Aging, pregnancy, and weight loss all affect the abdominal area’s appearance, but their effects can vary from patient to patient. When your goal is to reduce stretch marks, resolve muscle separation, and remove loose abdominal skin, Dr. Stanton will design a tummy tuck procedure that specifically targets your problem areas. While each procedure varies, most follow the same basic pattern. Your surgeon carefully makes an incision on your lower abdomen, through which he tightens muscles and removes excess skin and fat. A typical tummy tuck takes approximately two to four hours to complete.