What Are The Different Tummy Tuck Techniques?

What are the different tummy tuck techniques?

An abdominoplasty, more commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a popular cosmetic procedure for those who simply can’t get rid of the sagging skin, excess fat, stretch marks, and unwanted tissue around their abdomen despite a healthy diet and routine exercise. This same excess skin and fat tissue can be the result of rapid weight loss, aging, or repeated pregnancies. The good news is that there are several types of abdominoplasty procedures that a patient can choose according to his or her needs. A good candidate is someone who is healthy, within 10 to 15 pounds of stable weight, and finished bearing children.

Full (Standard) Tummy Tuck

This surgery requires an incision from the point of one hip to the other at the bikini line. There’s also an incision made around the navel, which will be repositioned. When the long incision is made, the skin of the abdomen is lifted off the abdominal wall. This reveals the muscles of the abdomen. The navel is released to allow the skin to easily be stretched but remains in its old position. The muscles in the wall of the abdomen are then tightened with a running suture, acting as an internal corset, revealing a slimmer contour. The excess of skin and fat is then pulled down and trimmed away. Then the navel is repositioned for a natural look.

Extended Tummy Tuck

During your consultation, based on your preferences and wishes, your physician may determine that an extended tummy tuck is the best procedure for you. An extended back tummy tuck procedure is performed like a standard tummy tuck, however, the incision which is normally hip bone to hip bone, now extends around the hips to the back. This longer incision improves not only the upper and lower abdomen but also improves the waistline by addressing extra skin along the love handle area.

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck

With the fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, there is an additional vertical incision along with the horizontal incision of the standard tummy tuck. This vertical incision allows for the removal and tightening of the upper abdomen area in addition to the removal of tissue on the lower abdomen. As with the standard tummy tuck surgery, abdominal muscles will also be repaired if needed. This extra vertical incision allows for an extreme amount of tissue to be removed, often recommended for patients who have had a massive weight loss. Removing the abundance of excess tissue through this technique can lead to results that are quite dramatic and sought after.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery only recommended for those who have minimal extra skin needing removal below the belly button and usually results in a 4 to 8-inch scar around the bikini line. This procedure does not reposition the patient’s navel and usually does not require abdominal muscle tightening. 

Schedule A Consultation

Tummy tuck surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients will go home the same day as surgery, shortly after their anesthesia has worn off. General anesthesia is administered, allowing the patient to fall asleep completely during the surgery. The surgery is usually between 2 to 5 hours long and requires a recovery period of 2-4 weeks. To learn more about your tummy tuck surgery options, schedule a consultation with one of the board-certified physicians at Heartland Plastic & Hand Surgery.