The Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty removes the excess fat and skin of the abdominal area and tightens the abdominal muscles. Skin can only stretch so far and this procedure is one of the quickest and most efficient methods to correct a protruding abdomen, achieve a flat stomach, and regain your shape. In some cases, it can even improve abdominal stretch marks, especially if they are part of the excised skin, typically below the navel.
Tummy Tuck surgery is considered major surgery. It is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. While Abdominoplasty can be combined with liposuction, they are both independent procedures. The Tummy Tuck is unlike liposuction in that the excess skin is removed in addition to the fat deposits. When performed with abdominoplasty, liposuction allows for even better contouring.
A Tummy Tuck is not a substitute for regular diet and exercise, and should only be performed after weight has been stabilized and all other methods exhausted.