During the initial examination your plastic surgeon will ask you about your health, examine you, establish the extent of the fat depot on the front abdominal wall and carefully assess the condition of your abdominal skin.
Do not forget to tell your surgeon if you smoke and whether you take medication, particularly aspirin, Cortisone or other anti-inflammatory medicines which inhibit blood clotting.
You should discuss your expectations of an abdominal reduction completely openly with your plastic surgeon. You surgeon will also explain any alternatives and possible risks openly and present the limitations of the particular operative procedures. If, for example, your fat depot is limited to the lower abdomen below the umbilicus, you may possibly benefit from a smaller operation, known as a mini-abdominoplasty.
On the other hand the combination of an abdominal reduction with liposuction over the hips may be an advantage and achieve a better body contour. 
Sometimes liposuction alone is sufficient to achieve good results. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the best procedure for you to obtain the body contours you wish for.