Tummy tucks can achieve dramatic results for patients with excess skin in their midsections. However, not all tummy tuck procedures are created equal.
Five different tummy tucks are designed to address various needs and aesthetic goals. This article will explore each type of tummy tuck and help you determine which one may be the best fit for you.
Table of Contents
Traditional (Full) Tummy Tuck
A traditional tummy tuck removes excess skin from the midsection and tightens muscles for a flattering result. After administering local or general anesthesia, your plastic surgeon Bellevue, creates a lateral incision from hip to hip. Using this slit, she can remove loose skin and change the position of your belly button for better aesthetics. In addition, she can repair muscle laxity in the upper abdomen.
A full tummy tuck is ideal for patients with significant skin laxity in the lower and upper abdomen after pregnancy or dramatic weight loss. This type of abdominoplasty provides more comprehensive results than other tummy tucks.
This procedure requires the longest recovery time of all tummy tucks. For this reason, patients should plan to take a couple of weeks off from work and request light duty if they have physically demanding jobs. Patients should avoid lifting anything during this time, which can jeopardize the surgical outcome.
Mini Tummy Tuck
The abdominal area can change dramatically when a person gains or loses weight. Skin that has stretched may not spring back, and weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) can leave stubborn pockets of fat behind. A mini tummy tuck can tighten and contour this area, eliminating loose skin and restoring a slimmer, more toned shape to the abdomen.
During this procedure, an incision 4 to 8 inches long is made in the lower abdomen. This is about the same length as a C-section scar, so it’s relatively easy to conceal with underwear and bikini bottoms.
This procedure is ideal for patients who need mild to moderate skin laxity in the lower abdominal area or want to get rid of a post-pregnancy pooch. However, those who plan to have more children or have significant muscle laxity may need a full tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck can also address the upper abdominal region, resulting in flatter abs and a more toned midsection overall.
Extended Tummy Tuck
The traditional tummy tuck may not be enough for patients who have lost much weight, either from bariatric surgery like a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy or due to huge weight loss from diet and exercise. In these cases, the extended tummy tuck to remove excess skin and fat that extends past the front of the abdomen.
Plastic surgeons make a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen during this procedure, often vertically. This allows them to remove and tighten the excess skin from the hips, lower back, and flank area.
Some patients are concerned about their scarring after this extensive procedure, but scars typically fade with time and don’t have to be very noticeable once they heal. This is especially true when plastic surgeons use their patented scar-fading techniques.
Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck
Many men and women experience sagging excess fat in the abdominal area due to age, pregnancy, or significant fluctuations in weight. This can leave your stomach looking disproportionate to the rest of your body and make you self-conscious about wearing certain clothing items. A tummy tuck can provide dramatic, long-lasting results to help you achieve your dream figure.
Although several noninvasive procedures remove fat and tighten sagging skin, they are less effective when compared to a surgical treatment like the tummy tuck.
A surgical tummy tuck can deliver impressive results that last far longer than noninvasive treatments, giving you the confidence to embrace your new body with pride. If you are considering a tummy tuck, contact us to learn more about the benefits and outcomes of this life-changing procedure.
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