Health Library

Abdominoplasty - series

Indications

Too much fat can collect in the belly. In abdominoplasty, some of the fat is removed.

Procedure, part 1

The surgeon will make a cut in the fold under the belly. This is the "bikini line." Skin is also cut around the belly button. A large area of fat and skin are then pulled away from the muscle.

Procedure, part 2

The surgeon tightens the abdominal muscles in the belly.

Procedure, part 3

The skin is then stretched downward. Extra skin and fat are trimmed away. A new hole will be cut for the belly button. The opening will then be closed with stitches.

Aftercare

After surgery, there may be some pain and discomfort. This may last for several days. Resting with the legs and hips bent will put less stress on the belly. The remaining scar will fade with time.

Related Information

Review Date: 3/11/2023  

Reviewed By: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- 2024 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.