Abdomenoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure which tightens and firms the stomach area. It involves removing fat and skin to achieve the desired results. Abdomenoplasty is a popular elective surgery for those wanting to improve their appearance. There are two types of adominoplasty. Abdomenoplasty is often referred to as a tummy tuck. There two types are called a full tuck and a mini tuck.

The full tummy tuck involves the whole abdominal area. The skin is completely separated so it can be stretched out and cut down so it will be tight. The belly button is usually removed in the process of a full tummy tuck, so there is an addition of creating a belly button to the procedure.  The mini tummy tuck involves only the lower abdomen. There is nothing disturbed above the belly button and  therefore no need to reconstruct the belly button.

There are advantages to both procedures. Here is an outline of each:

Full:
- Allows for total reconstruction and tightening of the stomach area.
- Good for removal of stretch marks.

Mini:
- Less cost involved.
- Minimized risk.

There are also disadvantages to both procedures. Here is an outline of each:

Full:
- More costly because it is more invasive.
- Greater risk for excessive blood loss.

Mini:
- Limited in stretch mark removal.
- Limited only to lower abdominal area.

A person is a good candidate for both types of tummy tuck plastic surgery if they are in generally good health, have tried and failed to get acceptable results from diet and exercise, and they are at their preferred weight and will not gain or lose weight after the procedure is complete.  Abdominoplasty is mainly for contouring the stomach area, which often is very difficult to lose fat from through diet or exercise.  Abdominoplasty is a good option for someone wanting the following results:  Less obvious stretch marks or removal of majority of stretch marks, tighter skin or removal of stubborn fat.  Abdominoplasty is not a good option for someone wanting the following results: removal of all stretch marks  tightening of skin without elasticity, and removal of large amounts of fat.

As with any surgical procedure, the patient needs to understand completely the benefits as well as risks, which may include the risks of anesthesia, bleeding, and infection.   The benefits and risks should be discussed with the plastic surgeon in advance, so that the patient has a realistic expectation of the results of this type of elective surgical procedure.