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In general, an abdominoplasty is performed when there is excess fat in the belly, but also when there is excess skin and the abdominal muscles are sagging. A tummy tuck is usually performed in patients that have had rapid and frequent changes in weight or after pregnancy in women. Heredity and regular aging play important roles as well. Patients turn to abdominoplasty when other efforts to flatten the tummy have failed.

Skin should shrink, but it may not

One of the more frustrating consequences of rapid weight loss or pregnancy is that even though excess weight or fat is now gone, extra skin remains. And if the weight gain was rapid, the stretch marks remain. While people are successful in dieting, exercising, or have given birth, the body still tells the tale. Sometimes the skin will shrink to accommodate this weight change, but it may not respond as you would like. This is an excellent example in which a tummy tuck surgery can help.

Muscles can be toned, to a certain point

As we age it becomes more and more difficult to tone and strengthen our muscles. This is especially true of the abdominal muscles. While sit-ups and crunches can help to a point, exercise alone may not be enough. An abdominoplasty can surgically tighten those muscles when other approaches have failed.

Consult with a Professional

A plastic surgeon will be able to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you. After a medical history and physical examination, this highly trained professional will be able to guide you in the process. The surgeon will be able to tell you if and when an abdominoplasty is appropriate for you.

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