There are three main reason why patients seek an abdominoplasty. The most common is to correct the problems associated with pregnancy but excess fat (obesity) and removal of abdominal scars or stretch marks are other common reasons.
After pregnancy many problems develop in the abdominal tissue. Stretch marks, flabbiness and laxity are easily seen on the surface. However, a larger problem is often the separation of the central abdominal muscles called a diastasis recti.
In all cases it is best if exercise and diet can solve the problem. However in many cases these have been tried and are not the answer. In these situations an abdominoplasty may be appropriate.
There are a number of reasons why surgery should not be performed. If a patient has many abdominal scars, especially above the navel, the blood supply of the abdominal skin may be impaired and further extensive surgery may be risky. Patients must also have realistic expectations about the outcome. The scars are long and are often heavy. If you are not prepared to accept this problem, an abdominoplasty may not be the operation for you. Patients who plan to become pregnant should usually postpone the operation until after their family is complete. Serious heart and lung disease or a history of diabetes or blood clots may also mean that you are not a candidate for surgery
The best candidates are of normal height and weight. Heavier patients may be disappointed because even if the incision is extended and liposuction performed there may be still be fullness over the flank and buttock which contrasts with the tighter abdomen.