How it works
Everything begins with an examination and a consultation with a plastic and aesthetic surgeon. Your surgeon assesses your general health, the condition of your skin, how much excess skin and fat there is, the firmness of your abdominal muscles, and any existing damage such as old surgical scars, a hernia, or a stretched abdominal wall. You will have some routine tests, and the anesthesiologist will examine you to prepare for the operation.
You will need to stop eating and drinking for at least 6 hours before surgery. If you take aspirin, blood thinners, or similar medicines, your surgeon will guide you to stop them about 10 days before surgery. The operation is done under general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and feel nothing throughout.
Depending on how each surgeon prefers to work, your surgeon may use liposuction on the abdomen first and then remove the excess skin and fat, or not. The incision sits along the lower belly crease, a spot that is easy to keep hidden under your clothing. Whether the incision is long or short, and whether the navel needs to be repositioned, depends on how much excess skin and fat you have.
Your surgeon lifts and removes the layer of skin and excess fat from the abdominal wall. If the connective layer has stretched, your surgeon stitches it back together. A closed drain is then placed so fluid can flow out, the incision is closed, and the navel is set back in place if it was moved.