Introduction to Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) - Body Contouring Information

One of the toughest places to lose weight is the abdomen. That is because often the size of the abdomen after extensive weight loss or pregnancy is not weight at all, but rather a buildup of skin and tissues that results in a skin sack that does not easily go away. This can also occur as you age and your body suffers from excess gravity.

Whatever the cause of the extra skin and tissue, one cosmetic surgery for the abdomen that has shown to be very effective is abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a "tummy tuck."

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure designed to tighten the skin around the abdomen in order to give it a firmer and healthier look. Though fat may be removed during the procedure, the ultimate purpose of the tummy tuck is to simply remove the skin and tissue increases that were gained over the course of major weight or size gain.

What types of tummy tuck procedures are there?

There are several different types of abdominoplasty procedures. Some of these techniques include:
- Complete Abdominoplasty
- Partial Abdominoplasty
- Extended Abdominoplasty

As implied by their names, the complete abdominoplasty is the full procedure, designed to give you maximum firmness. It is involves detaching the abdominal wall and tightening the muscles, as well as removing excess skin and fat to create a leaner look. Partial abdominoplasty is similar, but less incisions are made, the belly button and the abdominal wall may be left untouched, and scarring is reduced by overall effects are more minor. The extended abdominoplasty involves fixing the thighs along with the complete abdominoplasty procedure.

How safe is the tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks are generally safe procedures. They are at greater risk for many of the standard surgical complications, such as blood clots, infection and scarring are enhanced because the tummy tuck procedure involves a great deal of surface area on your body. Tummy tuck drains are also a risk.

Tummy tucks are some of the safer cosmetic surgery procedures, and designed to give you a firmer body after other weight loss has occurred. It should not be used in place of standard weight loss or exercise, but if you have already lost weight and wish it to show better, the tummy tuck is a good choice.




There are a variety of plastic surgery procedures and non-surgical treatments available to improve the appearance of your face, breasts, body contour, and skin. With everything from liposuction to breast augmentation, a talented New York tummy tuck surgeon can transform the way you look and feel.