Did you know that were 242,939 tummy tuck surgeries in the United States in 2021? This is according to statistics provided by the Aesthetic Society.
A tummy tuck is something that almost everyone has heard of. But did you know there are different types of tummy tucks?
It’s neither attractive nor pleasant to have a belly that’s so big you must wear clothing and shapewear to disguise it. Unfortunately, this is a daily reality for many men and women. Our self-esteem suffers when our bodies do not feel or look how we want them to.
A tummy tuck may be viable if you have sagging skin, fat around your belly button, or a weakened abdominal wall. A tummy tuck can also improve your body image and make you feel better.
It is a very effective method but isn’t always a replacement for losing weight through exercise and diet. Those who want to enhance their abdominal contour should also know that this is not a “one size fits all” option.
A plastic surgeon can advise you on the best belly tuck technique among several options. Learn about the different types of tummy tucks available to you.
A Tummy Tuck – What Is It?
The tummy tuck procedure is a cosmetic operation that helps you get a flatter, more defined stomach. How? It is by removing stubborn fat and skin from the abdominal area and tightening the underlying abdominal muscles.
Sagging skin and extra fat in the abdominal region affect a large percentage of the population and both sexes. This might be due to your age, lifestyle, or life events (such as pregnancy, childbirth, or significant weight loss). A belly tuck can help you get the flat, toned stomach you’ve always wanted.
Types of Tummy Tucks
You, as the patient, can take four distinct approaches to a tummy tuck surgery. Depending on the approach, you will spend either a shorter or longer amount of time under anesthesia. The three types of tummy tucks are as follows.
1. The Full Tummy Tuck
The most frequent type of tummy tuck is a standard procedure to reduce abdominal fat and tighten the abdominal muscles. The emphasis is on the region between the chest and the abdomen.
Typically, this surgery begins with a transverse incision from hip to hip below the navel. Following is tightening the divided or lax stomach muscles (a condition known as “diastasis recti“).
The surgeon pulls the abdominal skin down, removing excess connective tissue and skin. It’s common for the surgeon to move the belly button during the procedure. This may appear to be a separate procedure, but it is a standard part of a tummy tuck.
Most people need at least two weeks to fully recover.
This surgery is best for an adult who lives a healthy life and has only a little to a fair bit of extra weight or excess skin in the middle of their stomach—also, women who, after pregnancy, have a lot of loose skin in their midsection.
2. The Mini Tummy Tuck
A surgeon performs a mini tummy tuck on the lower abdomen to eliminate extra connective tissue and skin, usually caused by aging. It’s that irritating thing that no amount of core exercises or salads can beat.
These tummy tuck incisions are typically smaller and placed just under the bikini line for a mini tummy tuck. The process is similar to a traditional tummy tuck.
The surgeon then tightens the lower abdominal muscles, pulls the skin taut, and removes the extra skin. It is not necessary to move the navel.
Prepare yourself for at least one week of healing time. The best candidates for this tummy tuck procedure are adults with flabby skin or a modest amount of extra weight below the belly button.
3. The Extended Tummy Tuck
Extended tummy tucks go beyond the abdomen to the hips and lower back. The surgeon makes an incision that runs horizontally from the lower abdomen to the hips. Depending on the extent of the treatment area, a vertical incision may also be necessary.
During surgery, loose stomach muscles are tightened. The surgeon will remove extra tissue and skin from the flank and abdominal areas, and the skin will be reattached. The navel must typically be repositioned, much like with a traditional tummy tuck.
Because of the more extensive incision and more comprehensive tucking, recovery takes longer than a simple tummy tuck. Therefore, you should expect a minimum of two to three weeks of healing.
This surgery suits adults with a flabby abdomen, extra skin, or who have had significant weight reduction. Also suitable for those people who battle to lose their love handles or back fat.
4. The Reverse Tummy Tuck
The reverse tummy tuck tends to help eliminate extra skin on the upper stomach area instead of the middle or lower abdomen. A horizontal cut goes from the bottom of the breast fold across the lower sternum to the other lower breast fold. In essence, this is where the bra line is.
This surgical procedure can strengthen the upper core stomach muscles and remove loose skin and connective tissue.
The healing process often takes between one and two weeks. This procedure is recommended for adults with extra skin in the upper abdomen but little muscle loosening affecting midsection or lower abdomen contouring—also, women undergoing breast lift surgery or requiring recontouring following breast implant removal or mal-positioning.
Improve Your Self Confidence With a Tummy Tuck!
To achieve a more attractive abdomen overall, there are different types of tummy tucks that a good plastic surgeon can consider.
You can get a flatter, more toned stomach with a tummy tuck by removing extra skin and fat and strengthening your abdominal wall muscles. If you’ve had a tummy tuck and have kept your weight stable, you should enjoy long-lasting effects.
But remember that your success will depend greatly on your choice of plastic surgeon. So if you are in or near New York City, why not contact us for an appointment? We pay attention to detail, value your input, and help you achieve your desired look!