Abdominoplasty, also known as a Tummy Tuck, is an aesthetic surgical procedure performed to improve the shape and appearance of the abdomen.
During abdominoplasty surgery, excess skin and fat from the abdominal area are removed. The abdominal fascia, or connective tissue, is typically tightened with sutures. Then, the remaining skin is repositioned to create a more toned appearance.
If you have excess fat or skin around your belly button, or if your lower abdominal wall is weak, you may prefer to undergo abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty can also enhance your body image.
Excessive fat, weak skin elasticity, or weakened connective tissue in your abdomen can have various causes. These include:
Abdominoplasty can remove loose, excess skin and fat and tighten weak fascia. Abdominoplasty surgery can also eliminate excess skin and stretch marks in the lower abdominal area below the belly button. However, abdominoplasty does not correct stretch marks outside this area.
If you have previously had a cesarean section, your plastic surgeon may incorporate your existing cesarean scar into your abdominoplasty scar.
Abdominoplasty surgery can be performed in conjunction with other body contouring aesthetic procedures such as breast surgery. If you have had fat removed from your abdomen (liposuction), you may consider abdominoplasty because liposuction removes tissue and fat just beneath the skin but does not remove excess skin.
Abdominoplasty is not suitable for everyone. Your doctor may advise against abdominoplasty in the following cases: