What is a tummy tuck?

There are a number of operations on the abdominal area which are performed to correct one or a combination of deformities created by:

(1)redundant fatty tissue,

(2)skin laxity or

(3)bulging of the abdominal wall.

There are at least six operations which are designed to address specific concerns of the patient. If there is only redundant fatty tissue present and the skin and abdominal wall are tight, then liposuction alone may be used to remove the fat which may be resistant to diet and exercise. If there is only abdominal wall bulging and the skin is tight and there is no fatty tissue; then the muscular abdominal wall can be tightened like a hernia repair, to flatten and reshape the area. In most situations, usually because of pregnancy or weight gain, all three deformities, (redundant fat, loose skin and bulging muscle) need to be addressed.This operation involves removal of some fatty tissue with liposuction, but most of the redundant fatty tissue is excised or removed with the loose skin and the abdominal wall is tightened. The skin from the upper abdomen is pulled down and a new opening for the umbilicus or belly button is created. A transverse or horizontal scar results low in the abdominal area, which can usually be hidden with a bikini bathing suit or standard lingerie.This operation which addresses all three deformities would describe the standard abdominoplasty. Occasionally there will be laxity which extends outside the abdominal area to the flanks. In this case, an "extended abdominoplasty " which includes the flanks will be necessary to remove the redundant skin in this area. Finally, (and usually after massive weight loss such as after gastric bypass surgery), there is skin laxity and redundant fatty tissue which extends completely around the waist and requires an operation which extends all the way around this area. This operation is often called a "belt lipectomy " or a "body lift, " when thigh and buttock skin is pulled up in the process.