The abdominoplasty is performed by a cosmetic surgeon in order to tighten up loose skin in the midsection.
Another name for this procedure is the tummy tuck.
There are four different versions of this procedure: the mini-tummy tuck, the standard tummy tuck, the extended abdominoplasty and the circumferential abdominoplasty or body lift.
Which technique is chosen will depend on how much excess tissue, fat and skin that a person has.
The mini-tummy tuck is the procedure designed for the smallest amount of belly bulge.
A candidate for the mini procedure would have a protruding belly only in the region between their navel and pubic hair line.
A tiny scar would remain in the pubic area which would be hidden by a bathing suit or underwear.
Liposuction would be utilized in order to rid the area of adipose tissue, as well.
Because this is a less invasive operation than the other versions, the navel would not need to be repositioned.
The standard tummy tuck has an incision in the same pubic hair line area, but it is wider and reaches from hip to hip.
In this procedure, excess skin and fat would be removed and the inner girdle of connective tissue, which holds in the internal organs, is tightened as well.
Liposuction would be performed in order to sculpt away any remaining bulges.
The extended abdominoplasty takes the standard version one step further.
The technique is similar to the one used in the standard procedure except that it extends further than the hips into the flank area.
This extended version allows tightening of the abdomen area and the flank region, as well.
The inner girdle is pulled in and liposuction removes additional fat.
The circumferential abdominoplasty is the most radical of the four procedures.
The surgeon makes an incision which goes all the way around the body and allowing tightening and sculpting of the entire front and back area.
The buttocks and hips are slimmed and tightened along with the abdominal region.
During this process, drains will be placed during the operation in order to drain away excess fluid.
An abdominal binder or compression garment will need to be worn for several weeks in order to support the midsection as it heals.
All of these procedures would be performed in a hospital by a reputable cosmetic surgeon, usually overnight.
The procedure would be performed under a general anesthetic.
Swelling will recede within a few weeks and the final result of a taut and slender abdomen will be viewable within months.