| Procedure: | Flatten abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles of abdominal wall. |
| Length: | 2 to 5 hours. |
| Anesthesia: | General, or local with sedation. |
| In/Outpatient: | Either depending on individual circumstances and extent of surgery. |
| Side Effects: | Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, tiredness for several weeks or months. |
| Risks: | Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin flap. Poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss. Need for a second operation. |
| Recovery: | Back to work : 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity : 4 to 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars : 3 months to 2 years. |
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
