For the Full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), an incision is started from one hip bone moving down, then across the lower belly at the `panty' line and up to the other hip bone. Another incision is made around the navel or `belly button'. The muscle layer is exposed and tightened if necessary. Excess fat and skin are surgically removed and a new opening is created for the navel which is sutured to the skin in its new position. The surgeon may further remove excess fat from the waist and hip area using liposuction. Incisions are sutured and protected with tape strips and an abdominal binder for two weeks. This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient facility and can take two to three hours. If hospitalized, the patient may have a one to two day stay.

A Mini Tummy Tuck is not as an involved surgery and does not involve repositioning the navel. This procedure removes only excess skin and fatty tissue from the area below the navel. A similar incision to the full tummy tuck is made at the bikini line but is not as large and does not extend from hip to hip. To create a smooth appearance around the navel, a small incision is made in the navel and liposuction is used to suction out fatty deposits. This procedure not only results in a smaller incision but a faster healing time. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with heavy sedation in an outpatient facility and can take one to two hours to complete.

For both procedures it is important that pre-operative instructions are followed completely in order to promote the healing process and lessen the risk of complications. The patient must refrain from smoking 1 month before (and after) the procedure. Also, it will be necessary to stop taking medications, such as aspirin, vitamin E, and anti-inflammatorys that can cause heavy bleeding. The doctor can discuss this in more detail.