Tummy Tuck
Removes loose abdominal skin and repairs separated muscle. Leaves a long, permanent hip-to-hip scar.
Editorially researched, not medically reviewed. Updated August 30, 2026.
Start with the essentials
General planning ranges for China—not a hospital quote or a personal recovery promise.
Planning range
$4,000–$12,000
Typical downtime
About 2–6 weeks
Result settles
3–12 months
Common anesthesia
Sedation or general anesthesia
Not sure what applies to you? Review it with a coordinator online.
Free online consultationWhat to review before you decide
Procedure details & recoveryUnderstand what it involves, common approaches and the usual recovery stages.
Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and, critically, repairs diastasis recti — the separation of the abdominal muscles that commonly follows pregnancy and does not respond to exercise. It is a considerably bigger operation than liposuction, with a longer recovery and a permanent scar that is traded deliberately for a flat contour. Anyone considering it should be clear that the scar is the price of the result.
Common techniques
- Full abdominoplasty — hip-to-hip incision, muscle repair, and the navel is repositioned
- Mini abdominoplasty — shorter scar, addresses only skin below the navel, no navel repositioning
- Muscle plication — the separated rectus muscles are stitched back together; this is what flattens the profile
- Often combined with liposuction of the flanks for a smoother overall shape
Typical recovery
Days 1–7
Drains usually in place. Walking bent forward is normal. Early mobilisation matters for clot prevention.
Week 2–4
Drains removed; desk work often possible late in this window. Compression binder continues.
Week 6–8
Clearance for most exercise. Core training resumes last and gradually.
Month 6–18
The scar matures from red and raised toward flat and pale. It never disappears.
Risks to understandSee the main complications to discuss with your surgeon.
- Seroma — the most frequent complication, often needing repeated drainage
- Wound-healing problems and skin necrosis, dramatically more likely in smokers
- Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; this operation carries a higher risk than most aesthetic surgery
- A wide, raised or asymmetric scar, and an unnatural-looking navel
- Permanent numbness across the lower abdomen, which is very common
This is not a complete risk list. Risk changes with technique, anesthesia, treatment extent and your health.
What should I tell the expert?Medical conditions, medication and previous treatment can change your plan.
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep apnea or other lung conditions
- Diabetes, liver or kidney disease, immune disorders, bleeding or clotting problems
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, active infection, severe allergies or a history of difficult scarring
- Any previous reaction to anesthesia, surgery or an implanted medical product
- All prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, blood thinners, vitamins, herbal supplements, nicotine, alcohol and recreational drugs
- History of blood clots, significant weight change, bariatric surgery, hernia or future pregnancy plans
Do not stop medication on your own. Any change must be directed by the prescribing expert, surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Questions for your consultationSave six practical questions for your expert.
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This is a general overview, not medical advice. Technique, price and recovery can only be confirmed after a expert evaluates you.