The decision whether to perform a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or liposuction of the abdomen depends on several parameters. These are:

• Patient desires
• Excess skin
• Excess fat
• Hernia
• Muscle separation
• Stretch marks (striae)

In general, if a patient presents with excess skin and fat, a tummy tuck is the procedure of choice. However, those patients who present with excess fat only, and have elastic skin which will retract, are usually good candidates for liposuction. Occasionally, a hernia bulge or a distinct separation of the abdominal muscles will be noted by the patient or doctor. Repair of these conditions or stretch marks (striae) are not improved with liposuction alone and require tummy tuck.