Abdominoplasty is an operation to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Although an abdominoplasty improves body contours and shape it is not a replacement for weight loss. Overweight individuals should lose weight by dieting and postpone all forms of body contouring surgery until they have been able to maintain their weight loss. Frequently, liposuction may be combined with abdominoplasty surgery. The best candidates for abdominoplasty surgery are individuals near their ideal weight who have an excess of fat or skin localized to their abdomen.

The operation is performed in a hospital and under general anesthesia. A low transverse skin incision is made down to the muscles of the abdominal wall. The overlying skin is separated up to the level of and then around the umbilicus. Total freeing of the abdominal wall is performed to the lower rib margin. The loose rectus muscles of the abdomen are then reinforced with permanent sutures. The excess abdominal wall skin is pulled downward producing a tightness and flatness of the abdomen. A new opening is made for the umbilicus and the excess skin trimmed away.

Occasionally, abdominoplasty can be combined with other surgeries such as hernia repair, tubal ligation, liposuction and hysterectomy. After abdominoplasty, patients will need to wear a compression or support binder/garment for 3-4 weeks. Most patients can return to work in about 10 days after surgery.