Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in Delhi for NRIs from the UK, Australia and UAE

If you live abroad and are thinking of an abdominoplasty during a visit home, THE CLINICS lets you start with a video consultation, so you know the plan and how long to stay before you book flights. The abdominoplasty is done by Dr Anil Kumar Kaler, plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon (DMC Reg. No. 76657, 9 years of experience). If a hernia or a wide muscle gap is found, Dr Saurabh Bansal, GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon (DMC Reg. No. 37887, 18 years in practice), plans the repair with him. The operation takes place at THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas, New Delhi.

An abdominoplasty needs a longer stay than most operations NRIs fit into a trip home: plan 2 to 3 weeks in Delhi before a long-haul flight.

Start with photos and your history

WhatsApp us on +91 9217381353 (or call +91 8448830013). OPD Mon–Sat, 9 am–9 pm IST.

WhatsApp us · Book a consultation · Call +91 9217381353 / +91 8448830013

What to send before the video call

• Clear photos of the abdomen from the front and side, standing (kept confidential and seen only by the treating team)

• Your height and weight, and how long your weight has been steady

• Past operations, especially C-sections or other abdominal surgery, and any hernia or bulge you have noticed

• Dates of your last delivery or of any weight loss surgery

• Any ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen you already have

• Your medicines (especially blood thinners and hormone tablets), allergies, smoking and conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure

The video consultation is chargeable; we tell you the fee when you book. It helps you understand the likely plan, and the final plan is made after examination in Delhi.

Are you ready for surgery?

• Weight: there is no strict limit, but a BMI below 30–35 is preferred, with a steady weight.

• After pregnancy or weight loss surgery: wait usually at least 6 to 12 months, ideally around a year.

• Smoking: stop well before surgery.

Which operation you may be offered

• Full abdominoplasty: for loose skin above and below the navel and separated muscles; the navel is repositioned.

• Mini abdominoplasty: for a small amount of loose skin below the navel only.

• Extended abdominoplasty: the cut continues towards the flanks for skin that wraps around the sides.

• With liposuction: all types of liposuction are offered to contour the flanks or upper abdomen at the same time.

• With hernia repair: for an umbilical or incisional hernia, often at a C-section scar. The repair is open through the abdominoplasty cut, or minimally invasive by eTEP or IPOM plus, or with component separation for larger defects. Mesh is used for ventral hernias.

More detail: Tummy tuck in South Delhi. If the hernia is your main concern, see Hernia surgery for NRIs.

Your 2 to 3 weeks in Delhi

1. Days 1–2: in-person consultation and pre-op tests (blood tests, ECG, anaesthesia check).

2. Surgery: usually under general anaesthesia. Drains are always placed after an abdominoplasty. The hospital stay is usually 1 to 2 days.

3. First 1–2 weeks: soreness and tightness are expected; short walks several times a day. Light desk work from your hotel or family home is usually possible after about 7 days. Drains are removed when the team advises.

4. Final review: a wound check before you fly. Your surgeon decides when you are fit for the flight; for most people this is 2 to 3 weeks after arriving.

Normal daily activities usually return at 3 to 4 weeks. Heavy lifting and core exercise stay off until your surgeon clears you, usually around six weeks, so arrange help with luggage for the journey home.

Flying home safely

Long flights after abdominal surgery raise the risk of blood clots in the legs. The team advises you on precautions for the flight. Wear your compression garment as advised, walk the aisle and drink water. Book a flexible return ticket, because the date you can fly depends on how you heal.

For patients in the UK

• Getting here: non-stop London–Delhi flights take about 9 to 11 hours.

• Time zone: India is 5 h 30 min ahead of the UK in winter and 4 h 30 min ahead during British Summer Time, so an afternoon video slot in Delhi is a UK morning.

• Records: your GP practice can share notes from past C-sections or abdominal surgery.

• Back home: video follow-up; your discharge summary and operation notes are shared digitally for your GP.

For patients in Australia

• Getting here: non-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne take about 13 hours; from other cities you will usually connect.

• Time zone: Delhi is 4 h 30 min behind Sydney and Melbourne (5 h 30 min during daylight saving) and 2 h 30 min behind Perth.

• Planning: with the longest flight of the three regions, plan towards the 3-week end of the stay and agree the return date with your surgeon before booking.

• Back home: video follow-up, with records shared for your GP.

For patients in the UAE

• Getting here: Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Delhi is about 3.5 hours, so a second in-person review a few weeks later is practical.

• Time zone: India is 1 h 30 min ahead of the UAE; OPD hours are 7:30 am–7:30 pm UAE time, and Saturday clinics fall on the UAE weekend.

• Work: if your job involves lifting or physical work, tell your surgeon; heavy lifting waits until you are cleared.

• Back home: phone or video follow-up, with records shared for your doctor in the UAE.

Visa and entry

The Government of India sets visa and entry rules, and they change, so check the official portals before booking.

• Indian passport holders need no visa.

• OCI cardholders already hold a lifelong multiple-entry visa and do not need a separate medical visa.

• British, Australian and UAE passport holders can apply online for an e-Medical visa, only at indianvisaonline.gov.in, at least 4 days before arrival (up to 120 days ahead). You upload your passport bio page and a letter on the treating hospital's letterhead with your name, nationality, passport number and tentative admission date. Up to two e-Medical Attendant visas can be linked to one e-Medical visa.

• UAE nationals who have held an Indian e-Visa or regular visa before may be eligible for visa on arrival; check the official portal first.

• Foreign nationals and OCI cardholders fill in the online e-Arrival card within 72 hours before arrival.

THE CLINICS MISC Hauz Khas is licensed by DGHS Delhi and registered with FRRO, so we can issue a visa invitation letter once your treatment is planned. The Government of India decides on visas; we cannot promise approval. More: International patients.

Cost and insurance

You receive a written estimate after the consultation. It depends on the type of abdominoplasty, any added liposuction or hernia repair, and the length of stay. Insurance facilities available. All major credit cards are accepted.

In-clinic consultation fee: ₹1,500, plus ₹100 registration on the first visit.

Your surgeons

Dr Anil Kumar Kaler: plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon; MBBS, MS, DNB; DMC Reg. No. 76657; 9 years of experience. Work includes abdominoplasty, liposuction and body contouring, and scar revision. Visiting consultant, by appointment. View profile

Dr Saurabh Bansal: GI, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon; DMC Reg. No. 37887; 18 years in practice. National Board certified general, gastrointestinal and minimal access surgeon; FALS. Founder and Director, THE CLINICS MISC. Repairs abdominal wall hernias by open and laparoscopic methods, including eTEP, IPOM plus and component separation. View profile

THE CLINICS MISC, Hauz Khas is a DGHS-registered hospital with 6 ICU-enabled beds and round-the-clock nursing for admitted patients.

Frequently asked questions

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