A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is mostly classified as cosmetic surgery, so it is rarely funded by the NHS. Yet, in exceptional cases where excess abdominal skin causes health or functional issues (e.g., skin infections, mobility impairment), some NHS trusts may agree to fund it. Eligibility depends on local commissioning policies, strict criteria, and evidence of medical need.
Why the NHS Usually Doesn’t Fund Tummy Tucks
The NHS’s mandate is to provide medically necessary care, not cosmetic procedures. Because a tummy tuck is often seen as improving appearance rather than treating illness, it is generally not routinely available through NHS funding. The default assumption is that patients who want this surgery for aesthetic reasons must pursue it privately.
Situations Where NHS Might Consider Funding
In rare cases, a tummy tuck may be considered medically justified rather than cosmetic. Some reasons include:
- The excess skin (pannus) causes recurring skin infections, ulcers, or irritation under skin folds
- The bulk of excess tissue significantly interferes with hygiene, mobility, or daily function
- Abdominal wall weakness or hernia issues that require correction alongside skin removal
- Psychological distress in documented cases, though this is less commonly accepted
These cases must be supported with medical evidence and documented functional impairment.
Key Criteria NHS Trusts Use in Their Evaluations
NHS commissioning policies generally set strict criteria. Some commonly used guidelines are:
- Minimum age requirement (often ≥ 18 years)
- Body Mass Index (BMI) limits — the patient should be stable and often under a threshold (e.g. less than 30)
- Evidence that weight is stable for a period (e.g. 12 months)
- Demonstrated functional or medical problems caused by excess skin (e.g. intertrigo, mobility issues)
- Documentation of prior conservative measures (skin care, weight management)
- Some policies also require consent from the patient understanding risks, recovery, and realistic outcomes
Because policies vary by region, approval depends on the specific NHS trust or local clinical commissioning group.
What You Can Do to Check Your Eligibility
Here are steps you can take if you want to explore whether you might qualify:
- Talk to your GP or primary care doctor
Explain your symptoms (skin rashes, mobility issues, pain) and ask if a surgical referral might be justified. - Request a referral to a plastic surgery or dermatology specialist
They can assess your physical condition, excess skin, and functional impairments. - Collect medical evidence
Document frequent skin problems, infections, mobility limitations, and other health impacts linked to your abdominal tissue. - Check your local NHS trust’s commissioning policy
Many trusts publish criteria for body contouring surgery; you can see whether tummy tucks (abdominoplasty/apronectomy) are covered under certain clinical conditions. - Appeal or request exceptional funding if initially denied
If your case meets strong medical grounds, some trusts allow appeals or “exceptionality” applications. - Consider private options or grants
If NHS funding is refused, many patients choose private surgery or financial assistance options.
Conclusion
Qualifying for a tummy tuck on the NHS is difficult, because the procedure is generally considered cosmetic. Only in cases where excess abdominal skin causes genuine medical, functional, or psychological problems might funding be granted—but strict criteria apply. The key steps are to talk to your GP, build a documented case, and review local NHS trust policies. Even with approval, wait times and regional variation can make this a challenging process.
References
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) – NHS (information about when the surgery is cosmetic vs functional)
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/tummy-tuck/ - Tummy Tuck on NHS: When Is it Covered? – Harley Clinic (discussion of NHS referral and criteria)
https://harleyclinic.com/blog/tummy-tuck-on-nhs/ - Paying for a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – Health Centre (UK focus on grants and eligibility)
https://www.healthcentre.org.uk/cosmetic-surgery/tummy-tuck-paying.html - Cheshire & Merseyside ICB – Abdominoplasty or Apronectomy Clinical Commissioning Policy (PDF)
https://www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/media/h2bljtar/pol-clin099-abdo-apron-final.pdf - NHS Somerset ICB – Abdominoplasty / Apronectomy Evidence-Based Interventions Policy (PDF)
https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/Abdominoplasty-Apronectomy-EBI-Policy-2425.v3.pdf