Deciding whether or not to have abdominoplasty should take a lot of thought. The most important factor to consider with any cosmetic plastic surgery is your overall health. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape, but are bothered by an abdominal fat deposit, a
persistent ‘pooch’, or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet and exercise.

The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, after pregnancy, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity, which can be a result of age or slight obesity, can also be improved. You should be free of any active diseases or other pre-existing medical conditions that could complicate the surgery and recovery period.

The quality of your skin is also a factor. Having elastic skin — skin that more readily stretches and recovers — will give better results since it can adapt to the new size and shape of the abdomen.

If you plan to lose a large amount of weight, or if you are a woman still of child bearing age, you should wait to have a tummy tuck. Future weight loss or preganancy can disrupt the results of the surgery.

What is a tummy tuck? Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery of the abdomen to remove excess skin and fat, in order to create a slimmer, more toned appearance. A protruding or saggy abdomen may be the result of pregnancy, obesity and/or rapid weight loss, or simply age. A full abdominoplasty can include the tightening of loose stomach muscles in addition to the removal of excess skin and fat. Dr. Porterfield can also move or rearrange the navel (belly button) for a more pleasing appearance.

Abdominoplasty can be performed on both men and women. A full abdominoplasty is major surgery, however, there are less extensive procedures, including one called a partial abdominoplasty, sometimes referred to as a “mini-tummy tuck.” All tummy tuck procedures can be done as out-patient surgery, with the patient going home that day.

Abdominoplasty is one of the top five most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries, exceeded only by breast augmentation, nose reshaping, liposuction, and eyelid surgery.