Articles

Tummy Tuck Cost: What Your Investment Looks Like Week by Week

Written by Dr Pek Chong Han | Oct 22, 2025 11:41:13 PM

 

TL;DR: 

  • A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) goes beyond aesthetics — it reshapes muscle and skin for both function and form.
  • Costs in Singapore vary widely, depending on surgical complexity, surgeon experience, and hospital fees.
  • Understanding the procedure and recovery timeline can help you manage expectations and avoid unnecessary complications.

 

Feeling comfortable in your own skin goes beyond looks — it’s about freedom. Freedom to wear what you want without hesitation, to move confidently after pregnancy or weight loss, and to feel at ease in everyday life.

A tummy tuck offers this freedom by reshaping your midsection, removing excess skin, and tightening abdominal muscles — helping you feel more like yourself again.

Sounds like what you’ve been looking for but wondering about the cost?

Keep reading for a week‑by‑week guide so you know exactly what to expect and whether a tummy tuck could be right for you.

 

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes your midsection by removing excess skin and tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles — something liposuction, diet, or exercise alone simply cannot achieve.

While healthy eating and targeted workouts can improve muscle tone and reduce fat, they can’t fix stretched skin or repair significant muscle separation, which is why some turn to a tummy tuck for lasting results. The procedure also smooths the contour of your stomach, giving it a firmer and flatter profile.

A tummy tuck can benefit:

  • Women after pregnancy who want to restore abdominal tone and address stretched skin or muscle separation (diastasis recti).
  • Those who’ve lost significant weight and have excess skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise.
  • Anyone with weakened abdominal muscles affecting posture or comfort.
  • Those looking to improve body contours for confidence and comfort in everyday life.

 

Alongside a Full‑Body Renewal

A tummy tuck can be done on its own, but many women choose to combine it with other procedures — such as breast augmentation, facial tightening, or feminine rejuvenation — as part of what’s known as a Mummy Makeover.

This addresses multiple concerns in a single surgery, reducing the need for extra sessions or downtime so that new mums can return to everyday life with confidence, without having to worry about their appearance.

Interested in a tummy tuck or Mummy Makeover? We can guide you — contact us to find out more. 

 

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Singapore?

The costs for a tummy tuck in Singapore vary widely, depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, hospital choice, anaesthesia, and complexity of the procedure. On average:

  • Full tummy tuck: SGD 12,000 – 20,000, depending on complexity, surgeon, and hospital choice.
  • Partial or mini tummy tuck: Usually lower in cost, but may not fully address all concerns, such as extensive skin laxity or muscle separation.

Additional costs can include:

  • Hospital fees varying by location and hospital class.
  • Surgeon’s fees – reflecting expertise and experience.
  • Anaesthesia – based on procedure length and complexity.
  • Post‑operative care – including compression garments, follow‑up visits, scar management, and any extra treatments.
  • Additional procedures – such as liposuction or other body contouring work often done alongside a tummy tuck.

 

Recovery Timeline After a Tummy Tuck

Recovery after a tummy tuck unfolds in stages. Knowing what to expect week by week helps you plan your time and resources: 

Week One

The first week focuses on rest and healing, and it’s normal to experience swelling and bruising. You’ll likely need help with daily activities, and you should expect restricted movement. You should keep the wound area cool and dry to prevent irritation and infection.

Weeks Two to Three

Pain should ease, but swelling and tightness remain. Light movement is encouraged to improve circulation, but avoid strenuous activity. Follow your surgeon’s instructions closely.

Weeks Four to Six

You’ll notice swelling gradually reducing. Many people return to light work and low‑impact exercise. Scars begin to mature, and garment wear is still important. Breathable compression garments can help with comfort and healing.

Weeks Six to Twelve

By this stage, most swelling is gone, and movement is improving. Core strength exercises may begin under professional guidance. You’ll feel more confident in your day‑to‑day activities, but full recovery takes time.

Three to Six Months

Final results become clearer. Scars soften, and abdominal contour improves. Some swelling may persist subtly, especially after long days or exercise. Your surgeon may recommend scar management strategies at this stage.

 

What Extends or Shortens Your Recovery (and May Increase Cost)

Several factors influence how quickly you recover and the eventual cost:

  • Age and health: Older patients or those with chronic conditions may recover more slowly.
  • Surgical complexity: Muscle repair, liposuction combination, or extensive skin removal adds to both cost and recovery time.
  • Lifestyle: Smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise can slow healing.
  • Post‑operative care: Keeping wounds clean and managing scars to support healing and reduce visibility.

These factors can influence whether you need extra consultations, longer recovery garments, or additional treatments — all affecting the total investment.

 

When to Contact Your Doctor During Recovery

Even with careful recovery, it’s important to know when to reach out. Contact your surgeon if you notice:

  • Increasing pain instead of gradual improvement
  • Sudden swelling or redness
  • Fever or unusual discharge
  • Separation of wound edges
  • Numbness that doesn’t improve

Timely action can prevent complications and protect your results.

 

Why the ‘Cost’ of a Tummy Tuck Is More Than Just Money

The cost of a tummy tuck isn’t simply a number. It’s also about:

  • Quality of care: An experienced surgeon who specialises in plastic and reconstructive surgery can make a big difference — not just in the final look, but in safety, recovery, and longevity of results. They know how to work with your body’s shape, manage complications, and deliver results that feel natural while supporting your overall wellbeing.
  • Safety: Singapore’s regulatory standards mean high operating theatre standards, anaesthesia protocols, and post‑surgery monitoring — all of which add to the cost but ensure safety.
  • Longevity of results: A well‑performed tummy tuck offers lasting results, but only if recovery and aftercare are done right.
  • Recovery time: Every day of downtime has personal costs — missed work, limited physical activity, or reliance on help at home — but it’s also a chance to rest, heal, and see your results take shape while taking a break from the usual rush of daily life.

 

Book a Tummy Tuck Consultation in Singapore

A tummy tuck isn’t just a procedure — it’s part of a bigger decision about your body, your confidence, and how you want to feel every day. At Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we go beyond explaining costs and timelines.

We help you understand the full picture — how the surgery works, what recovery will be like, and how it fits with your personal goals, so you can make a choice that feels right for you.

Book a consultation today!