There are many reasons why a person might opt for abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty. After pregnancy, for example, the tummy wall might be weak and not return to its pre-pregnancy position and appearance. Tummy muscles may have separated during pregnancy and delivery, and not come together once baby is born. This can lead to symptoms related to lack of abdominal wall strength such as pelvic instability, back pain, and a feeling of the tummy separating when straining. Some women have such weakness that despite the rest of their body returning to a pre-pregnancy state, their tummy still looks pregnant.

Or perhaps a person has lost a great deal of weight and has excess skin around the belly, or exercise just won’t budge the last little bit of bulge. Although diet and exercise can assist a person to lose weight, often they are left with excess skin and overhang that causes almost as much distress as the excess weight in the first place. Perhaps time has blessed you with a little ‘apron’ you’d rather be rid of.

Abdominoplasty is the surgical removal of excess skin and fat, and the tightening of the underlying tummy muscles. It can be a complete or mini (or partial) abdominoplasty, and can be paired with liposuction and other procedures. In a complete abdominoplasty, an incision is made hidden just inside the bikini line. Excess fat and skin is removed, the tummy muscles pulled taught and stitched in place, and then the belly button moved to a more natural position.

In a mini abdominoplasty, the target of the problem is below the belly button. Here, the excess skin is removed and the muscles in the lower tummy are tightened. Your belly button probably won’t be moved.

In both tummy tuck procedures, liposuction is usually included to remove the excess fat deposits and sculpt the body to achieve a more desirable appearance, especially around the sides and flanks. Liposuction can be performed on parts of the tummy and pubic area to streamline the profile, and on the hips and buttocks too.

If you’re considering abdominoplasty, make an appointment with a plastic surgeon to discuss the best method to obtain your ideal shape and restore any functional deficiency you feel. During this consultation, the procedure will be tailored to your needs and expectations, plus recovery process explained to suit your lifestyle and social circumstances.