Tummy tuck

People are very sensitive about the appearance of their stomachs and will try diet and various exercises, including sit-ups, to try improve this. Whether the stomach has lost its previous shape owing to pregnancy, surgery or weight gain followed by weight loss, it often reaches a stage where no improvement with further diet or exercise can be obtained. Sometimes there can be a small amount of redundant skin low down on the abdominal wall, or a small overhang related to a previous scar, which can be treated by a lesser procedure called a "mini abdominoplasty".

For the majority of people, a more extensive abdominoplasty is carried out in which a larger area of skin and fat is removed. The underlying abdominal wall musculature is tightened up and the belly button is mobilised. As with all cosmetic surgery procedures, it is most safely carried out with people who have a healthy body mass index. It is not a substitute for diet or exercise. The operation may be carried out in conjunction with liposuction and is performed under general anaesthetic. It involves a minimum two-night stay in hospital. After the operation, a garment similar to a corset is worn for a minimum of six to twelve weeks.