Abdominoplasty can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. Often after pregnancy or weight loss, excess skin and stretch marks deform the once flat and tight abdomen. But, despite diet and exercise, loose skin will still remain. Abdominoplasty is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal, original shape.

Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved. The best candidates for a tummy tuck are men or women who are in relatively good shape, and are maintaining a proper diet, but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin.

Abdominoplasty is the surgical excision of excess skin to the abdomen. An ellipse of skin is removed between the umbilicus (navel) and the hairline of the mons area. This also means that C-section scars are removed as well. This skin above the umbilicus is then lifted off the abdominal wall muscles up to the level of the rib cage and then pulled down to the level of the mons and closed. Before this is done, however, the loose abdominal wall muscles are tightened - which, also narrows the waistline. It does produce a permanent scar.

In some selected patients, a limited skin excision can be performed, which can then be combined with direct liposuction of the abdomen (this is usually not advised in a traditional abdominoplasty as it can significantly compromise the blood supply and increase risks of wound development). The umbilicus is not cut out but only relocated and the abdominal wall is tightened before completing the procedure. Although the scar length is shorter, the final result is usually not as tight and so most candidates for a tummy tuck elect to undergo the traditional abdominoplasty.

Patients often have multiple procedures at the same time. The most common include breast augmentation, breast lifts and/or liposuction. This saves both time and money since costs are often reduced when multiple procedures are combined. If you're looking to inform yourself about abdominoplasty, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when it can help, how it's performed, what to consider, and what results you can expect.