With liposuction, only fat is removed; skin excision and muscle repair are not performed. The tissue does contract to some degree after liposuction; the best candidates for liposuction have minimal excess skin and good skin elasticity. An abdominoplasty is best suited for patients who have excess skin with poor elasticity, with or without a protruding abdomen. A protruding stomach is often a result of the abdominal wall muscles stretching and separating from the midline. This most commonly occurs after pregnancy or excessive weight gain. During the procedure, excess skin is excised and the muscles that have separated are pulled together.