A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a large or protruding abdomen and can significantly narrow the waistline.

The best candidates for a tummy tuck surgery are men or women who are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is ideal for women who have been pregnant and have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal, thereby resulting in “stretch marks.” A tummy tuck can also improve a loss of skin elasticity, which frequently occurs in overweight or obese patients. Overall, a tummy tuck can produce excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin in the abdominal region.

Mini-Abdominoplasty, sometimes called a mini-tummy tuck, may be performed on patients who only have a limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen and who would not need the tightening of abdominal muscles that is part of a standard abdominoplasty, although sometimes, the mini-tummy tuck may include it. However, if the patient has excessive fat but minimal or limited looseness of the abdomen, this plastic surgery procedure may be performed in tandem with liposuction.

The abdominoplasty procedure is an operation which is performed to eliminate excess fatty tissue and skin folds in the mid to lower abdominal region. Often, women who have experienced multiple pregnancies have an excess amount of skin in this region as a result of abdominal swelling during pregnancy. During this procedure, the surgeon raises abdominal skin and tissue, stretching it downward and removing the excess with a closure within what is referred to as a “bikini line.” Repair of muscular structures is done at the same time. Often, the procedure involves repositioning the navel to a higher level. To enhance the result, liposuction of the hips and abdomen is often performed.

The procedure begins with the plastic surgeon making an incision that goes from hip to hip along the lower pubic area, made in an area that will allow the resulting scar from the procedure to be hidden under a bathing suit or underwear. The surgeon will then lift the loose skin from the abdominal wall, at which point the loosened “rectus” muscles that normally give the abdomen its strength are tightened and repaired. This provides essentially the same effect of an old-fashioned girdle.

The belly button, or “umbilicus,” will be disconnected from the abdomen. The loose skin will be removed, the abdominal wall will be tightened, the thighs and buttocks will be tightened, and the belly button will be reattached. Drains will be used on each side of the abdominal incision in order to remove excess fluid and prevent buildup after the procedure.

In the abdominoplasty, postoperative scarring is significant and may take from six months to a year for resolution; it will never disappear completely. Most often abdominoplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Routine activity can be resumed within ten days, but sports and exercising are prohibited for six weeks to allow the muscle to heal properly.

Recently I had lost alot of weight. when looking at myself in the mirror, I notice I have lost all the weight from around my legs and my breasts, but the tummy fat and excess skin is still there. I work out regularly, but nothing helps.

I decided to do some research on the internet so see what I could try. Then i stumbled on to this website of a plastic surgeon in Newport, California. I was apprehensive to trust my body to any surgery, but something had to be done, I didn't like what I saw in the mirror. After much thought and more research I decided to go see this plastic surgeon and ask some questions. I went to the consultation convinced this was not going to help me. After talking with the doctor, looking at before and after photos of tummy tuck surgeries, I was amazed at the results and decided to have the surgery done for me.

It has been three months since I had the surgery, and I feel great! I have nice firm tummy and I am no longer self conscious about my body. I have my self confidence back, and I can once again wear a bikini and not feel embarrassed.

You know when i think about plastic surgery, I think about face lifts, breast augmentation, and body contouring. I know that there are a lot of women out there that would like to have bigger breast and to have a firm tummy.  I know that i have been small all my life, and I would like to get rid of the love handles. I know that this change will be good for me. So i have been doing some research to see what kind of procedures are out there. I also did research what size would be good for me.

In my research i found that it is best that you find a plastic surgeon you feel comfortable to say what you would like. Then also here what the plastic surgeon says is best.  Always remember that it is your body and that you need to do what is right for you.
So for me I was able to talk to this plastic surgeon and we were able to figure out what size of breast would be good for me.  He also was able to show me picture of those who have had both of the procedures done.  This plastic surgeon is in Tulsa Oklahoma. It was really nice to be able to get my concerns and question answered that would work for me.  

I was able to get both of my problem areas taken care of in on time. That was really nice I was able to heal from both of the procedures and have one surgery. It has been 6 months and i feel great and awesome. My self confidence is better that I have had the plastic surgery done.