AFTER PHOTOGRAPH: This is a left profile view of a 33 year old woman who lost 100 pounds over a 10 month period with diet and exercise.  The excess skin has been removed and her abdomen now has a near ideal contour.  Tightening of the abdominal wall muscles is an important part of an abdominoplasty.  This contributes as much if not more to the post-surgical abdominal contour than skin removal in many individuals, especially those who are thin.  This woman's scar was kept relativey short (less than 12 inches long) such that she has many options when selecting swimwear that is intended to conceal the scars.