Aesthetic surgery of the abdomen is called "Abdominoplasty" and Is commonly known as the "tummy tuck". The procedure Is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, as well as to address the muscles by tightening them. You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty, If you have one or more of the following conditions: - excess fatty tissue concentrated in the lower abdomen - an abdomen that is protruding, and out of proportion to the rest of the body - weak abdominal muscles following pregnancy - sagging or loose abdominal skin, which may be as a result of pregnancy or rapid weight loss - stretch marks on the lower abdomen after pregnancy with "prune" belly. Your plans of future pregnancy and intended weight loss should be discussed with your surgeon so that you may be guided appropriately. Your consultation will involve the taking of a full medical history, which will Include information about any previous surgery, your past pregnancies, allergies, your weight history, and any medications you may be taking. You will also be examined both standing and lying down to determine the amount of skin and fat excess, the skin tone and the condition of your abdominal muscles.

It is important to rule out whether or not you have a hernia as well. Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the technique used along with the length and site of the scar. Some patients may be better candidates for what is known as a "miniabdominoplasty" in which the scars are shorter and only the lower abdomen is addressed. Generally however, the Incision lies just above the pubic area and extends laterally toward the pelvic bones. Its extent and design will be based on how much skin is to be removed, and what type of bathing suit/ undergarments you prefer to wear. If there Is excess skin above the navel, then you will require an incision around the navel to allow the pulling down of this skin. This will not change the position of your navel. It will be possible to tighten the abdominal muscles, if required through the lower Incision. Often it is necessary to combine liposuction of the flanks with abdominoplasty to give a uniform and pleasing aesthetic result, The hospital stay is usually one to three days depending on the procedure done and your own speed of recovery. In many instances, small drains may be placed within the abdominal tissues to help avoid accumulation of fluids.

The operation is generally safe and specific details of the potential complications are best discussed during your office visit to your plastic surgeon. Some of the aspects which will be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and reactions to anaesthesia. In addition (especially when the operation has been extensive and also in smokers), tissue loss along the lower incision may take place and delay healing. Sometimes after surgery, fluid may accumulate under the skin and fat of the abdomen which will require your surgeon to remove It with a needle and syringe. This is quite painless, but may require to be done repeatedly in some instances. The day after surgery you will be encouraged to walk.You will not be able to stand absolutely straight, and should sleep for the first few days with a pillow under your knees. It is best if you do not sit for long periods of time- straining, bending and lifting too should be avoided. You will have to wear a support garment around the abdomen for three weeks. Sutures are generally removed after two weeks.

You should expect some bruising and swelling which will take between two and three weeks to settle down. There may also be some numbness over portions of the abdomen, which may persist for several months. The incisions will be quite red initially but will fade in the next few months after surgery. You may return to non strenuous work a week or two after surgery, and exercise may be started after six weeks. You may experience mild periodic discomfort and swelling from time to time over the first few months, but such feelings are normal. In some individuals the incision lines are more noticeable, but are fortunately concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments. Every year many thousands of people successfully undergo abdominoplasty. It will give you a firmer and flatter abdomen which will make you more comfortable in your clothing and may make you feel more confident about your appearance. The result should last many years unless you have significant weight fluctuation or become pregnant. A second procedure is also possible, if over the years you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen.