Many women and men consider a tummy tuck to gain a slimmer abdomen by eliminating excess skin and fat resulting from pregnancy, aging, fluctuations in weight or prior surgery.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is an operation that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and may include tightening of the abdominal wall muscles to correct separation of the muscles and minimize bulging or protrusion. Common reasons people choose tummy tuck surgery include:

• To eliminate sagging skin resulting from pregnancy, aging, or major weight loss.
• To reduce the look of prominent stretch marks. While not all stretch marks are improved by tummy tuck surgery, those below the navel can sometimes be eliminated or minimized by the removal or tightening of abdominal skin.
• To achieve a tighter and more contoured abdomen and waist.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Good tummy tuck patients are generally healthy but are unhappy with their abdomen due to areas of loose skin or fat that have not responded to diet and exercise. Ideal candidates have reached a stable weight and do not smoke. Patients that are anticipating a major change in their weight or women who may be considering future pregnancy may be encouraged to delay their tummy tuck procedure to achieve a long lasting correction of abdominal contour. Our surgeons spend significant time listening to their patients and establish shared realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery through a unique operative plan to address each patient’s individual goals.

The initial consultation with one of our plastic surgeons will include:

• A discussion of goals and expectations for the procedure. A surgeon will review options to develop an individualized surgical plan that will balance goals, anatomy, and the current techniques that are available for improving abdominal contour.
• The care team will review what to expect before and after the surgery, including the risks and anticipated benefits to the procedure. Any medical issues that might affect the procedure’s outcome are carefully reviewed.

Patients are encouraged to ask questions and discuss concerns during this visit.