tuck with liposuction in Singapore is planned as a single coordinated procedure rather than as two separate operations.

Surgical drains are placed at the end of the procedure to manage fluid in the early healing period, and a compression garment is fitted before discharge to support the healing tissue and reduce swelling.

Alternatives to a Tummy Tuck

For patients with good skin elasticity and limited excess, liposuction alone may provide sufficient contouring, without the longer scar and recovery of a tummy tuck. Where modest skin tightening is needed, technologies such as VASER, BodyTite, or Morpheus8 can be considered, either alone or together with liposuction.

Dr. Lee also uses MicroAire liposuction to create natural, athletic definition when appropriate. 

There is, however, a clinical distinction that matters. Liposuction and energy-based skin tightening do not repair separated abdominal muscles, and they do not address significant loose skin. Patients with diastasis recti or substantial skin excess will not achieve the abdominoplasty result with liposuction alone, regardless of how thoroughly the fat is removed. Where muscle repair or significant skin removal is required, abdominoplasty is the appropriate option.

Learn more about Liposuction Surgery in Singapore, including prices and costs.

Recovery and Downtime After a Tummy Tuck

Downtime typically ranges from two to four weeks, depending on the extent of surgery.

  • Week 1: Gentle walking is encouraged from one to two days after surgery to support circulation. Surgical drains remain in place, the compression garment is worn continuously, and movement is slow and limited.
  • Week 2: Drains are usually removed during this period. Light activities such as desk work and short walks are generally manageable. Scar management may begin once the wounds have fully closed.
  • Weeks 3 to 4: Most patients return to light work and ordinary daily activities. The compression garment continues to be worn, and gentle stretching may be introduced under guidance.
  • Weeks 4 to 6: The compression garment is worn for a total of four to six weeks. Swelling continues to settle and the abdominal contour becomes clearer.
  • Weeks 6 to 8: Full exercise, including core work and weight training, is generally resumed at this stage, provided recovery has progressed without complication.

Scar management continues over several months until the scar matures and fades into a fine line. The final contour becomes apparent gradually as residual swelling resolves over the months following surgery.

Ideal Conditions and Limitations of an Abdominoplasty

Best results are achieved when BMI is below 30, and the abdominal skin is relatively thin and elastic, allowing it to redrape smoothly after the excess has been removed.

Patients with BMI above 35 are advised to continue weight reduction or consider bariatric intervention before surgery for safer, more predictable results. Operating at a higher BMI increases anaesthetic risk and is more likely to produce a contour that changes substantially as further weight is lost afterwards.

Chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders or conditions affecting wound healing require careful pre-operative review. Surgery is not automatically excluded, but it is timed and planned with these factors in mind.

Two anatomical situations limit what a standard abdominoplasty can achieve:

  • Very Thick or Fibrotic Skin: Where the abdominal skin is thick or fibrotic, it does not redrape as smoothly as thinner, more elastic skin. The contour is improved, but the result may not be as flat as the standard expectation.
  • Significant Vertical and Horizontal Skin Excess: Patients with substantial loose skin in both directions, common after very large weight loss, may need a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. This is an inverted-T incision pattern that adds a vertical scar from the lower abdomen to the umbilicus to address the horizontal excess. Where this applies, it is discussed and planned in advance.
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Risks and Complications of a Tummy Tuck

Like all surgeries, abdominoplasty carries risks, though complications are uncommon, but not impossible, when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Common, generally short-term effects include:

  • Swelling, bruising, or temporary numbness (usually resolve over two to four weeks)
  • Seroma (fluid collection), managed by surgical drains and tension-reducing sutures
  • Minor wound healing delays, more likely in smokers or diabetics
  • Hypertrophic or keloid scarring (can be minimised with proper scar therapy)
  • Rare risks: Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, anaesthetic complications

Dr. Lee and her team take every precaution to minimise risk and guide you through each step of recovery with attentive follow-up care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)