Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a major surgical procedure for men and women generally in good shape and health but who have large fat deposits around their abdomen or have and excess of loose skin. Abdominoplasty can reduce protruding abdominal fat but it does leave a lengthy, permanent, sometimes visible scar that runs the length of the hipbones. Also during abdominoplasty, the vertical muscles of the abdomen are tightened.

Often, people who have abdominoplasty surgery are women who dont intend to bear more children and whose previous pregnancies stretched their abdominal muscles or people suffering from obesity whose skin elasticity has diminished.

During the procedure patients are either given a sedative and local anesthesia or general anesthesia. An incision is made between the hipbones and around the belly button. Then the skin is separated from the abdominal wall and lifted over the vertical abdominal muscles. These muscles are then sewn together to tighten them. Next the skin is stretched down and flattened and the remaining skin left over the incision is cut away and the skin flap is sewn into its new place.

After surgery, supportive garments should be worn and after three weeks all sutures will have been removed. Post-operative exercise is encouraged to tone the muscles and healthy lifestyle and diet is encouraged to maintain the results.

While abdominoplasty leaves a significant scar, it doesnt show under most clothes and under some swim suits and most people are happy with the procedure because they look better, feel healthier, and are in less pain.