Tummy tucks, also known as an abdominoplasty, are a great solution for people who, after weight loss, pregnancy or natural aging, experience excess skin in the mid and lower abdomen, a protruding abdomen, and/or weakened muscles of the abdominal wall.
What are the different types of tummy tuck procedures?
Here are some tummy tuck options your plastic surgeon may recommend if you are considering a procedure:
MINI TUMMY TUCK
For this type of tummy tuck, one incision is made in the pubic area. Only a few inches in length, this incision is smaller than you would see with a full tummy tuck. Through the incision, your surgeon will remove excess skin, tighten slack muscles, and perhaps use liposuction to further refine the area.
The ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck procedure has issues mainly below the belly button. It is usually recommended for patients who have always been in pretty good shape but may have plateaued with diet and exercise.
Tummy Tuck Guide
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MODIFIED TUMMY TUCK
Similar to a mini tummy tuck, a modified tummy tuck allows the patient to keep their natural belly button, but involves removing more skin. This type of tummy tuck option is best for patients in need of excess skin removal, muscle wall tightening, and in some cases, liposuction to contour the area.
TRADITIONAL OR FULL TUMMY TUCK
In addition to the incision across the lower abdomen as seen in mini and modified tummy tucks, a traditional or full tummy tuck also utilizes an incision around the belly button. During this procedure, excess skin is removed, muscles are tightened, and liposuction may be used to contour. This is a more extensive operation that essentially removes the skin from above the belly button down to the pubic area that’s been compromised by pregnancies, genetic laxity, or obesity.
EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK/ BELT OR HIGH LATERAL TENSION
A traditional tummy tuck doesn’t address anything past the scar. For this reason, if you have excess skin that needs to be addressed in the love handle or hip area, the scar needs to be made longer. This variation is called a high lateral tension or extended tummy tuck and is great for addressing areas when liposuction is not enough.
By extending the incision around the side of the hip, your surgeon will be able to remove more loose tissue and excess skin from beyond the hip to hip area addressed with a traditional tummy tuck. An extended tummy tuck may also be combined with a body lift.
So, Which Tummy Tuck Option Is Right For You?
A tummy tuck procedure is a big decision, and with many different types of procedures, it can be difficult to know which is the best option for you.
That’s why at Belcara Health, our board-certified surgeons take the time to understand your anatomy, medical history, and personal goals to recommend the best procedure for you. We take the time to get to know each and every patient – a fundamental element of our practice’s philosophy centered on excellent patient care that delivers extraordinary results. Schedule your consultation today by contacting us online or calling 410.296.0414 to speak with a representative.
If you’re not ready to talk to someone yet, you can learn more about our tummy tuck options and the types of tummy tuck procedures we offer in our downloadable comprehensive guide below.