Every year, hundreds of thousands of women undergo surgical procedures to reshape their abdomens. For many, diet and exercise cannot correct the loose skin, stretch marks, and loss of elasticity that result from pregnancy, weight loss, or the aging process. Some women also suffer a weakening of abdominal muscles that causes a bulge that is equally resistant to efforts to reduce it.

An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck removes excess skin and stretch marks and can also repair damaged muscles. The result is a flatter, firmer stomach and improved waistline. One issue that women undergoing abdominoplasty often fail to consider, however, is that the abdominal tissue is often the best donor site for natural tissue breast reconstruction.