To remove excess skin from the abdominal area the surgeon first makes a long incision from hip to hip just above the pubic area. He then makes a second incision around the navel to free the belly button from the surrounding skin. The skin is then surgically separated from the abdominal wall up to the ribs and lifted to expose the muscles in the abdomen. The muscles are repositioned and stitched to provide a firmer, slimmer and more contoured abdomen. The skin is then stretched back into place and a new hole is cut for the belly button which is then stitched in place. Unwanted excess skin is cut away and the incision is closed with stitches.