What are the Different Types of Tummy Tucks?
Different Types of Tummy Tuck Techniques–
There are several different types of abdominoplasty – or Tummy Tuck – procedures that can be performed by a plastic surgeon. The type of tummy tuck that is best for a person depends upon whether they need to have muscles tightened, skin tightened, fat removed, or any combination of those factors.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will offer you a consultation to carefully assess your needs, before recommending a specific type tummy tuck to achieve your appearance goals. In this article we discuss some of the different types of tummy tucks – but only an experienced and knowledgeable plastic surgeon can advise the best type of tummy tuck procedure for you.
Endoscopic Abdominoplasty
An endoscopic abdominoplasty is often performed on people having weakened muscles of the lower abdomen, and excess abdominal fat, but who still have fairly tight abdominal skin. But an endoscopic tummy tuck does not tighten loose skin on the stomach area.
Endoscopic tummy tuck surgery is performed using a small camera, and several tiny surgical instruments, that are inserted through small incisions. The surgeon tightens the abdominal muscles with sutures – and often liposuction is done to remove fat at the same time.
This procedure is not as invasive as a full abdominoplasty, and is best for people who you have generally taut skin, but loose muscles and fascia.
Mini-Tummy Tuck
A “mini-tummy tuck” (technically called a partial or modified abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and fat, but does not tighten muscles. A person is a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck if they do not need muscle tightening and the navel does not need to be repositioned. A mini-tummy tuck will typically leave a much shorter scar than a full abdominoplasty or dermolipectomy.
Dermolipectomy Tummy Tuck
During dermolipectomy, excess skin and fat is removed and the belly button is repositioned. However, there is no muscle tightening. Typically, a dermolipectomy is recommended for patients who have a higher degree of skin laxity than mini-tummy tuck candidates.
This procedure is often performed on people who are left with a lot of excess skin after a large weight loss, such as those who have had bariatric surgery or “stomach stapling”.
Full Abdominoplasty Tummy Tuck
Full Abdominoplasty is the most invasive type of tummy tuck surgery. It is generally used on people with very lax muscles plus excess amounts of loose skin.
In a full tummy tuck, skin and fat are loosened away from the abdominal muscles up to the bottom of the rib cage, and typically all the skin and fat below the belly button is removed. The fascia and rectus abdominus muscles are then tightened by bringing the separated muscles together. Finally, the skin above the belly button is pulled down toward the pubic bone and sutured into place. A new hole is made in the skin and the skin is sutured around the belly button – giving the patient a beautiful new navel.
Other Types of Tummy Tucks
Less commonly performed is a reverse abdominoplasty, for people who have a lot of loose skin above the navel. An incision is made just under the breasts – and instead of being pulled down, the skin is pulled up.
A Vertical Scar Abdominoplasty; or Fleur-de-lis Tummy tuck is another rare procedure in which an incision across the lower abdomen is combined with a vertical incision up the center of the abdomen. This technique is only for people who need substantial amounts of skin removed, as well as an extreme amount of tightening around the waist.
West Bloomfield Area’s Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon
Oakland County board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men in Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Troy and Southwest Michigan obtain the firm flat abdomen they have always desired with a Tummy Tuck. When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali, he will answer all of your questions – and help you decide which Tummy Tuck procedure will offer the most beautiful results in your unique situation.
