Surgery of the Abdomen

Is an Abdominoplasty right for me?

Abdominoplasty is best suited to women and men who are in relatively good shape, but have loose abdominal skin and/or a significant amount of abdominal fat that won't respond to dieting or exercise.

You may be a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you have one or more of the following conditions:

  • excess or loose, sagging abdominal skin
  • an abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of the body
  • abdominal muscles that have been weakened by pregnancy or aging
  • excess fat that is concentrated beneath the abdominal skin.

If you plan to become pregnant or to lose a significant amount of weight, you should discuss these plans with your surgeon. Scars from previous abdominal surgeries may limit the results of an abdominoplasty. However, in some cases, an existing scar can be used for the new incision, as is often the case for women with Cesarean section scars.

What should I expect from the consultation?

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering abdominoplasty. During this meeting, your surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for the surgery.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:

  • previous surgical procedures
  • past and present medical conditions
  • medications you are taking, including herbal remedies or nutritional supplements.

When examining your abdomen, your plastic surgeon will evaluate:

  • the quality of your abdominal skin
  • the location of any existing scars
  • the amount and location of any excess fat
  • the status of the underlying muscles.

Your plastic surgeon may suggest other treatments to better meet your appearance goals. For example, some patients may benefit from liposuction alone or a more limited type of abdominoplasty.

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