Abdominoplasty

The Surgery Itself

Complete abdominoplasty usually takes 2 to 5 hours, depending upon the extent of the work needed. The surgeon will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue.

The surgeon will separate the skin from the abdominal wall, lifting a large skin flap to expose the abdominal muscles. The muscles are sewn together to firm the abdominal wall and narrow the waistline. The skin flap will be stretched, and excess skin removed. A new opening will be cut for the navel, which will be stitched in place. Incisions will be stitched closed, and dressings will be applied. A temporary tube may be inserted to drain off excess fluid.

Partial abdominoplasty may take just over an hour or two. The incision is much shorter, and although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape once the skin is tightened and stitched, the navel usually does not require relocation. Both types of surgeries may require liposuction.

Surgeries for both types of procedures can be performed using either general or local anesthesia. When local anesthesia is used, you will be relaxed and pain free, but may feel some tugging or pulling. Depending upon your doctor, your surgery will be performed in either a hospital or an outpatient surgical center.

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