What are the different types of tummy tucks?
The tummy tuck comes in various forms, each one designed to address different issues. During the private consultation, the patient’s medical history and current situation will be assessed thoroughly to determine which course of action will best meet their needs.
The type of tummy tuck procedure that is chosen depends on how much excess skin the patient is currently dealing with. The location and length of incisions made during the procedure will vary greatly, depending on how much skin will have to be removed.
Standard Tummy Tuck
The standard tummy tuck procedure is designed to address both the upper and lower sections of the abdomen. Those with weakened abdominal muscles or an accumulation of excess skin around the belly can see significant improvements with a standard tummy tuck. It flattens the region above and below the belly button while refining its contours.
The procedure involves the following steps:
- A small incision is made on the umbilical
- A short incision is made near the waistline, which is completely obscured by clothing, such as swimwear and undergarments
- All excess fat is extracted from the target area
- The stomach is tightened using sutures
After the procedure, patients must keep drainage tubes under their skin for a few days to recover properly. Downtime from the procedure is usually only a week-long, and patients can start engaging in vigorous exercise at the 6-week mark.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Unlike the standard tummy tuck, which treats both the upper and lower abdomen, the mini tummy tuck only addresses the lower portion of the belly (from the navel and below). It is appropriately labeled “mini” because only a small area above the pubic region is treated. However, the incisions used with this approach are roughly the same size as the ones used in a standard tummy tuck.
The mini tummy tuck is best suited for women who are already at a healthy weight and can maintain it long-term. These women are overall content with their body composition, but an issue, such as pregnancy, has caused them to develop some muscle separation and a layer of excess skin above their pubic area. Women with C-section scars can be in an even more complicated situation, as the scar further disrupts the area's aesthetic appeal. A mini tummy tuck procedure involves an incision that is easily hidden in the waistline, and there are only about 5 to 7 days of downtime.
Circumferential tummy tuck
This is the most extensive tummy tuck method, as it treats all areas of the stomach, the waistline, flanks, and back. This procedure is best suited for patients who have experienced large fluctuations in weight.
As the name suggests, the procedure involves a circumferential incision that runs around the waistline. Liposuction is then carried out to remove excess skin and fat from the target areas. During this time, the loose stomach muscles are pulled tight and the belly button is moved to a more visually pleasing position. Once all of the changes have been made, sutures are used to seal the incisions. These tummy tuck procedures can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to complete.