What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is the removal of extra fat and skin and the tightening of the abdominal muscles to flatten the stomach, defines Web MD. Abdominoplasty is the medical term for a tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck is a major surgery and only healthy adults should receive one, recommends WebMD. Men and women who have lost a substantial amount of weight and have large amounts of loose skin and fat deposits in the abdomen are good candidates for a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck is not an alternative for weight loss. Pain and swelling after the surgery is typical, along with soreness for weeks or months. Rare tummy tuck complications include blood clots, infection and bleeding under the skin flap.