Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is an operation that elevates, redrapes and tightens the abdomen and waist. Excess skin is removed via an incision hidden within the bikini line and the muscle is tightened resulting in a shaplier figure and flatter stomach. Liposuction especially of the love handles is usually performed at the same time and stretchmarks below the level of the belly button are removed. Some tightening of the thigh and buttock skin is also achieved.

Due to lax regulations and constantly decreasing health insurance reimbursement many non-plastic surgeons have attempted to perform plastic surgery procedures on unsuspecting patients to compensate for lost income. There is some overlap in training and qualifications such as eyelid surgery - blepharoplasty - with respect to ENT Otolaryngologists, Ophthalmologists and Plastic Surgeons. Some surgical specialties do not involve any cosmetic procedures such as Neurosurgery and Vascular Surgery. Non-surgeon physicians and surgeons who perform cosmetic procedures not associated with their specialty are operating outside the scope of their training or field of medicine. Examples of this include Obstetrician - Gynecologists performing facial cosmetic surgery and Otolaryngologists performing breast augmentation or abdominoplasty.

In the first case (upper photos) the patient had an abdominoplasty by a Gynecologist who failed to tighten skin above the belly button or remove the appendectomy scar. The skin incision extended beyond the boundaries of undergarments or bathing suits making it more visible. Unfortunately this could only be partially corrected. 50 years old, 5'6" tall, 116 lb.

In the second case (lower photos) the patient had abdominoplasty by an Otolaryngologist with inadequate removal of abdominal skin and high placement of the abdominal incision.

In the third case (lowest set of photos) previous surgery in this male patient using the classical elliptical shaped skin incision by an unknown surgeon failed to removed sufficient excess skin or adequately tighten the abdominal muscles. 55 years old, 5'10" tall, 180 lb.

Read Dr. Stone's blog about abdominoplasty and belt lipectomy surgery
• Abdominoplasty, thigh buttock lift and belt lipectomy
• Cellulite

Abdominoplasty surgery can enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Realistic expectations are important to be happy with any surgery. As each patient is an individual, different results can be expected in each patient.