Tummy Tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, trims, flattens and firms a bulging abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and by tightening loose abdominal muscles.

It can an effective procedure if you have trouble trimming your abdomen despite exercise or weight loss or following changes in your midsection after pregnancy.

A mini tummy tuck treats a limited, central tummy bulge with a short incision just above the pubic region.

Liposuction techniques may be used to reduce excess fat or shape the waist at the time of abdominoplasty. Excess skin and fat that extend to the hips and love handles, and diastasis (a vertical separation of the abdominal muscles) are treated with a full tummy tuck, and incisions that may be hidden the bikini line . You may also require an incision around the umbilicus (belly button).

Generally outpatient, under general anaesthesia, a tummy tuck may require an overnight stay when combined with other procedures.

Recovery depends on the extent of your tummy tuck. Light activity can be done the day after your surgery; a return to more normal activity may take 1-2 weeks. A light compression garment may be recommended during your recovery to help reduce fluid retention and shape your flatter abdomen.

Results can be long-term, but weight loss/gain or pregnancy may alter your appearance.