The procedure for a complete, or full abdominoplasty typically starts with an incision made from hip to hip just above the pubic area. Then, another incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding skin. The skin is detached from the abdominal wall to reveal the muscle fascia, which is tightened with sutures and muscles edges are approximated. After that, the surgeon removes the excess skin and fat. The belly button stalk is then brought out through a new hole and sutured into place.
Liposuction is often performed to refine and improve the abdominal sides. A complete abdominoplasty can take three to five hours.