A tummy tuck is the colloquial term for an abdominoplasty, and refers to the cosmetic surgical procedure that tightens and reshapes the abdomen. There are several different types of tummy tucks, and each procedure is designed to address particular aspects of the abdominal contour, such as lax rectus abdominis muscles (called “diastasis recti”) and loose skin.
Female patients considering abdominoplasty are looking to correct changes often associated with pregnancy, such as excess abdominal skin, stretch marks, and a widened waist. Men may also benefit from abdominoplasty after significant weight loss, which can result in stretched out abdominal skin.
Tummy tucks are performed for aesthetic improvement, although for some patients they may increase their core strength and thereby positively affect their abdominal tone and overall posture. In some patients, abdominoplasty may be combined with other cosmetic body contouring procedures to deliver the best results: liposuction of the abdomen and flanks will remove localized fat deposition in those areas.
“Medical necessity” is a term coined by health insurance companies to determine benefits and coverage of services, and since a tummy tuck is cosmetic surgery, it is usually excluded from reimbursement.
