Many people turn to plastic surgery in order to help improve areas of their body. Statistics show that more than 10 million people had some form or plastic surgery in 2008. Breast augmentation, liposuction and tummy tucks are some of the most common plastic surgery procedures.

Over 290,000 tummy tucks were performed on men and women in the United States in 2008 alone. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can enhance the appearance of a person’s body. Pregnancy and significant weight loss are reasons many people choose to have this procedure done.

Excess skin is removed as well as tightening the muscles of the stomach during a tummy tuck. Often, a person will also have liposuction performed to provide extra contouring. An abdominoplasty can help your body look as it did before weight gain or pregnancy.

A tummy tuck is normally performed in one of two ways – mini or full. The mini tuck is best for a person that has minor contour issues where there is a smaller amount of loose skin. A mini tummy tuck is recommended when the use of just liposuction will not provide the desired results.

During this form of abdominoplasty, a short incision that is u-shaped is made right above the pubic area. After the incision is made, the excess skin is removed. Finally, the muscles are tightened and the navel is positioned slightly down from where it initially was.

The full procedure is more common than a mini tuck because it provides more correction. During a full procedure, two incisions are made. One incision is cut from hip to hip just above the pubic region and the second incision to free the navel from the tissue. After the incisions are made, the abdominal wall skin is separated as far up as the rib and then lifted so the muscles can be exposed.

The muscles will then be tightened and sewn in place. Next, the skin is pulled back over the abdomen and the excess skin is removed. The navel is placed back in position and sutured. Abdominoplasty normally takes anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. A person is placed under general anesthesia while undergoing this cosmetic surgery.

Results vary and not every person will achieve the same look. In general, most people gain the look they are seeking to achieve with a tummy tuck. After a tummy tuck, a person will experience pain as well as swelling and bruising. Your doctor will discuss how to manage your pain and side effects. A mini tummy tuck will require you to be off work and for a least a week whereas with a full tummy tuck you will need to be out for at least 2 to 3 weeks.

The costs of abdominoplasty will vary depending upon the area in which you live as well as certain other factors. These factors include surgeon fees, time and effort during surgery, anesthesia fees, lab fees, etc. A person will most likely pay anywhere from $5,000 to $9,000. There are many financing options available for those who do not have the money to pay up front.