As soon as I meet with a potential tummy tuck patient, I like to remind them that abdominoplasty is not a weight-loss surgery. The best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are people who are not significantly over-or underweight. It is a very common procedure following major weight loss or pregnancy. Abdominoplasty addresses issues, including moderate amounts of excess fat and loose skin around the abdomen, that don't respond to diet and exercise. While the results of tummy tuck surgery can be dramatic, patients should have realistic expectations about their outcome. It's also important to be in good general health and not smoke.