The tummy tuck, known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which excess fat and skin is removed from the abdomen. This procedure can make a major improvement to the looks of anyone who has protruding abdominal muscles, as it will help tighten the muscles in the abdomen. Tummy tucks have become quite common for both men and women alike, especially those who have gone through a dramatic weight loss and are left with extra fat and a saggy tummy. The final result is a flatter and smoother abdomen. As with any surgery, there are risks involved including infections, blood clots, scars that heal very slowly and the risk of a second operation to correct the complication. With a tummy tuck procedure, patients will often experience pain, bruising and swelling in the abdominal region, as well as numbness. Some of these side effects may last for as long as several months. There are several types of abdominoplasty that can be performed to enhance the appearance of the abdomen and the type for you will depend on whether your surgeon feels a full tummy tuck is in order or a simpler procedure. The first is the actual abdominoplasty or full tummy tuck. This involves an incision from one hipbone to the next that goes around the belly button. The lower skin is removed from the abdomen region up toward the ribs and the surgeon will tighten the vertical abdomen muscles. Any extra fat is removed during surgery and the skin is stretched down and cut before the flap is sewn into place. There is also the option to get a mini tummy tuck that involves a smaller incision and less recovery time. The mini tummy tuck is an effective solution for those with smaller tummy problems. The endoscopic tummy tuck is perfect for people with extra fat, but with skin that still has good elasticity. Through the use of small incisions and a tiny camera inserted into the abdomen, the abdomen muscles can be tightened and extra fat can be liposuctioned from the area. This leaves little scarring and is one of the most popular tummy tuck procedures performed. A panniculectomy is for those who have lost a large amount of weight and have a huge overlap of skin in the abdomen region. This skin is removed along with any excess fat. The recovery time of a full tummy tuck is under six weeks and generally, within a 2 year period, the scars will fade and flatten. It is not uncommon for those who have had this procedure to experience pain in the area for several months after the surgery. It is important to follow-up with your surgeon should you experience any major pain or discomfort, as it could be a sign of infection. If you are contemplating getting a tummy tuck cosmetic surgery, you’ll want to do your research before you follow through. Your physician can recommend a surgeon to assist you, however, you’ll want to make sure you interview several before deciding upon who will do the procedure. Make certain your surgeon understands what you are expecting from the surgery and make sure you understand exactly what this surgery will or will not do for you. Many individuals are getting tummy tucks in order to enhance their appearance. The surgery itself is not complicated, but the surgeon will decide if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Women who are planning to have children in the future should wait to have this surgery and anyone that is considered to be obese or have a Body Mass Index over 27 should not have the surgery until they lose the necessary weight. The tummy tuck procedure is not a weight loss procedure. It is an enhancement surgery, designed to improve your looks.