Procedure - In some cases liposuction is not effective enough due to the amount or the expansion of excess fat; therefore flattening the abdomen may require a surgical intervention as well. In these cases excess skin is also removed and the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened. The type and length of the intervention depends on the amount of excess fat and on the expansion of the treated area. Usually 3 weeks are required for recovery as there is a sensitivity period of approximately ten to fourteen days. Results are permanent, in case the patient follows a balanced diet, regularly exercises and carefully follows the surgeon's instructions. As an added benefit of the tummy tuck, not only will the abdominal region be firmer and flatter, but the waist will be smaller as well. This procedure generally involves an incision above the pubic bone, the length of it depending on the magnitude of the tuck. The skin is separated from the abdominal muscles from the navel up until underneath the ribs, and the muscles underneath are tightened and stiched into their new position. This provides a firmer and tighter abdominal wall. A new navel area is cut and put into place as the skin is tightened and the excess is removed.

Duration - This procedure can take up to five hours.

Anesthesia - General anesthetic

Hospital stay - Depending on the complexitiy of the procedure, the patient should stay between one to three days.

Scar tissue healing period - six to eighteen months.

Risks and side effects - Risks include a long scar across the stomach, pain or numbness in the abdominal wall, fluid or blood collection, skin flap sloughing and a five percent chance of infection. The development of scar tissue adhesions and blood clots are also a risk. Smokers are advised to quit smoking as they delay their healing time and leave them selves open to complications.

Physical work/sports can be done - eight weeks after the surgery.