The shape and contour of the abdomen is of concern to many people. Both men and women express concern about lower tummy bulges, “love handles” and sagging skin. For many, unsightly abdominal contour is the result of pregnancy: lower abdominal stretch marks, loose skin, a bulge that will not go away even with the most vigorous exercise.

Pregnancy may also stretch and separate the abdominal muscles, which only add to the lower tummy bulge, and exercise simply cannot overcome this separation no matter how strenuous it is. The lower abdomen is the target of many surgical procedures and scars may add to the unsightly result. Asymmetry, puckering, overhanging skin and stretched scars all take their toll on abdominal appearance. For others still, weight loss produces redundant, loose skin that is unsightly, uncomfortable and may produce skin rashes and infections.

Abdominoplasty can correct all of the problems above. It involves removing the lower abdominal skin including stretch marks, scars and redundant skin. It can re-contour the abdomen and tighten and rejoin the separated abdominal muscles. Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposculpture to the waist area to remove “lovehandles” at the same time.

Is abdominoplasty for me?
Women and men who have loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated in the abdomen can benefit from abdominoplasty. Sometimes these conditions are inherited. In other instances, substantial weight loss may cause abdominal skin to become flaccid. Abdominoplasty also can tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy. The procedure may also improve the appearance of stretch marks especially those located below the navel.

Any of the following conditions may make you a good candidate for abdominoplasty:

• Excess or sagging abdominal skin
• An abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body
• Abdominal muscles that have been separated and weakened
• Excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen