Deformities of the abdomen are usually due to relaxation of and loss of elasticity of the skin, which as a result drapes itself in an unfavorable configuration, some relaxation of the muscles of the wall of the abdomen, or some excess fatty tissue. Often the deformity is the result of a combination of all three. Abdominoplasty surgery is an attempt to improve the deformities by the tightening of the abdominal wall muscles and tissues, removal of excess fatty tissue, and tightening of the skin. The surgery is done by way of an incision across the crease at the bottom of the abdomen in the same way that a hysterectomy incision is often made but longer. If a lot of excess skin is present, an incision around the belly button may be needed.

In those cases where the deformity is of the lower abdomen only, a lesser surgery involving the lower abdomen and not including the belly button can be done.

The surgery is done in a day surgery facility. Afterwards, an elastic binder is worn for several weeks to support the healing abdomen. Usually non strenuous activities can be resumed in a week or ten days.

If a person's health remains good, there is no large weight gain, and if there is no increase in intraabdominal volume such as with a pregnancy, the result should be long lasting.

There is no method, surgical or nonsurgical, to restore lost elasticity of the skin. There are not any exercise regimens that will completely restore the abdominal muscles and tissues of the abdominal wall.

In some but not all cases where there is chronic low back pain associated with a lot of relaxation of the abdominal wall, abdominoplasty surgery has improved but not eliminated the low back symptoms.

Often stretch marks of the lower abdomen are reduced in extent but not eliminated.