Abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is currently one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed. A major plastic surgery procedure, it involves removing excess skin and fat of the middle and lower abdomen and tightening the abdominal wall muscles. This body-contouring procedure is best for treating stubborn fat of the mid section that is unresponsive to diet and exercise.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is a man or woman who is in relatively good shape but is troubled by a large deposit of fat or loose abdominal skin. Good candidates include individuals who are healthy and realistic in their expectations. (While a tummy tuck can dramatically change the appearance of your abdominal area, it cannot change how others perceive you.) It is important to carefully consider your expectations prior to surgery and discuss them with a qualified surgeon.

Tummy tucks can be particularly beneficial for women whose abdominal muscles and skin have been stretched by multiple pregnancies and are unable to return to normal. Older patients who have lost skin elasticity, often as a result of slight obesity, can also find the procedure beneficial.

Abdominoplasty is best postponed for patients intending to lose a significant amount of weight and for women intending future pregnancies. Patients with scarring from previous abdominal surgery may be at a greater risk for more prominent scarring and, in some cases, may be advised against abdominoplasty.

Benefits

A tummy tuck can help improve both your appearance and your self-confidence. By removing fat tissue and sagging skin, the procedure can create a dramatically firmer and flatter stomach and slimmer waistline.

Please note that while a tummy tuck can result in the dramatic reduction of a protuberant abdomen, it is highly likely there will be a permanent scar that can extend from hip to hip, depending upon the extent of work required.