Many of us want to appear elegant, graceful, firm and youthful. The shape of our body contributes to the impression we give. Just as facial cosmetic surgery strives for balance and harmony among facial features, so does body sculpting strive for balance and harmony. Excess in one direction or another may disturb the equilibrium of body shape.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), in conjunction with body liposculpture, can go a long way to erase imbalances in the mid-body area. Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. It can dramatically reduce a protruding abdomen. This procedure leaves a scar which, depending on the extent of the correction and the technique required, may extend from hip to hip.

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are people in relatively good shape, concerned by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women with multiple pregnancies whose abdominal muscles and skin have stretched beyond the point where the skin returns to normal. In some cases, the loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and self-confidence. The procedure, whether mini (mini tummy tuck for those with fat deposits limited to the area below the navel) or full, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. In most cases, with a balanced diet and regular exercise, the results are long lasting. After surgery, many men and women begin a weight-loss regime or resume working out or practicing a sport to further improve their new shape. If you are realistic in your expectations, you have every chance of being satisfied with the results.