With the advancements in medical technology and access to cosmetic surgery available these days, tummy tucks are on the rise in popularity. More men and women want that extra “help” with their abdominal areas. This part of the body is a common area of ongoing struggle for many individuals. Weight gain or loss, pregnancies, or just the natural process of aging are all factors that can get in the way of having those flat, toned abs we all desire. Sometimes, diet and exercise is all you need, but, in some cases, getting the abdominals you always wanted means getting help from the cosmetic procedure of a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the abdomen. All tummy tucks have one primary goal, which is to remove excess skin and fat in order to leave a person with a more toned, flatter looking abdominal or midsection area. The abdominal area is broken down into 2 different areas: the upper and lower regions. Cosmetically, a standard, extended, mini, or panniculectomy tummy-tuck procedure handles the lower abdominal area. A reverse tummy-tuck cosmetic procedure enhances and reshapes the upper abdominal area. There are different options for patients depending on what their unique needs are. An abdominoplasty is regarded as cosmetic surgery, so it is not usually covered by your medical insurance. The type of tummy tuck that you undergo will depend on your specific concerns. The following article will outline the five main types of tummy tucks.
Standard Tummy Tuck
This is the most common tummy-tuck procedure performed for reshaping and toning up the lower abdominal area. It is extremely common for women who have gone through pregnancy and childbirth. An incision is usually made above the pubic area below the belly button, typically spanning from hip to hip, allowing for the optimal removal of excess skin and any fatty tissue. The lower abdominal area is then contoured with liposuction and made to look flatter. It also reshapes the underlying abdominal wall, so the abdominal muscles are usually tightened at the same time. The belly button is sometimes repositioned in a standard tummy tuck so that the outcome looks symmetrical and natural. If a woman previously had a C-section, a surgeon can work with the previous scarring to reduce any additional scarring. Most traditional tummy-tuck incisions can be hidden by undergarments or a bathing suit.
Mini Tummy Tuck
An alternative option is a mini tummy tuck. If you only need a small amount of excess skin or fatty tissue removed below the belly button, this procedure could work for you. This is a less invasive procedure, but it provides the same great results as a traditional tummy tuck. This version is ideal for a patient whose diet and exercise efforts have plateaued, leaving them with a small “pooch” or loose skin and flab below the belly button. A mini tummy tuck involves a much smaller incision just above the pubic area and doesn’t involve belly-button repositioning. Because of its smaller incision, there is less scarring, and scars can normally be concealed by undergarments or a bathing suit.
Extended Tummy Tuck
The extended tummy tuck was developed for patients needing a significant amount of skin or fatty tissue removed in their lower abdominal area as well as the “love handle” regions in the hip or lower back. It is more invasive with a longer incision made above the pubic area, the entire width of the abdominal area, that extends to the back of each hip. The belly button is also removed and repositioned in this procedure, then reconstructed to look normal. Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed (sometimes with liposuction for better body contouring results), and underlying abdominal muscles are tightened at the same time. Because this procedure is more invasive, patients are typically required to spend one night in the hospital for recovery and, just like with a standard tummy tuck, the incision can usually be hidden with undergarments or a bathing suit.
Panniculectomy
This surgical procedure is a variation of abdominoplasty aimed at helping patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. Oftentimes, in patients who have lost 100 pounds or more or who have been left with excess loose skin after bariatric surgery, folds of skin and fat, known as an “apron,” can be the result. This is a more complex abdominoplasty method where a substantial amount of tissue is removed. The incision is made above the pubic area from hip to hip but the belly button and abdominal muscles are not always affected. This surgery focuses on the removal of the folds of loose skin and sometimes requires microsurgery to ensure that blood vessels are returned to normal function post-surgery. This procedure can offer dramatic, life-changing results for many patients whose lives are greatly affected and hindered by the amount of loose skin around their abdominal area.
Reverse Tummy Tuck
A reverse abdominoplasty involves the upper portion of the midsection just below the breasts. Some patients can have a lower abdominal area that is toned and flat but their upper torso has loose skin or extra fatty tissue. A reverse tummy tuck is made with one long incision or two small ones underneath the breasts or in the breast folds. The excess skin and fat present in the upper torso is then removed and tucked “upwards” toward the breast area. This procedure is an ideal partner with a mini tummy tuck for an overall midsection makeover. It is also an option with breast augmentation or breast enhancement–the positioning of the reverse tummy-tuck incision allows these cosmetic procedures to be done at the same time. The reverse tummy-tuck incision can be hidden (for women) with a bra or bathing suit top.
It is recommended that a person discusses their particular concerns with their certified cosmetic surgeon in order to decide on the type of tummy tuck that is best for them.
Written by Joanne Myers
