Abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” is a procedure used to make the abdomen more firm. The surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen in order to tighten the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall. This type of surgery is usually sought by patients with loose tissues after pregnancy or individuals with sagging after major weight loss.

Abdominoplasty operations vary in scope and are frequently subdivided into categories. Depending on the extent of the surgery, a complete abdominoplasty can take 1 to3 hours.
A partial abdominoplasty (Mini-Tuck Abdominoplasty) can be completed between 1 to 2 hours. A complete (or full) abdominoplasty.

An incision is made from hip to hip just above the pubic area.

The skin is detached from the abdominal wall to reveal the muscles and fascia to be tightened. The muscle fascia wall is tightened with sutures.
The remaining skin and fat are tightened by removing the excess and closing the defect.
The old belly button stalk is brought out through a new hole and sutured into place.
Liposuction is often used to refine the transition zones of the abdominal sculpture.

Depends on the problem to be treated, surgical technique(s), and other factors. Can take one to four weeks and patients are advised to take at least a portion of this recovery time off from work.
Heavy activity especially is best avoided during this time.
Initially there may be bruising and discomfort.
A supportive abdominal binder or compression garment can minimize swelling/bruising, and support the repaired tissues.
Full recovery takes 3 to 6 months with further fading of scars thereafter.