Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as tummy tuck surgery, is a major cosmetic procedure in order to make the stomach flatter and more toned. With this kind of surgery, you may find yourself asking many questions such as "Are there different types of tummy tucks?
Understanding the different types of tummy tuck surgery will help you make an informed decision about which procedure is best for you. There are several types of tummy tuck surgeries, each with characteristic features.
Full Tummy Tuck-Complete Abdominoplasty
A full tummy tuck or complete abdominoplasty is the most frequently performed type of tummy tuck. The incision runs horizontally from one hip to the other so that excess skin and fat can be removed both from the upper part as well as from the lower part of the abdomen.
It acts to tighten the abdominal muscles and also repositions the navel to provide an outline that is more in line with the contours of the body. This is ideal for patients with skin laxity. It consists of a longer postoperative recovery.
Mini Abdominoplasty (Partial Tummy Tuck)
It is less invasive as compared to the full tummy tuck and often confines itself to the lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck uses a smaller incision and normally does not relocate the belly button. Candidates are usually those with a minimal amount of excess skin and fat below their belly button; thus, these can normally resume activities within one week.
Extended Tummy Tuck
The extended tummy tuck is for those patients with excessive skin and fat extending beyond the abdomen into the flanks, or sides. This type of tummy tuck uses a longer incision that extends around the hips, allowing for great contouring of the waist and abdomen. It often incorporates liposuction as well, usually for better results. It also requires more time to recover than both full and mini tummy tucks.
Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck
This type of abdominoplasty is most useful for those who have lost significant weight and have redundant skin in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions. This form of fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty includes a vertical incision along with the standard horizontal incision, which allows the surgeon to take out more significant skin and contour the abdomen much more effectively. It is more invasive, with overall longer times necessary for recovery.
Reverse Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty targeting the upper rather than the lower abdomen involves an incision across the upper part of the abdomen, hence removing the excess skin and fat from that area. This is less common and is sometimes combined with other procedures, such as a breast lift, to achieve the results. It is ideal for patients with sagging skin in the upper abdominal region.
Modified Tummy Tuck
The modified abdominoplasty is tailored for those patients who have a small amount of excess skin following weight loss. It may involve an umbilicus transposition combined with the excision of a small amount of skin or more significantly, tightening of the deeper musculature. It is less invasive than the full tummy tuck and generally has a shorter length of recovery period.
Lipoabdominoplasty
The abdominoplasty with liposuction technique combined would involve both the tummy tuck and the liposuction simultaneously. It allows for the pulling out of excess fat, and simultaneously the skin and muscles can be tightened. It can also be applied for a dual approach in improving the contour of the abdomen, where skin laxity is to be combined with resistant fat deposits.
Tummy Tuck with Mons Lift
In this procedure, a tummy tuck is combined with a mons lift, which repositions the pubic area for a more youthful appearance. This combination is particularly beneficial for women who have experienced significant changes in their bodies after childbirth or weight loss.
Endoscopic Tummy Tuck
An endoscopic tummy tuck is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and an endoscope to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess fat. This technique is best suited for patients with mild to moderate loose skin and requires less recovery time than traditional tummy tucks.
360-Degree Tummy Tuck
This comprehensive approach involves contouring the entire midsection, including the abdomen and flanks. It typically combines elements of both tummy tuck and liposuction, providing a complete transformation of the torso. This procedure is ideal for patients with extensive skin laxity and stubborn fat deposits around the waist.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of tummy tuck depends on individual goals, the extent of excess skin and fat, and overall health. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best suitable procedure customized to specific needs. Each type of tummy tuck offers unique benefits and considerations, making it important for patients to understand their options before proceeding with surgery.
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