Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

What is an Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?

A flat, toned abdomen is something many of women and men strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include pregnancy, aging, weight gain/loss.

 

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. The best candidate for this procedure are those near their ideal weight but have extra skin and fat of the lower abdomen that does not respond to diet and exercise. Also, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally those treated areas below the belly button.

 

In general, the scars of abdominoplasty will run across the lower abdomen from hip bone to hip bone with a small scar about the umbilicus. Sometimes variations of the procedure produce smaller or larger scars. The length and location of the scar is determined by the physician in collaboration with the patient.