An abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) serves to create a more youthful, rejuvenated abdomen and waistline. Negative changes to the abdomen and waist area often occur as a result of one or multiple factors. These factors include but are not limited to weight loss, laxity in abdominal muscles and soft tissue that occur with age, and pregnancy. Unfortunately, with many of these changes, exercise, diet and weight loss will not result in an improved appearance. In these cases, patients benefit from a tummy tuck or “abdominoplasty” procedure. This surgery involves an incision along the waist line that allows removal of excessive skin and tightening of muscles with a muscle tightening or “plication” technique. Because of the removal of excessive skin, the remaining skin must be pulled down to the waist line incision. This results in an incision around the umbilicus (belly button) so that it can be kept in its natural location. A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) procedure is often combined with liposuction of the back and flank areas, depending on the patients’ desires and anatomy. Often times, drainage tubes are placed for drainage of fluid during the healing process. If placed, these are kept for 1-3 weeks on average. After the procedure, patients are encouraged to wear an abdominal binder for support and to ambulate within 24 hours of the surgery. In addition to a full abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck), your Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Kohan, can perform a “mini-abdominoplasty.” This has a smaller scar, quicker recovery, and no incision around the belly button. During your consultation with Dr. Kohan, you can discuss if you are a candidate for the procedure.