Following pregnancy, weight fluctuations or the inevitable aging process, the abdominal skin can go through a cycle of stretching, relaxing, stretching, relaxing, etc... Determining the amount of skin elasticity (think of a rubber band pulled and bouncing back. Sometimes, if the rubber band has been used many times it loses its ability to bounce back) is crucial in choosing the appropriate procedure.
Your surgeon will assess your abdominal area and determine whether you simply need excess fat removed or if you would need loose skin or a bulging muscle addressed as well. Liposuction alone can address the excess fat, however, if your skin has lost its ability to 'spring back' then you may be left with loose, hanging skin. This can be addressed by a tummy tuck procedure which will also tighten the stomach muscles and can be complemented by liposuction as well.
When you bend over, the skin will often fold on itself which is not necessarily an indication for removal of this 'apparent' skin excess. Trust your surgeon's judgment and remember that when you bend over, skin will fold whether its loose or tight.
