• Men and women who are in good shape but have a large fat deposition or loose abdominal skin that cannot be corrected by diet or exercise as a result of massive weight gain and loss
• Women who have undergone multiple pregnancies and wish to tighten the consequent stretched abdominal muscles and skin
• Older patients who have loose excessive skin due to loss of skin elasticity occurring as a result of slight obesity.

All candidates must be in good general health to undergo abdominoplasty.

• Patients who intend to loose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery
• Women who plan future pregnancies should postpone the surgery as the vertical abdominal muscles that are tightened during abdominoplasty may separate again after pregnancy.
• Patients who have scarring from previous abdominal surgery
• Patients who do not wish for any type of scarring on the body following surgery as abdominoplasty can result in permanent, prominent scarring.

Complications associated with abdominoplasty are rare but may include

• Infection, bleeding under the skin flap or blood clots post operatively.  This can be treated with drainage and antibiotics.  The risk of blood clots can be reduced by moving around as soon as the surgery is over
• Insufficient healing, which can cause more significant scarring or loss of skin as well as requirement for a second surgery.

Complications can be avoided by following the preoperative and postoperative guidelines charted out by the surgeon.

• Initial check-up and evaluation of patient health by the doctor to determine the extent of fat deposits in the abdominal region and to carefully assess the skin tone. This helps to decide whether partial or complete abdominoplasty is required.
• Thorough discussion with surgeon on possible risks, complications, outcome and expectations of the procedure.
• Inform the surgeon of any medications that are being taken.  Avoid the use of certain medications for the prescribed period of time before the surgery, as advised by the doctor.
• Smoking must be completely stopped for at least two weeks prior to the surgery as smoking can give rise to complications and delay the healing process.
• Eat well-balanced, complete meals and avoid dieting before the surgery.
• Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to the abdomen
• Inform the doctor of any infection or cold that has developed in which case the surgery would be postponed.
• Arrange for assistance for returning home after surgery.
• Prepare home for post operative recovery by accumulating plenty of ice packs, loose, comfortable clothing, petroleum jelly for incision sites, telephone within reaching distance, hand-held shower head and bathroom chair.

General or local anaesthesia is given to the patient after which the doctor performs the appropriate form of abdominoplasty as determined and advised based on the initial patient evaluation.

• A long horizontal incision is made from hipbone to hipbone just above the pubic area. 
• A second incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding tissue.
• The skin from the abdominal wall is separated all the way up to the ribs, which is then lifted to tighten the vertical muscles beneath by pulling them closer and stitching them into their new position, creating a narrow waistline and a firm abdominal wall.
• The skin flap is stretched down and the excess skin and fat are removed. A new hole for the navel is cut and stitched into place after which all the incisions are closed.
• A temporary tube is inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site which is removed after a few days.

• A relatively shorter incision is made above the pubic area and the navel may not be moved. 
• The skin between the incision line and navel is separated and the muscles below are tightened by pulling them closer and stitching them into their new position.
• The skin flap is stretched down and the excess fat and skin are removed.  The skin is then stitched back into place.
• A temporary tube is inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site which is removed after a few days.

• The abdomen will probably be swollen for the first few days accompanied with some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication.
• In partial abdominoplasty, the patient may be released within a few hours while in complete abdominoplasty the patient may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.
• Instructions for showering and changing the dressings are given by the doctor.
• The patient is asked to start walking as soon as possible.
• Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks.
• The dressing on the incision may be replaced by a support garment.
• The surgeon will instruct on the best positions for sitting or lying down to help ease pain

• Limit strenuous exercise for at least six weeks.
• One month rest is advised to ensure proper recovery though return to work is possible for some in two to three weeks.
• Vigorous exercise to be avoided until it can be done comfortably.
• Follow an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles
• Follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
• Use creams or ointments as prescribed by doctor to reduce intensity of scars.