Abdominoplasty, known as a "tummy tuck," is a main cosmetic surgical procedure to reshape and firm the abdomen. It includes the removing of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen so as to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure helps to reduce the appearance of a prominent abdomen. It is usually wanted by women, who are not considering having any more children, and people who have abdominal fat sediments which do not respond well to diet and exercise.

Abdominoplasty is also used after massive weight loss to remove the resulting 'apron' of fat and skin hanging in front of the patient. You shouldn’t forget that it does produce a constant scar, which, depending on the size of the problem and plastic surgery, can expand from hip to hip.

If you’ve already decided to do abdominoplasty you should find out all the necessary information about this procedure. It will give you a fundamental understanding of the procedure. You’ll discover when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can wait for. It can’t answer all of your questions because a lot depends on the individuality of the patient and the surgeon. You have to ask your surgeon about anything you don’t comprehend.

Procedure:	A cosmetic surgical procedure that is performed to reshape and firm the abdomen and includes the removing of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen so as to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Length:	2 to 5 hours.
Anesthesia:	General or local with nervine.
In/Outpatient:	Depends on individual circumstances and extent of surgery.
Side Effects:	Transient pain. Swelling, pain, numbness of abdominal skin, livid spots, tiredness for several weeks or months.
Risks:	Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin flap. Long term healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss. Necessity for a second operation.
Recovery:	Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks. More forceful activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more. Desapearing and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years.