An abdominoplasty, sometimes referred to as a tummy tuck, is an operation to remove excess skin and fat around the waistline. The type of procedure required depends on the relative proportions and distribution of the excess skin and fat. There may be a marked excess of both or relatively more skin in those who have experienced a massive weight loss such as after gastic banding or similar and the approach to each patient will be different. Frequently the muscles are weakened exacerbating the abdominal bulge and here a muscle tightening procedure will be needed. The aim of all these procedures is to significantly improve the waistline, giving a smooth, refined, flattened tummy with a narrower waist. The scar is placed low on the abdomen, in a similar position to a transverse caesarean section scar although usually longer, this achieves the aim of the scar usually being concealed beneath underwear. The abdominoplasty procedure is often performed in combination with liposuction.
Occasionally a smaller procedure is required such as where there is an overhang of skin such as after a caesarean section. This so called ‘mini-abdominoplasty’ is a smaller procedure where less skin and fat is removed than in a full abdominoplasty, but is not suitable for all patients