Tummy tuck, also known medically as Abdominoplasty is the surgical removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower part of the abdomen. A tummy tuck is also carried out to tighten the abdominal muscles. The outcome of getting a tummy tuck done includes a flatter abdomen, and at times even a smaller waist, considering that the process corrects loose, sagging skin and excess fat. Scars are generally located below the line of a swimsuit or underwear.

Patients who wish to get a tummy tuck carried out must have practical expectations about the entire process and have a preliminary consultation with an experienced physician who would tell them about the risks along with the benefits of the procedure. The type of a person’s skin, overall health, weight and age can affect the outcome. Those who wish to lose a lot of weight or get pregnant again should wait before having this surgery.

Who Gets Tummy Tucks?

Both men and women get tummy tucks, but the procedure is basically intended for women whose skin has stretched after more than one pregnancy. A partial abdominoplasty or mini-tummy tuck may be an option for people whose fat deposits are just on the lower part of the abdomen.

Even though a vast number of people go for a tummy tuck due to cosmetic reasons, there are numerous others who have the surgery to correct weakened abdominal muscles that are causing medical problems, such as back pain. This operation is generally considered by doctors to be rehabilitative when it is necessary for medical reasons and mainly improves function.

Tummy tucks are at times carried out along with liposuction so as to do away with pockets of excess fat from particular areas of the body using a suction pump.

When is a Tummy Tuck Helpful?

Tummy tucks are best for people who do not weigh too much, considering the fact that it is not a weight-loss technique and is not suitable for over-weight people.

The surgery is usually helpful for:

• Women with baggy folds of skin over the abdomen and/or damaged abdominal muscles after pregnancy

• People who have a large amount of fat as well as loose skin on the abdomen which cannot go away with exercise or diet, and even though whose skin are not elastic enough to undergo liposuction

• The elderly who because of age and a bit of obesity have flabby, loose skin on the abdomen or weakened abdominal muscles