Tummy tuck advice

[KT1987]

Hi everyone,
I'm looking for some advice from anyone who has had a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
After having four children, I'm left with excess skin on my stomach, which I'm very self-conscious about. I recently attended a free consultation, and the surgeon advised that I would benefit from a slight muscle repair as well. They also suggested that liposuction could make a significant difference to the overall result, although it isn't essential.
I'm based in Belfast and had my consultation locally. The surgeon was lovely, but the surgery itself would take place in Dublin.
My dilemma is that I know I could probably have the procedure done much more cheaply abroad. On the one hand, I feel I'd be more comfortable staying closer to home and avoiding long journeys, especially during recovery. On the other hand, the cost savings of going abroad are very tempting.
I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar position or has experience of having surgery either locally or abroad. Any advice, recommendations, or things to consider would be very welcome.
Thank you!

I had a tummy tuck and lipo done 5 years ago. It was hands down the best decision I ever made.

HOWEVER. Recovery was hard, and I got an infection in my wound which required trips to the private
hospital three times a week for about six weeks. They were really great and tried so many different solutions to help.

I would absolutely never do this abroad. The trip home along you’re at risk of ripping open a lot of internal stitching surely.

You would also be fucked if you needed post-op support like I did. No way would the NHS have been able to provide the treatment that I got.

Im thinking of looking into this and wouldn't even consider going abroad to be honest. Cheaper yes, but so many potential problems.

I need this as I have diastasis recti. I wouldn't even consider doing it abroad.

My mum lives abroad and had hers done there- similar healthcare to the UK and no way would she or I consider surgery abroad. I used to work in A&E and used to see patients returning from abroad with infections and all sorts. One woman arrived with drainage bags still attached and no documentation in English to say what she'd even had done! Have you compared prices with clinics in England?

Mums surgeon advised lipo at the same time, but she thought it was a bit extravagant because she'd also had a breast reduction 2 yrs earlier. I recall her saying her stomach felt very tight and it felt uncomfortable to stand up straight initially. Her shape had changed from an hour glass to suddenly being very pear shaped and 'hippy'. After 2yrs, she returned for lipo to smooth things out and it really did balance her look. She has no regrets and 10yrs on, hasn't had any issues, nor gained weight on her stomach.

Thank you, everyone, for your replies.

You’ve definitely helped reassure me that staying local is the best option. I know I’m probably overthinking everything now and starting to panic a bit about the cost. I’m also incredibly nervous about the whole thing.

At this point, I just need to get it booked, have it done, and focus on recovering. I almost wish it was tomorrow so I didn’t have so much time to think about it and work myself up.

Is anyone here from Ireland who could recommend where they had theirs done and share their experience?