An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and tightens the abdominal wall where the muscles have separated. Pregnancy and weight gain can cause the abdominal muscles to stretch apart and separate (diastasis). Laxity or loose skin on the abdomen as a result of pregnancy or weight gain/loss can be removed with this surgical procedure.
During the surgery, the excess skin is removed and an incision is made hip bone to hip bone or less, depending how much skin needs to be removed. The muscles are then tightened and reinforced. This provides a flat, tight abdomen. Ideally, the patient’s weight is relatively stable going into the procedure. An abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure, but a contouring procedure.
Even though more women request this surgery, men can be candidates as well, especially after a significant weight loss. The typical candidate has excess fatty tissue, inelastic skin, and diastasis (separated abdominal muscles). Diastasis is most common in women whose abdominal wall has stretched during pregnancy and has not returned to its normal pre-pregnancy state. Even with proper diet and exercise, this condition is difficult to avoid. Ideally, women should wait until they are done having children before moving forward with this procedure to prevent separation of the muscles again and the loose skin that pregnancy creates.