What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, cosmetic surgeons explain, is a form of plastic surgery meant to reduce the sagging or protuberant abdominal skin and fat that often accumulates as a result of genetics, the natural aging process, one or more pregnancies, or massive weight loss. Abdominal muscles can also be firmed and tightened during the surgery to give patients a smoother and more toned midsection.

A variety of tummy tuck procedures are available to fulfill the needs of both men and women.  Your surgeon will work with you to select the right procedure for you based on factors such as your abdomen size and shape and to amount of tissue you wish to have removed. The best tummy tuck procedure for you will meet your body sculpting goals while minimizing the amount of scarring. 

The tummy tuck procedures most frequently used by plastic surgeons are: traditional abdominoplasty, mini- tummy tuck, endoscopic abdominoplasty, or what is known as an extended tummy tuck

For patients with a large amount of excess fat and skin in the midsection, a traditional abdominoplasty may be recommended.  A hip-to-hip horizontal incision is made across the lower abdomen. The navel will be removed as the surgeon works to tighten up and suture the abdominal muscles.  Excess fat and skin is then removed allowing the plastic surgeon to take the remaining skin and stretch it downward to create a new belly button and close the incision.  Plastic surgeons generally use temporary drainage tubes post tummy tuck surgery to help drain any accumulation of fluid, which aids in the recovery process.

Mini Tummy Tuck.  If you do not have an excessive amount of extra skin or protruding muscle in the abdominal area, you may be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. It uses a smaller horizontal incision and usually does not require repositioning of the belly button. At this point, the mini tummy tuck is performed similarly to the traditional abdominoplasty.

Extended Abdominoplasty:   Can help improve the appearance of the abdomen, “love handles,” and the lower back.The extended tummy tuck requires a longer incision extending behind the hips.  The cosmetic surgeon removed skin and fat from the entire area, tightens the abdominal muscles and repositions or reconstructs the navel.
Endoscopic Abdominoplasty: is best for someone with a protruding abdomen and limited amounts of excess skin. No skin is removed, and there is minimal scarring.  The abdominal muscles are tightened and sutured using special instruments inserted through very small incisions around the belly button and pubic bone.

Who Can Get a Tummy Tuck?
Men and women 18 and over may be good candidates for abdominoplasty if they are generally healthy (mentally as well as physically) and do not have any health conditions that would complicate the surgery or general anesthesia.  Potential tummy tuck patients also need to accept the likelihood of permanent scarring.  Women planning to become pregnant should not have the surgery.  Patients should also be aware that scarring in the abdomen from earlier surgeries may preclude them from receiving the surgery.