Many women develop severe muscle laxity after childbirth. Abdominoplasty involves removal of excess skin and fat and tightening of the muscles of the abdomen. Abdominoplasty can have spectacular consequences as in this patient.

The necessary incisional scar was a good trade-off for this patient whose waistline has undergone a dramatic change.

Abdominoplasty scars can be very difficult to find. They fade with time and usually are inapparent when done by an experienced plastic surgeon. Swimwear and underware conceal the scar without difficulty.

This is an early post-operative view of an abdominoplasty scar. It is important to have a smooth, non-indented scar, and good surgical technique is critical for this. See the image below for a later view of this same scar.

After one year most abdominoplasty scars are hard to find. When scars are of this high quality they seldom are a deterrent. When deciding between a tummy tuck and liposuction, the scar should not be a major determining factor. But the choice is there: loose skin after liposuction or a scar after tummy tuck.

Although being at one's ideal weight is preferable, the tummy tuck offers benefits for the overweight patient too. This patient had vertical and horizontal scars on her abdomen before her tummy tuck. Note also the fullness or redundancy of the pubic region and compare with the images below.

Although the scar hasn't had time to fade, the results are impressive. Notice in the far right photos that the groin and pubic region are now smooth.m This is one of the lesser known advantages of this procedure.

This patient demonstrates three typical complaints: loose skin, weak muscles and scarring from previous surgery. Compare with the post-operative images below.

Although the incisional scar has not had a chance to fade, the benefits of abdominoplasty surgery are obvious.

The umbilicus (belly button) is the focal point of a beautiful tummy and should be a point of pride for a woman after her tummy tuck. When done with care and artistry during an abdominoplasty, it will contribute to the sensuous beauty of the post-operative tummy. Each of these patients demonstrates the effect of hidden suturing and extensive contouring of the fatty tissues immediately adjacent to the belly button. Notice the smooth, tight, and gently contoured appearance of the post-operative abdominoplasty tummy.