Tummy tucks also known as abdimnoplasty is among the five most popular cosmetic surgeries and is of course the most popular with the results for a flatter abdomen.

The way in which a tummy tuck is done begins with the type of anesthesia used. In most cases, patients receive a general anesthesia and are asleep during the entire procedure. On the other hand, if it is only a mini abdimnoplasty a local anesthesia may be used which will allow the patient to be a bit drowsy with the area of the surgery numbed. 

According to the surgeon you have, the tummy tuck technique can vary however; in most cases, the techniques are very similar. 

The procedure:

• A long horizontal incision will be done in the pubic area from close to one hip to the other. This cut is also commonly referred to as a bikini cut since it is below the line of the top of the bikini when worn.
• Excess skin that is found between the pubic area and the belly button will be removed. This will tighten the shape of the abdomen.
• The skin on the upper part of the abdomen will then be stretched down over the incision.
• The belly button will be put back in the center of the abdomen where it should be or as close as possible as to where it belongs. The fraction of difference will not be noticeable.
• In most cases, the muscles of the abdomen will also have to be tightened during the procedure.
• the incision will be closed with stitches
• Small tubes will be placed under the skin for fluid to drain.

The mini tummy tuck procedure:
The difference is only that a smaller incision will be made instead of from one hip to the other and the skin around the belly button will not be stretched over the incision. 

Endoscopic tummy tuck procedure:
Instead of making one large incision, a few smaller incisions are made. The surgeon will use an endoscope that allows for viewing which will enable the removal of excess skin through the smaller incisions. 

After surgery, you will be given pain medication for the first few days due to discomfort or even pain. The area around the incision may bruise and swell for a short time and you may experience some bleeding and numbing around the incision.