American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.

View this content in Español

What is a tummy tuck?


Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

  • Aging
  • Heredity
  • Pregnancy
  • Prior surgery
  • Significant fluctuations in weight

What tummy tuck surgery can't do

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.

Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.



Logo

Surgeons In Your Area

Amir Ghaznavi Headshot

Amir M. Ghaznavi, MD

13454 Sunrise Valley Dr STE 130
Herndon, VA 20171

(703) 239-3190

Timothy Mountcastle Headshot

Timothy S. Mountcastle, MD

44095 Pipeline Plaza Suite 430
Ashburn, VA 20147

(703) 858-3208

Michael Brown Headshot

Michael J. Brown, MD

45155 Research Place Suite 125
Ashburn, VA 20147

(703) 726-1175

Shlomo Widder Headshot

Shlomo Widder, MD

8230 Leesburg Pike Suite 630
Vienna, VA 22182-2641

(703) 506-0300

Munique Maia Headshot

Munique Maia, MD

8100 Boone Boulevard, Suite 730
Tysons Corner, VA 22182

(703) 574-4500

Larry Lickstein Headshot

Larry H. Lickstein, MD

21021 Sycolin Road, Suite 001
Ashburn, VA 20147

(571) 440-5005

Phillip Chang Headshot

Phillip J. Chang, MD

19500 Sandridge Way Suite 350
Lansdowne, VA 20176

(703) 729-5553

Craig Dufresne Headshot

Craig R. Dufresne, MD

8501 Arlington Blvd. Suite 420
Fairfax, VA 22031

(703) 207-3065

Logo

Patient Care Center