Aesthetic abdominal procedures are among the most commonly performed procedures in the United States. Abdominal liposuction, abdominoplasty, and "mini" abdominoplasty share the goals of a smooth, flat abdomen and a better overall contour. Although the goals are the same, the procedures are quite different. After a consultation you should have a good sense if one of these procedures is right for you.

Abdominal Liposuction (also called liposculpture, lipoplasty, suction lipectomy)

The abdomen is often the site of localized fat accumulation that may result in a bulge or prominence. Many patients are frustrated by their inability to correct this completely with diet and exercise. Liposuction will remove this fat from underneath the skin without leaving significant scars, resulting in an improved abdominal contour. Recovery times are minimized by this approach as well. However, the skin must have sufficient elasticity to tighten after the fat is removed. Patients with many stretch marks or generally loose or flabby skin may be better candidates for abdominoplasty.

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Abdominoplasty ("Tummy Tuck")

Generally referred to as a "tummy tuck", abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen. The procedure also helps to flatten the abdomen by tightening the superficial layer of the surrounding muscles. Women with stretched abdominal areas due to previous pregnancies can benefit considerably from abdominoplasty, although they should have completed their childbearing. An older individual whose skin has lost some of its elasticity and are slightly obese can also experience an improvement in the abdominal area.

If you are in generally good physical shape but are concerned about abdominal fat deposits or loose skin that does not respond to diet and exercise, the procedure can potentially reduce or even eliminate a protruding abdomen. Abdominoplasty can produce a permanent scar which can possibly extend to both sides of your hips, although the scar will likely be located below the bikini or bathing suit line.

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"Mini" Abdominoplasty

A mini-abdominoplasty is similar to an abdominoplasty except a shorter incision is made and the skin is only lifted to the the navel, which does not have to be moved (although it may be pulled into a different shape as the skin is stretched). This procedure is beneficial for patients with excess skin and fat that is limited to the lower abdomen below the navel. Liposuction may be added to achieve optimal contour.