A full tummy tuck begins with an incision above the pubic area that extends between the hipbones. Dr. Linderman then makes a second incision to separate the navel from the underlying tissue. He then separates the skin pulls it up to the level of the ribs. He then pulls the abdominal muscles together and stitches them into position. The navel is then relocated and stitched into place. Dr. Linderman replaces the skin (excess skin is trimmed) and sutures the original incisions. This procedure takes between two and five hours.

Immediately following surgery, the incisions are dressed with bandages to keep the skin in place. A tube is usually inserted to drain any excess fluids that will collect for about a day or so after. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, however your doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate these symptoms. Stitches are usually removed five to ten days following surgery, although deeper sutures may take up to three weeks. The specifics of each procedure, anesthesia used, and recovery time will vary with each patient.

Abdominoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia and often on an out-patient basis. Sometimes, patients choose to spend one night in hospital. Most patients are back to normal daily activities within two weeks but are asked to avoid heavy physical activity and heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks.