Abdominoplasty is indicated in case of a flabby hanging belly. Here the exercise solely of the stomach muscles will not yield a desired result; neither is the liposuction a suitable method. Abdominal plastic surgery is usually done by replanting the umbilicus (belly button). Incision of skin will be made from hip to hip in the area falling under bikini and around the belly button. The subcutaneous tissue is mobilised to the full extent, in case of need the muscles are stretched and the excess skin with subcutaneous fat tissue is removed. The belly button is repositioned with respect to the stretched skin. Left under skin will be 2 drains, usually removed on the next day but one. If abdominal flabbiness is mainly manifest in the lower part, replanting of the belly button is not needed and plastic surgery will be confined to the lower part of abdomen.
Operation will be done under general anaesthesia and the patient is to stay at clinic for 1 to 2 nights. The most recurrent eventual complication is post-operative bleeding, to stop whereof in rare cases surgical revision of the wound is needed. Inflammation of wound may also occur, calling for treatment with antibiotics. After operation the patient must wear a special support bandage for about one month.  A strenuous physical exertion is contraindicated for 4 – 6 weeks, lighter exercise may be started in 3 weeks.