A tummy tuck, formally known as Abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure which addresses the appearance of the abdomen. It usually involves the removal of excess skin and fat, often combined with tightening the muscles, and it’s performed for the purpose of improving the patient’s appearance. A Tummy Tuck is commonly requested by patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin or stretch marks left, women who are post-pregnancy and have a hard time regaining abdominal muscles, or people who have a genetic tendency to hold onto extra weight in the abdominal area. Tummy Tucks are also requested as a part of another overall contouring surgery.
There are different types of tummy tucks and the type of tummy tuck you need will depend on your individual goals and requirements. Here we will explain the most common types of tummy tucks available:
Complete (Full) Abdominoplasty
A Complete Abdominoplasty is the most commonly performed Tummy Tuck and it consists of the removal of the skin and fat of the lower abdominal area, combined with the repositioning of the belly button. The main goal is to tighten the muscles of the abdomen and reduce any skin laxity, stretch marks and excessive fat in the abdominal area. A Complete Abdominoplasty requires a longer recovery time in comparison to partial tummy tucks, and it should be performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.
Mini Abdominoplasty
A Mini Abdominoplasty is a less invasive tummy tuck surgery that targets a smaller area. It is generally performed using local anesthesia with sedation. A Mini Tummy Tuck is typically the right choice for patients with a small amount of excess fat and skin in the lower belly area, and it does not involve the repositioning of the belly button. With the Mini Tummy Tuck, the recovery time is much shorter than with the Complete Abdominoplasty and the patient can return to daily activities within one week after the surgery.
Circular (Extended) Abdominoplasty
A Circular Abdominoplasty, also known as an Extended Abdominoplasty, is usually an option for patients with more pronounced excess skin on the abdominal area which also extends around to the lower back. The procedure requires repositioning of the belly button and removing skin from both the front and the sides of the abdomen. An Extended Abdominoplasty can involve an incision that reaches from one hip to the other, as well as additional liposuction to help achieve the desired result. This type of Tummy Tuck requires general anesthesia and generally a longer recovery period in comparison to Mini Tummy Tuck.
Reverse Tummy Tuck
A Reverse Tummy Tuck is a less common option, as it is generally less effective in achieving the desired results. It involves an incision in the abdominal area of the upper abdomen which is not as usual in any other types of Tummy Tucks. A Reverse Tummy Tuck can also be combined with a Moderate or Mini Abdominoplasty, although it generally involves less aggressive surgery than other types.
Modified Tummy Tuck
A Modified Tummy Tuck is usually an option for patients who have a small amount of excess skin after weight loss, rather than a significant amount of excess skin. The procedure generally involves repositioning the belly button, removing a small amount of excess skin, underlying abdominal muscles, and sometimes liposuction. It can be performed using local anesthesia with sedation and it generally has a quicker recovery time compared to the Complete Abdominoplasty.
In conclusion, the type of Tummy Tuck surgery that best fits your individual goals and requirements will depend on a variety of factors. It is important to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in order to choose the type of Tummy Tuck is best for you.