Surgical Procedure!
A tummy tuck or Abdominoplasty can help flatten your tummy when all else has failed. The procedure involves removing extra fat and skin and tightening muscles in the abdominal wall.

Just keep in mind - it is major surgery, so don't take it lightly. Depending on the extent of your procedure, you could end up with a very visible scar.

Tummy tuck surgery should be a last resort for people who have tried everything else, including diet and exercise. This procedure should not be used as an alternative to weight loss. Also, if you're a woman planning on having a family, it's best to wait until you're through bearing children before having a tummy tuck.

The Procedure:
Two procedures can accomplish a tummy tuck depending on the complexity of your needs. A partial or mini abdominoplasty involves a short incision that allows the plastic surgeon to remove fat deposits below the navel and tighten the abdominal muscles.

A complete abdominoplasty is a much bigger procedure. It involves a larger incision across the abdomen, from hipbone to hipbone, and around the navel to allow the plastic surgeon to manipulate and contour the skin, tissues, and muscle. In addition, the navel will be lifted to a higher and more aesthetic position.

Liposuction is often performed along with a tummy tuck to remove excess fat.

A tummy tuck can be done as an outpatient or inpatient procedure depending on the degree of surgery and the patient.

Common Side Effects:
As expected, you will have pain and swelling in the days following surgery. Your plastic surgeon can prescribe a painkiller if needed. Soreness may last for several weeks or months. You may also experience numbness, bruising, tightness, and overall tiredness during that period.

While your scars may fade slightly, they usually do not completely disappear. Your plastic surgeon may recommend certain creams or ointments to use to help with the scars.

Complications:
Though they're rare, complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap, fluid collections, or blood clots. If fluid or blood collections do not resolve on their own, they may need to be drained. Tobacco users and those with poor circulation, diabetes, or heart, lung, or liver disease are more likely to have complications.

Insufficient healing is also rare but does occur. This could require a second surgery, meaning more scarring or loss of skin.

Recovery:
Whether you're having a partial or complete tummy tuck, your incision site will be stitched and bandaged. You will need to follow all your plastic surgeon's instructions on how to care for the bandage in the days following surgery. Usually drains are placed and remain for up to two weeks. Your plastic surgeon will teach you how to care for these. The sutures are usually removed within two to three weeks. You must severely limit strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. An abdominal binder should be used at all times except when bathing for the first six weeks. You may need to take up to one month off of work after the surgery to ensure proper recovery. It may take months for some people to fully recover and feel like their normal selves.