A slimmer physique and flatter belly are goals many of us strive for through diet and exercise. However, cosmetic surgery can help us achieve our body goals when diet and exercise are not enough. These days, the demand for invasive cosmetic surgery has never been higher. For example, the tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is an increasingly popular surgical procedure that improves the shape and appearance of the stomach. According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, over 240,000 men and women had a tummy tuck in 2021.
Tummy tucks are a popular body contouring procedure for individuals whose bodies have undergone dramatic changes from pregnancy, aging, or weight loss. In addition, improvements in surgical techniques have led to more tummy tuck options. These include mini tummy tucks, extended tummy tucks, panniculectomy, and reverse tummy tucks. But what is the best type of tummy tuck? Let’s dive into everything you need about the different types of tummy tucks to help you learn which is best for you.
The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a surgery that helps remove extra skin and fat from your belly. It can help you look and feel better about yourself. There are many benefits of a tummy tuck. One of the most significant is how this surgery tightens and flattens the stomach area. Some more benefits of a tummy tuck include:
- Improvements to stomach smoothness
- Reduction in loose and sagging skin
- Reduction in stomach pooch and fatty tissue
- Improvements to the way clothing looks and fits
- Increased self-esteem
- Restored abdominal muscles
- Improvements to lower back and abdominal muscle pain
- Improvements to appearance of stretch marks
- A slimmer overall appearance
Understanding A Traditional Tummy Tuck
A traditional tummy tuck is the most common type of stomach sculpting surgery. This procedure helps tighten and sculpt the lower belly by removing unwanted fat and skin. This is a popular surgery for women undergoing pregnancy and childbirth. During this procedure, a surgeon makes a horizontal cut below the belly button and removes unwanted fat and skin. Additionally, a second incision is made around the belly button. Here, liposuction is used to sculpt and reshape the belly and tighten the stomach muscles. As a result, the tummy appears flatter and more toned. In addition, the skin is stretched down and stitched back together. Sometimes the belly button is repositioned, so the result looks natural and symmetrical. On average, this procedure removes two to four inches from a patient’s waistline.
A standard tummy tuck requires local anesthesia and takes a few hours. After surgery, patients are required to rest for a few days. Patients will experience some discomfort and pain and will be given pain medication to manage this. Some individuals may also experience bruising and swelling around the abdomen area. Therefore, wearing a compression garment is necessary to reduce swelling and promote healing. Additionally, patients must avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for at least six weeks.
After a traditional tummy tuck procedure, eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids is important to aid in recovery. Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided during the healing process. It can take several weeks for the swelling to go down and for the incision site to heal completely. A tummy tuck scar will reach from hip bone to hip bone and can be hidden under a swimsuit.
Mini Tummy Tuck / Partial Abdominoplasty
Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck is a more minor, less invasive surgery. Also known as a partial abdominoplasty, this procedure only removes a little bit of skin and fat from the lower part of the stomach. This surgery is a great alternative for people who wish to get rid of a minor amount of skin and fat on their lower bellies and flatten their “pooch.” During the surgery, a small cut is made near the bikini line, and some extra skin is removed. A surgeon can also use liposuction to eliminate excess fat. Sometimes, the stomach muscles are tightened. Compared to a classic tummy tuck, this procedure is shorter and recovery time is quicker. Additionally, patients are left with a smaller scar that is a few inches long.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is an alternative option for individuals needing a lot of extra skin or fat removed from their lower belly, hips, and “love handle” area. For example, individuals who have lost weight often opt for an extended tummy tuck to remove excess skin. In addition, an extended tummy tuck is ideal for women who have had multiple pregnancies and wish to tighten their abdominal walls.
This surgery is more complicated and involves a bigger incision above the pubic area and each hip. The belly button is also moved and repositioned to look normal. Next, a surgeon removes any extra skin and fat and tightens the muscles in the belly. Since this surgery is more serious, patients stay in the hospital overnight to be safely monitored. After surgery, patients may have drainage tubes inserted to help get rid of extra liquid. If so, the surgeon will advise keeping the area clean until the tubes are removed a few days later. The surgical scar from an extended tummy tuck can be hidden beneath underwear or a bathing suit but may not be fully covered for some patients.
Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy is a form of tummy tuck surgery that removes extra skin and fat from the lower belly area (pannus). This surgery is helpful for people who have lost an enormous amount of weight or have excess skin that hangs due to weight loss surgery. This tummy tuck surgery successfully removes skin folds and improves the patient’s ability to move around.
This is a more complex tummy tuck procedure since a larger amount of fatty tissue and skin folds are removed. This surgery offers dramatic results for patients greatly impacted by the amount of loose skin left behind from weight loss. However, it is important to realize that a panniculectomy is a major surgery that requires careful consideration and consultation with a physician.
Reverse Tummy Tuck
A reverse tummy tuck is perfect for individuals with a tight lower tummy with sagging skin above their belly button. Unlike a standard tummy tuck, this procedure addresses the upper torso area. This surgery is a great way to remove loose skin and fat in the upper torso and achieve a lean and toned upper stomach.
A surgeon makes incisions below the breasts, removing excess skin and fatty tissue. This body sculpting procedure eliminates flabby skin and shapes the upper stomach to create a slimmer appearance. Often, liposuction is used to remove unwanted fatty tissue. The loose skin is trimmed away and pulled tight where the incisions are made under the breasts. A reverse tummy tuck does not tighten the abdominal muscles like a standard tummy tuck.
Experience the Safest Tummy Tuck Options Available in Fall River, MA
A tummy tuck can be the perfect solution if you are unhappy with your stomach pooch and desire a flatter stomach. Learn more about all the tummy tuck options available by contacting Advanced Body Sculpting of New England. We are the top provider of body contouring procedures in Fall River, Massachusetts. Our specialists are ready to help customize your tummy tuck procedure to meet your needs and goals. Call us at (877) 577-5476 or reach out online to learn how this body sculpting procedure can help you enjoy a slimmer, new, and improved body that looks and feels amazing.
