You are standing in front of the mirror, and it seems as though your midsection is glaring back at you. The skin on your stomach is loose, sagging, and you can grab a handful of excess skin. With a frown, you think to yourself where did this come from or how did this happen. Maybe you have lost a significant amount of weight, or maybe your beautiful children wreaked havoc on your midsection during pregnancy. Unfortunately, skin expands, loses tone, and sags as we age, fluctuate in weight, or bear children. Whatever the cause, if you stand in front of the mirror and all you see is your loose midsection then you might be a candidate for a tummy tuck.
Abdominoplasty also known as a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that focuses on removing the excess skin around the midsection and tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. It is important to understand that a tummy tuck is not meant to help you lose weight as it is not a substitute for a healthy diet and active lifestyle. It’s recommended that your weight is consistent for nine to twelve months before undergoing the surgery. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to long-term results and failure to do so may negate the results of your procedure. Depending on the type of tummy tuck performed, a combination of excess skin removal, liposuction, and abdominal muscle tightening can be used to give the stomach a flatter, toned, and firmer appearance.
Which type of tummy tuck is right for you?
Ultimately this decision will need to be made in collaboration with your board certified plastic surgeon. The three most popular versions of the tummy tuck include the mini, the traditional, and the extended. Below you will find an overview of the three most common types of tummy tucks performed. Each variation on the tummy tuck will also require different pre-surgery and post-surgery care. The information provided is by no means comprehensive; however, a brief understanding of the three will help you have an active conversation with your board certified plastic surgeon.
The mini tuck, exactly as its name implies, is used for a minimal amount of skin removal. Typical candidates for a mini tuck are those who have a small amount of excess skin or laxity underneath the belly button. Candidates for a mini tuck are relatively fit and usually are seeking to remove that stubborn pooch of skin that is resistant to diet and exercise. A small incision is made in the pubic region which can easily be hidden by underwear or a bikini. Recovery time is patient-specific; however, most patients can resume normal activity within a week.
A traditional or standard tummy tuck is a bit more involved. A traditional tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have a sizeable amount of excess skin above and below the belly button that needs to be removed. Most candidates that fit this profile have typically lost a significant amount of weight, have loose skin, and might have weakened abdominal muscles due to pregnancy. This type of tuck requires a larger incision which still should be hidden by underwear or a bikini. Again, recovery times is patient-specific; however, with a traditional tummy tuck allow yourself two to four weeks before resuming normal activities.
The extended tuck or circumferential tuck is the most extensive tummy tuck. The extended tummy tuck ideal for the patient who has a significant amount of skin all the way around the central body. This surgery not only tucks and flattens the stomach but can also lift the thighs and buttocks as well. Due to the extent of the surgery, you should expect a one- or two-night hospital stay and then four weeks’ recovery before resuming light activity.
A tummy tuck is a highly individualized surgical procedure that requires expert consultation. When deciding to have a tummy tuck picking the right board certified plastic surgeon to perform the procedure is crucial. Your specific needs and desired results will determine which type of tummy tuck is right for you. At your consultation, your board certified plastic surgeon will discuss which procedure will be most beneficial to achieve your desired results.
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