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What Is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. The surgeon may also repair or tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles. The procedure changes the abdominal contour but is not a weight-loss treatment. Its extent depends on the amount and location of excess tissue.

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What Is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. The surgeon may also repair or tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles. The procedure changes the abdominal contour but is not a weight-loss treatment. Its extent depends on the amount and location of excess tissue.

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Who May Consider Abdominoplasty?

People may consider abdominoplasty when loose abdominal skin remains after pregnancy, weight changes, or aging. A consultation assesses general health, surgical goals, and factors that could affect healing. Someone planning substantial weight loss or a future pregnancy may be advised to postpone surgery. Exercise can strengthen muscles but cannot remove excess skin.

How Is Abdominoplasty Performed?

The surgeon makes an incision on the lower abdomen and removes excess skin and fat. In many procedures, separated or weakened abdominal muscles are repaired before the remaining skin is repositioned. A full abdominoplasty may also require an incision around the navel to reposition it. Incision placement and the amount of tissue removed vary with the surgical plan.

What Happens During Recovery?

Swelling, soreness, and limited movement are expected during the early recovery period. Dressings, a compression garment, and temporary drains may be used. The surgeon provides instructions for walking, incision care, lifting, and returning to work or exercise. Healing continues as swelling decreases and scars mature.

What Are the Risks of Abdominoplasty?

Risks include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, poor wound healing, and noticeable scarring. Blood clots and complications related to anesthesia are also possible. Changes in skin sensation may occur around the treated area. A surgeon can explain how health history and the extent of surgery affect individual risk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominoplasty

Is abdominoplasty a weight-loss procedure?

No. It removes excess tissue and may repair separated abdominal muscles, but it does not replace weight loss or exercise.

Can a tummy tuck remove stretch marks?

Stretch marks on skin that is removed may disappear or improve. Stretch marks outside that area usually remain.

Will abdominoplasty leave a scar?

Yes. The procedure requires an incision, usually along the lower abdomen, and the resulting scar may fade over time without disappearing.

Can pregnancy affect tummy tuck results?

Yes. Pregnancy can stretch the abdominal skin and muscles again, which may alter the result.

References

Abdominal wall surgery. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002978.htm. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Tummy tuck. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery/tummy-tuck/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Surgery, Recovery, Risks & Results. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/11017-tummy-tuck. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.

Tummy Tuck Risks and Safety. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/safety. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.