Through this incision, the underlying muscles are tightened with sutures and the undesired fat extracted if necessary. A skin flap is then stretched down and any excess skin is removed. A new hole is cut for the navel and then the skin is redraped and sutured into place. Temporary drainage tubes are placed to remove fluid from under the skin flap. The better physical condition you are in before your surgery, the easier your recovery will be.
Most patients return to work and limited activity about two weeks following surgery.
You can expect your scars to take up to a year to flatten out and lighten in color. Although they will never completely disappear, the scars will not show under most clothing or bathing suits.