Tummy tuck is a very common cosmetic procedure which dramatically flattens your abdomen by getting rid of loose skin and excess fat and by tightening your abdominal muscles. This elective plastic surgery , medically known as abdominoplasty, offers a perfect solution for those who wish to get back their slim and attractive taut figure after pregnancy or significant weight loss. Men and women who undergo this procedure no longer have to feel embarrassed about their body, but instead can gain new self confidence to happily wear clothes and bathing suits of their choice.

The abdominal skin can stretch excessively and lose its natural elasticity during fat accumulation, pregnancy, and weight loss. The condition is found to be more prominent in the middle and lower regions of the abdomen. Plastic surgeons undertake a thorough evaluation of their patients and assess the quality of skin tone. They then decide upon the best approach for effective treatment.

A tummy tuck requires a general anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort and allow the best muscle tightening. The plastic surgeon makes an incision in the lower part of the abdomen to hide within the bikini line and a second one around the belly button. The abdominal skin and underlying fat is then elevated off the abdominal muscle wall all the way up to the lower rib cage. This exposes the underlying rectus muscles of the abdomen which are then tightened all the way up the midline with sutures. This muscle tightening acts as an "internal girdle" to restore a flat abdominal contour. Excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen, typically from the incision line to the level of the belly button, is then surgically removed and the skin flap redraped and closed with dissolvable sutures. One of the additional advantages of undergoing a tummy tuck to flatten your abdomen is that the procedure can remove stretch marks in the lower abdomen, unlike any other procedure.

By these methods, dramatic improvements in abdominal contour can truly be achieved! Results are amazing and can be seen immediately, despite some expected swelling which resolves over 6-12 weeks. As expected with any procedure, there is some down time. Patients typically need about 2 weeks out from work and follow some activity restrictions for up to 6 weeks.

To ensure the best possible results, it is best to have the procedure done by experienced hands, especially a board certified plastic surgeon, who has extensive skill and experience in bringing about seamless natural results.