Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the shape and appearance of the abdomen.
During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed. The connective tissue in the abdomen (fascia) is also usually tightened with sutures. The remaining skin is repositioned to create a more toned appearance.
You may choose to have a tummy tuck if you have excess fat or skin around the navel area or a weak lower abdominal wall. A tummy tuck can also enhance your body image.
• Significant weight changes
• Pregnancy
• Abdominal surgery, such as a cesarean section
• Aging
• Your natural body type
Tummy tuck surgery can remove excess skin and fat, and strengthen weak fascia. A tummy tuck can also remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the belly button. However, a tummy tuck does not correct stretch marks outside this area.
If you have had a previous C-section, your plastic surgeon may incorporate the existing C-section scar into the tummy tuck scar.
Abdominoplasty can also be performed in combination with other cosmetic procedures for body contouring, such as breast surgery. If you have had fat removed from your abdomen (liposuction), you may decide to have a tummy tuck, because liposuction removes the tissue just below the skin and fat, but not the excess skin.
Abdominoplasty is not for everyone. Your doctor may warn you about tummy tuck surgery if:
• You plan to lose a significant amount of weight
• You might be considering a future pregnancy
• You have a serious chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes
• You have a body mass index greater than 30
• You smoke
• Had previous abdominal surgery that caused significant scar tissue
