Tummy Tuck is a term applied to a variety of procedures which remove tissue and recontour the body from the belly button to the pubic bone. Some approaches remove excess skin and fat; others tighten the muscle or use these surgical techniques in combination. The procedure may be conducted either on an out-patient or in-patient basis. Patients might experience temporary swelling, soreness or bruising. Potential complications include blood clots to the lungs, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, fluid retention, excessive scarring or necrosis of the skin around the belly button. Patients generally return to work within a month and to strenuous activity within six weeks. Results vary by age and weight gain, but offer especially significant results after pregnancies.