If you have an area of excess fat and skin in the belly (abdomen), a tummy tuck may be able to help. This is especially true if you have tried to get rid of the excess skin and fat with diet and exercise, but have not been successful. Most people in good health will be candidates for tummy tuck surgery.

Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?

The two main procedures that can be used to remove excess fat from the tummy are abdominoplasty and liposuction. Liposuction is less invasive and leaves a smaller surgical scar than abdominoplasty, but liposuction cannot provide the degree of stomach flattening that a tummy tuck can. In a tummy tuck, skin and fat are removed and the stomach muscles are tightened. If your desire is to have a very flat belly, abdominoplasty is usually the better option.

You must be Healthy Enough for Surgery

A tummy tuck is almost always an elective, cosmetic procedure which means that it is not absolutely necessary for health or survival. Thus doctors want to be sure that you are healthy enough for surgery before you go under the knife. Your heart and lung function must be good. Chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes need to be under control as well. Most surgeons will insist that you stop smoking, too.

Consult with a Professional

Only a plastic surgeon can determine if liposuction or a tummy tuck is your best option for the removal of stomach fat. Your first step in the process is to consult a trained plastic surgeon. That professional will refer you to your primary care physician to determine if you are healthy enough for surgery and to control any medical problems prior to the procedure.