An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure designed to flatten and tighten the skin around the midsection. As with any other surgical procedure, the abdominoplasty has evolved in recent times. After pregnancy, weight gain or detachment of abdominal wall muscle tissue, many patients have turned to this highly effective treatment option.

A full abdominoplasty procedure usually starts with a transverse incision that extends from the hip across the area just above the pubic region over to the other hip. This incision allows the abdominal skin and fat to be lifted, removed and tightened from pubic region to the rib cage. The belly button does not get removed. Instead, alterations are carefully done around the umbilicus while the rest of the skin and fat are lifted, discarding any excess.

Keep in mind this procedure is not for patients looking to lose a significant amount of weight; instead, it’s a procedure that will tighten and firm. For more information about abdominoplasty, contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Newman at his New York office.