What's involved with an abdominoplasty?

Skin/muscle vs skin: Generally speaking an abdominoplasty literally means aesthetic surgical correction of the abdomen typically referring to excess skin removal and muscle approximation. Liposuction of the hips is also commonly performed. The extent of correction of skin/muscle/fat will determine the exact type of tummy tuck as there are many variations. See youtube vid: http://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=djmer5b5bx4.

Flat tummy: An abdominoplasty removes the excess skin and fatty tissue and repairs the abdominal muscles to provide a flat tummy. It is usually combined with liposuction.

Smoothen the Tummy!: Abdominoplasty is surgical correction of abdominal skin excess and abdominal wall weakness (without hernia). This involves a bikini-line incision, removal of excess skin and fat, moving the belly button (sometimes), and tightening the abdominal wall muscles. The skin is pulled down like a "window shade." liposuction of the hips/flanks is often combined with this procedure to achieve optimal shape!

Tummy tuck: Abdominoplasty is a procedure performed to remove loose abdominal skin and stretch marks. The scar extends across the lower abdomen from hip to hip. The incision can usually be placed low enough that it is hidden by clothes. The abdominal muscles are tightened during the procedure. http://www.dassmd.com/tummy-tuck/index.html.

Improved shape: Most often abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is done after pregnancy or weight loss. When there is loose skin, especially with stretch marks, that cannot be improved with exercise. An abdominoplasty removes the skin from the lower abdomen, and the skin of the upper abdomen is pulled down to cover that area, resulting in a smooth tight contour and a scar along the bikini line and around the belly button.

Tummy Tuck: This operation generally involves removal of excess skin and adipose tissue of the lower abdominal wall and re-approximation of the muscles that may have spread with pregnancy and/or weight gain/loss. Ideal patient has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable,  has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, and has achieved a long-term stable weight.

Abdominoplasty: It can be a very powerful operation. It's for those folks with extra skin and soft tissue. Many who have lost weight and have extra skin want the excess taken away. Some just want to fit into pants better. The abdominal muscles may also have spread out with pregnancy or just over time. The plication sews them back together. This flattens the tummy. See a board certified plastic surgeon.

Several goals: The primary goals of a tummy tuck are the following: 1) correction of separated abdominal muscles by suturing them together to flatten the abdomen. 2) removing loose stretched skin. 3) +/- liposuction of the flanks for waist definition. 4) removal of lower abdominal stretch marks.