Over the last decade, the number of plastic surgeries being performed has risen across the board, but one procedure in particular has experienced the most significant gains.
The number of patients undergoing tummy tucks has increased 84 percent from 2000 to 2009, according to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

While men can certainly benefit from the procedure, doctors say that the vast majority of patients undergoing the treatment are women. Analysts suggest that pregnancy's effect on the body may be one of the main reasons women are more likely to elect for a tummy tuck.

This straightforward procedure can tighten and flatten the abdominal area, getting rid of excess skin and fat while allowing women to regain their figures.

Although tummy tucks are an effective form of body contouring, it is not a weight loss treatment and they work best on patients who have demonstrated that they can maintain a healthy weight.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery states that those who are considering undergoing a tummy tuck should first consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.