Most of us have heard of a tummy tuck — but few know that there are several types.
Understanding the various types of tummy tucks is important for making an informed decision about your body contouring journey. We’re here to help you navigate the choices and find the best fit for your unique needs. And when you’re finished, be sure to book a consultation call with Dr. Adrian Lo, our board-certified plastic surgeon, to get all your specific questions answered.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Each type of tummy tuck procedure is tailored to address specific patient concerns and body types. Simply put, a tummy tuck (also called an abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, often tightening the underlying muscles as well. It’s like giving your tummy a fresh start!
People choose to have tummy tucks for various reasons. Maybe you’ve lost a significant amount of weight and are left with loose skin. Perhaps pregnancy has changed your body in ways that diet and exercise can’t fix. Or maybe you’ve always struggled with a protruding belly despite your best efforts. Whatever the reason, a tummy tuck can help create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.
The basic steps of a tummy tuck usually involve making an incision, removing excess skin and fat, tightening muscles if necessary, and closing the incision. But as you’ll see, the details can vary depending on the specific type of tummy tuck you choose.
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Different Types of Tummy Tucks
Full Tummy Tuck
Each of the different types of tummy tucks offers unique benefits and addresses specific concerns. When most people think of a tummy tuck, they’re often picturing a full tummy tuck. This is the most comprehensive option, addressing issues from the pubic area all the way up to the rib cage.
A full tummy tuck differs from other types in its extensiveness. The incision typically runs from hip to hip, allowing the plastic surgeon to access the entire abdominal area. This results in a longer scar, but it’s usually placed low enough to be hidden by most underwear and swimwear. The types of tummy tuck incisions vary depending on the specific procedure and can affect the final appearance of your scar.
During a full tummy tuck the plastic surgeon makes an incision across the lower abdomen. The skin is lifted to access the underlying muscles, which are often tightened with sutures. This is especially helpful for women whose abdominal muscles have separated during pregnancy.
Next comes the removal of excess skin and fat. The plastic surgeon carefully trims away the extra tissue, ensuring a smooth contour. Your belly button is repositioned to maintain a natural look. Liposuction is often performed at the same time for further sculpting and shaping. The whole process usually takes two hours, depending on the extent of work needed. The recovery time can vary depending on the types of tummy tucks performed.
It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Ideal candidates are already at or near their target weight. You should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results. Remember, while a tummy tuck can dramatically improve your abdominal contour, it’s not a miracle cure for all body concerns.
Mini Tummy Tuck
As the name suggests, this is a scaled-down version of the full tummy tuck. It focuses primarily on the lower abdomen — that stubborn area below the belly button that often resists diet and exercise.
The mini tummy tuck’s incision is shorter, typically just a bit longer than a C-section scar. This means less scarring and often a quicker recovery time. However, a mini tummy tuck won’t address issues in the upper abdomen or reposition the belly button.
During a mini tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a small incision just above the pubic area. Through this incision, excess skin and fat is removed from the lower abdomen. In some cases, lower abdominal muscles may be tightened. Liposuction is often performed at the same time.
The procedure is usually shorter than a full tummy tuck, often taking only one to two hours. Recovery is typically faster as well, with many people returning to light activities within a week or two. However, as with any surgery, it’s crucial to follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully.
Our award-winning plastic surgeon, Dr. Adrian Lo, is here to help you achieve the body of your dreams. Schedule your consultation today!
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck goes a step beyond the full tummy tuck, addressing not just the front of the abdomen, but also the flanks or love handles.
An extended tummy tuck is particularly beneficial for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with excess skin that wraps around their sides or back. The results can be truly transformative, creating a more contoured silhouette from all angles.
As you might expect, this more extensive procedure typically takes longer than a standard tummy tuck – often two to three hours. The recovery period is also generally longer, with most patients needing several weeks before returning to normal activities. But for those with significant excess skin, the results can be well worth the longer recovery.
The ideal candidate for an extended tummy tuck is someone who has excess skin and fat that extends beyond the front of the abdomen to the sides. This is often seen in patients who have lost a large amount of weight, either through diet and exercise or bariatric surgery.
As with other types of tummy tucks, candidates should be at or near their ideal weight and in good overall health.
Circumferential Tummy Tuck
A circumferential tummy tuck, addresses excess skin and fat around the entire midsection — front, sides, and back. It’s often referred to as a body lift because it truly lifts and reshapes the entire lower body.
A circumferential tummy tuck involves an incision that goes all the way around the body, allowing the plastic surgeon to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks, and lower back. This comprehensive approach can result in a dramatic transformation, especially for those who have lost a massive amount of weight.
Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck
The fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is named after its unique incision pattern, which resembles the fleur-de-lis symbol. This procedure involves both a horizontal incision like a traditional tummy tuck and a vertical incision down the center of the abdomen.
This technique is particularly effective for patients with significant skin laxity in both vertical and horizontal directions. It allows the plastic surgeon to remove excess skin from both the upper and lower abdomen, as well as tighten the abdominal muscles. The trade-off is a more visible scar pattern, but for many patients, the improved body contour is worth it.
Choosing the Right Tummy Tuck for You with Dr. Adrian Lo!
With all these options, how do you choose the right tummy tuck for you? This is where the expertise of a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Adrian Lo comes in. Dr. Lo has extensive experience in all types of tummy tucks and can guide you toward the best option for your unique body and goals. Dr. Adrian Lo is experienced in performing all types of tummy tucks to suit your individual needs.
Schedule a consultation with Dr Adrian Lo, a renowned expert in tummy tuck procedures. If you’re considering New Jersey and Philadelphia plastic surgery, Dr. Adrian Lo offers a range of body contouring procedures to help you achieve your goals. Reach out today to get started!