Anatomy of the Abdomen

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There are four problem areas on the abdominal wall, which lead patients to decide on a tummy tuck operation.  These include 1) excess skin, 2) excess fat, 3) stretch marks, and 4) loss of muscle tone.  There are many factors that cause the abdomen to become problematic.  The reasons can be from a large weight loss, old age, or multiple pregnancies.

        A large weight loss results in a decrease in a large volume of body fat.  However, the surface area of the skin, which was stretched-out prior to the weight loss, can not recoil back to its original size.  This leads to a lot of loose, hanging skin around the abdomen which can be both a functional and cosmetic problem.

        Another factor that can cause the abdomen to lose its shape is aging.  As we age, the skin can lose its tone and elasticity.  If there is also a weight gain with age, this can lead to the same problem of loose, hanging skin and fat.

        Finally, having multiple pregnancies can lead to problems which may require a tummy tuck.  With each pregnancy, the belly is stretched to its maximum capacity.  The skin surface area can actually double in size with the pregnancy.  The skin can be stretched to the point that the underlying dermis becomes compromised leading to stretch marks.  In addition, we also gain excess weight with each pregnancy.  After the pregnancy, the belly is required to recoil back to its original size.  Sometimes this does not happen, and we are left again with loose, hanging skin and fat around the abdomen.

Disclaimer:  This informational tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) site is intended solely to provide a basic understanding of tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty).  The information on tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery shared by the author may differ from the views on tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) of your plastic surgeon.  Results from tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery can vary from one person to another.  This tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) web site is in no way a guarantee or warranty of the results you might obtain from tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery.  For additional information on tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery contact your Plastic Surgeon or the American Society of Plastic Surgery.