How long does the actual tummy tuck surgery take?

It varies from patient to patient and depends on multiple factor including: Individual anatomy, extent of the procedure, operating speed of the surgeon. It generally will vary from 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.I would suggest you find
a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery who is ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with, and discuss
your concerns with that surgeon in person. That way, you can have a better idea
what is safe and makes the most sense for you.

Robert Singer, MD FACSLa Jolla, California

The right answer to this question is a tummy tuck should take just long enough to do every single necessary element to give each individual patient the best tummy tuck possible.Some plastic surgeons, by their nature, operate extremely fast and yet get everything done correctly.  Some surgeons, by their nature, go slower.  Both are correct if the surgeon is a Board Certified plastic surgeon with years of experience and history of great results.In my surgery center in Honolulu, the average tummy tuck takes approximately 3 hours, but time is less important than quality of work.  Choose your plastic surgeon well, do your due diligence, and then allow the plastic surgeon to take as much or as little time as he or she deems necessary to give you an outstanding result (a great looking belly button, well repaired muscle separation, very tight skin, and a scar that is low, thin and as long as it needs to be to leave no dog ears).