People who have experienced drastic weight loss, such as results from gastric bypass, may require reconstructive abdominoplasty to remove large portions of skin and other tissue that interfere with mobility and hygiene. Because reconstructive abdominoplasty usually follows a medically-required procedure, and is necessary to maintain a certain standard of health, many insurance companies will include reconstructive abdominoplasty among the procedures they will finance, at least in part. For patients who have spent an enormous amount of time and energy losing weight, reconstructive abdominoplasty is the final step in creating a new thinner look.

The basic requirements for candidacy for a reconstructive abdominoplasty are the same as for any other tummy tuck procedure: patients should be healthy and disease-free, and should have realistic expectations for the outcome of their reconstructive abdominoplasty. The amount of time required to perform the procedure will tend to be longer than for most abdominoplasty surgeries, as a reconstructive abdominoplasty generally involves large amounts of tissue to be excised. For the same reason, the scarring involved in a reconstructive abdominoplasty is considerable and may be difficult to conceal at the bikini line. The plastic surgeon performing the reconstructive abdominoplasty will indicate the location and extent of scarring by drawing on the skin with marker. Recovery from a reconstructive abdominoplasty can be difficult, because of the amount of tissue that must typically be removed and the size of the incisions used.

In most cases, reconstructive abdominoplasty is combined with other procedures, such as brachioplasty, to remove excess skin and other tissues, creating a smoother silhouette. Reconstructive abdominoplasty, whether performed alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, can help people who were previously morbidly obese lead healthy, happy lives.