Does NHS cover tummy tuck surgery?

Hi Nicola, I have currently awaiting to see a plastic surgeon on the NHS at Warwick Hospital. I have not had a c section but both of my pregnancies were up front, James was heavy at 9 llbs 2 and left me very over weight and with an under active thyroid. I managed to loose 3 stone on the atkins, but came off it when I fell pregant with Matthew, and even though he was 8 l1bs the bump was all up front so all the excess weight went there. Again I managed to loose another 3 stone with atkins but chose to stop and eat healthy but the weight has crept on again. I do swimming 3 times a week and I do a davina macall dvd 6 times out of 8 days and I have toned up my legs and middle rather than my tummy. I have been speaking to my gp for around 6 years about my weight etc, and in March I went back to him with a letter and to discuss what I could do and how unhappy I was and what it had done to my marriage and confidence. He referred me to the NHS for a tummy tuck/apronectomy and I was shocked when 3 weeks ago I got a letter asking me to go and see the plastic surgeon. I really hope that they can see how miserable this stupid amount of skin makes me feel, and how much I am doing to keep fit and healthy to try to loose it myself. I do not smoke or drink, so I think it will be a case of really getting a good gp on your side and explain this is due to pregnancy rather than sitting and filling your face with junk and then wondering were the weight has come from. if you can prove how it is effecting you mentally and emotionally they hopefully will be more sympathetic to your problem. I am keeping my fingers crossed they will help, I am realist though and dont expect a washboard stomach but if it gets rid of the hardest part then I can carry on even harder with the rest. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

dear leanne i am in your situation i have had 3 pregnancys two were emergency's c/sections i have been left with saggy skin and weak tummy muscles im afraid to say no amount of exercise has helped me tone up i exercise daily at home gym twice aweek 40 stomach crunches a day and i hav enothing to show for it.it has effected my life concidrably my marriage for one. my doctors has now refered me so fingers crossed i will let you all know.

just out of interest, where do you live? im in scotland.just wondering cos i know it can be a bit of a postcode lottery sometimes!!

Hi there, I am wnodering if any of you girls have had this op funded by the NHS? I have had twins in April, and this was a c0section after a preivous c-section, so yes pretty bad looking and affecting me. My GP is not supportive. I have already spoken to her but she has discrouaged me and said I should go private. I don't know is its worht huminliating myself further. Your input much appreciated. Thanks Rgds Deena

Thanks Sharon, I think and from what I read that my GP is right, it is very rare for an abdominoplasty to be perfomed on the NHS, unless it is after sever weight loss or to correct some other 'congenial abnormalities' and or injuries. Now to me having the twins beats any weight loss cause I was huge for my frame towards the end, and as fo injuries well the c-section scar is still unsightly as well as the lax hanging skin. But I have no hope at my local GPs, they are all unsympathetic, I can pretend I am depsressed about it and I am, but inside I know I am a strong person. I think I will just ask my mother if I can take it out of my inheritance and save myself years of pain and pleading with stone hearted doctors. Thank you for your concern. May I ask if you ever had a tummy tuck and how did it go? Is there a very good doc that does it, that you may recommend? Thanks Rgds Dee

Hiya Sharon, Thank you for your thoughts. Sorry I have not replied promptly, but here goes..I have now narrowed a list of plastic surgerns near to where I live, I am going for it next year, I will keep you posted, it costs about £5600 if its in a non-private clinic ie a hospital that the surgen uses, however if its in a private clinic then it costs around £7000, lipsuction is extra. I think from the pictures that I have seen on the web the best tucks seem to be in America anyway..if I had relatives there I would have done in there.. I am a bit sceptic about the results but I am willing to take the risk, so I will just have to see, I probably will go for the consultation sometime in January and get it done sometime in February, my husband has to take time off work to help me with the babies, and I need to watch my weight over xmas. Rgds Dee

An update on my sitiuation. After another infection under my fold (happens quite regular not matter how careful i am!!) I finally plucked up the courage to see my GP who was very sympathetic and is writing a referall to my local nhs trust. He did say that it is a long shot but its worth a try!!! Hope to hear back before xmas.

Hi, No it didnt go that far up. I seem to get infections under my fold around my c section scar where it is nice a warm lol!!!

Hi ladies I have had 2 c-sections and would also be interested in finding out if anyone has had it on the nhs. The overhang of my stomach affect my relationship with my husband and my self-confidence. I also get infections and even though the tissue is numb, I regularly get pains inside. I have told my doctor this, but she doesn't seem to really care. I don't want liposuction, I just want the overhang corrected. I can't afford private treatment and I'm at a loss now. Thanks

I commend you on having three c-sections!! I have had one and a year on I am still having a lot of pain across the wound line. I know how you feel having a over hang!! I had twins via a section and now have a tyre around my waist. It is uncomfortable and painfull all the time. Before I was pregnant with twins I weighed eight stone.. Now I am 11 stone.. I also have discomfort in my back. I don't socialize anymore as my appearance disgusts me. I just wish there was someone to help me too? Send me your remedy and cure..

Hi ddtonti Thanks for letting me know that it is possible to have tummy tuck on nhs. I was beggining to despair. I will keep trying. You never know! Suzed xx