How Abdominoplasty Is Performed Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to smooth and flatten your abdomen. Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. If there is loose skin above the navel, the surgeon may make a second incision around the navel. Skin in the shaded area is separated from the abdominal wall. To tighten the abdominal wall, the surgeon brings loose underlying tissue and muscle together with sutures.
Abdominal skin is pulled downward, and the excess is removed.
A small opening is made to bring the navel through. Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. The length of the incision, which extends laterally toward the pelvic bones, depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. The contour of this incision will vary somewhat according to the structure of your abdomen and the style of bathing suit or undergarments that you prefer. Your plastic surgeon will try to keep the incision within your bathing suit lines, but this may not always be possible.