“Tummy tucks are great solutions for men and women who have excess abdominal skin and fat as a result of significant weight loss or because the skin and fat is unresponsive to other attempts to correct their appearance,” says Dr. Patrick Viscardi, a board certified plastic surgeon who performs tummy tucks in Elkhart, Indiana.

For many men and women, the skin in the abdomen area loses its elasticity as they age. The abdominal muscles can become stretched out, causing the stomach to lose its flat, firm appearance. An unshapely abdomen could cause one to be self-conscious or unhappy.

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that reforms loose skin, excess fat and over-stretched abdominal muscles. During the tummy tuck procedure, an incision is made along the abdomen, just above the pelvic bone. Through this incision, the abdominal muscles are tightened together and secured. The plastic surgeon then removes any excess skin and fat before suturing the incision closed.

The ideal candidates for tummy tucks are men and women who are close to their ideal weight, but have areas of loose skin and fat around their abdomen that is resistant to other attempts of diet and exercise. Tummy tucks are not performed as a method for weight loss.

Pregnancy is a common contributor to unshapely abdomens. Women actively working to restore their pre-pregnancy appearance make up a considerable portion of tummy tuck patients. Pregnancy causes the abdominal muscles to elongate, sometimes making it impossible for a woman to achieve the stomach she’s working for.

If you think a tummy tuck could be the support you’re looking for to conclude your weight loss efforts or regain that pre-pregnancy appearance, contact an experienced cosmetic surgeon.