Tummy tuck


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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration of tummy tuck results Tummy tuck

A tummy tuck — also known as abdominoplasty — is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the abdomen.

During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. In most cases, the connective tissues in the abdomen are tightened with sutures as well. The remaining skin is then repositioned to create a more toned look.

You might choose to have a tummy tuck if you have skin that's accumulated around the area of your bellybutton and a weak lower abdominal wall. A tummy tuck can also boost your body image.

Why it's done
References
  1. Mang WL. Manual of Aesthetic Surgery. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: Springer; 2010:379.
  2. Abdominoplasty. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck.html. Accessed April 16, 2013.
  3. Shermak MA. Body contouring. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery. 2012;129:963e.
  4. Neligan PC, et al. Plastic Surgery. Vol. 2. 3rd ed. London, England: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:568.
  5. Buck DW, et al. An evidence-based approach to abdominoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2010;126:2189.
  6. Logan JM, et al. Plastic surgery: Understanding abdominoplasty and liposuction. AORN Journal. 2008;88:587l.
  7. Cunningham FG, et al. Williams Obstetrics. 23rd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=46. Accessed May 8, 2013.
  8. Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. 32nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2011. http://dorlands.com/index.jsp. Accessed May 8, 2013.
  9. Saint-Cyr M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 9, 2013.
  10. Jacobson SR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 28, 2013.
MY02407 July 25, 2013

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