What type of tummy tuck is right for you?

Are you feeling discouraged because exercising isn't giving you the results you desire? Do you still have a tummy pooch despite eating well? Do you wish your tummy was trim, toned and tight?

It can be difficult to regain your body's shape after significant changes in your figure (such as pregnancy or major weight loss), and even a healthy lifestyle may not be able to restore your slender midsection. Even if you have lost belly fat, you may still be experiencing a decrease in skin elasticity, which can cause your skin to sag.

A tummy tuck can be an effective solution when your best efforts have not yielded any results in regards to the appearance of your midsection. With multiple procedure options, a tummy tuck can tighten your sagging skin and help you regain subtle tummy contours.

How does a tummy tuck help?

During your tummy tuck surgery consultation, your plastic surgeon will examine the condition of your skin and tissue to determine which of the following types of tummy tuck is best suited for your needs.

Mini tummy tuck

A mini tummy tuck focuses on the area of the tummy that lies below the navel. Your plastic surgeon will make a single incision at the bikini line that is easily concealed under a swimsuit. He will stretch the skin downward as he smooths and adjusts the skin. If you are also in need of muscle tightening to correct a slight pooch, this type of tummy tuck would be appropriate. Women who are wanting to correct the physical changes after pregnancy are ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck.

Full tummy tuck

This is the most common type of tummy tuck procedure since it focuses on the entire midsection. Your surgeon will make two incisions – one will be located in the lower abdomen and the second is made around the navel. Though scarring is more obvious with this procedure, these incision sites allow your surgeon to remove sagging skin from both the upper and lower abdomen. He will also tighten the abdominal muscles necessary to give you a more toned midsection. Many patients benefit from this type of tummy tuck, including women who are post-pregnancy, have experienced major weight loss and are unhappy with how their bodies have changed due to genetics or aging.

Extended tummy tuck

An extended tummy tuck is most commonly performed for patients who need removal of significant amounts of skin. This typically occurs after a massive weight loss. Your surgeon will make a single incision; it will wrap around the abdomen to reach the hips. Such a large incision allows him to tighten the skin evenly down across the tummy. It can leave a larger scar than the other procedures that may be hard to hide under intimate clothing.

BodyTite™

BodyTite™ is a radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) procedure that uses cutting-edge technology to help eliminate stubborn fat for a smoother, slimmer physique. During this procedure, a thin tube, also known as a cannula, is inserted under the skin while an electrode is placed on the outer surface. The radiofrequency waves from the electrode melt the fat, making it easier to remove. These waves heat the skin, which stimulates the production of collagen to tighten the skin. This procedure is used in conjunction with liposuction.

Starting your tummy tuck journey

If you think that tummy tuck surgery might be right for you and your aesthetic goals, be sure to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation. You can use the ASPS Plastic Surgery Connect referral service to find ASPS member surgeons in your area.