An abdominoplasty may be performed in the following cases:

1. To remove the sagging fat and skin
2. To repair any separated muscles in the abdominal area
3. For an improved appearance of a bulging or flabby belly caused due to aging, pregnancies, rapid weight loss, or being obese
4. To fix any structural defects in the abdomen
5. To correct the abnormalities caused due to obesity
6. To correct the abnormalities following a disease or surgery
7. To improve the contour of the abdomen after the repair of the hernia

1. Physical examination: The doctor will evaluate you physically. Your medical history and family history are noted.
2. Blood tests and urine tests: These tests help in the diagnosis of any underlying medical conditions.
3. Chest x-ray: This test helps in checking the condition of the organs lying in the chest region.
4. Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test helps in checking the electrical activity of the heart.

The surgery is normally performed under general anesthesia, that is, the patient is made unconscious before the procedure.
Abdominoplasty may be performed in the following different ways:

1. Complete abdominoplasty:
An incision or cut is made by the surgeon at the bikini line, at approximately the same level as the public hair.
The surgeon will then manipulate and shape the skin and muscle as required.
An incision is also made around the belly button area to make the navel free from the surrounding tissue.

2. Partial or mini-abdominoplasty:
This procedure is performed using shorter incisions.
The belly button is usually not moved during this type of procedure.
The skin is separated between the incision line and the belly button.
This procedure normally takes one to two hours to complete.

3. Circumferential abdominoplasty:
This type of surgery includes the back area.
When there is excess fat in the back and abdomen this procedure may be performed.
This procedure allows the removal of both the skin and fat from the back and hip areas, which helps in improving the shape of the body from all sides.

Following a partial or complete abdominoplasty, the incision site is stitched and bandaged.
An elastic bandage or compression garment will be given to be worn after the surgery.

The following complications may be associated with the abdominoplasty procedure:

1. Bleeding
2. Infection
3. Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used
4. Blood clot formation 
5. Seroma (accumulation of fluid beneath the skin)
6. Poor healing of the wound
7. Scarring
8. Damage to the tissue deep within the abdominal skin area
9. Numbness or reduced sensation in the skin area
10. Wound separation
11. Fat necrosis (death of the fatty tissue located deep in the skin area)
12. Asymmetry (lopsidedness or unevenness)

1. The surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, that is, the patient can go home on the same day of the procedure.
2. Your abdominal incision and belly button will be covered with a surgical dressing after the procedure.
3. Small tubes are placed near the incision site to drain any excess fluid or blood. You will be given antibiotics as long as these drains are in place.
4. Start walking as soon as possible to avoid blood clot formation.
5. It is normal to have some pain and swelling in the surgical area after the procedure.
6. The doctor will recommend some painkillers to relieve any pain or discomfort that the patient may be having.
7. The doctor may also recommend blood-thinning medications to be taken for a short time following an abdominoplasty.
8. A supportive abdominal garment or abdominal binder needs to be worn for approximately six weeks after abdominoplasty. This is done to prevent fluid buildup and provide abdominal support while healing.
9. For the first six weeks after the procedure, avoid positions that put a strain on your incision line, such as, quickly bending at the waist to prevent the wound from reopening. Also, avoid all strenuous activities for six weeks after the surgery.
10. You may resume light exercises one to three weeks after surgery.
11. You may return to work four to six weeks after the surgery.
12. Visit your doctor for follow-up appointments.
13. Complete recovery may take about six to eight weeks.

Home remedies:

The following are some of the home care tips following an abdominoplasty:

1. Get enough rest.
2. Wear compression stockings on your legs for about seven to ten days after the surgery.
3. Wear a compression garment over the site of surgery for many weeks.
4. Avoid heavy lifting and other strenuous activities for at least one month after an abdominoplasty.
5. Follow all the instructions provided by the doctor for looking after your wound.
6. Report any severe pain, bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms to your doctor.

Cost of abdominoplasty in India- 

The cost of abdominoplasty in Mumbai is between INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,00,000.
The cost of abdominoplasty in Delhi is between INR 90,000 to INR 1,80,000.
The cost of abdominoplasty in Bangalore is between INR 90,000 to INR 1,80,000.
The cost of abdominoplasty in Chennai is between INR 80,000 to INR 1,50,000.