Types of Abdominoplasty: Tummy Tuck Procedure Types

Tummy tuck is an abdominal plastic surgery which promises to flatten wrinkled and slack abdominal skin. In additon, it can also tighten relaxed, distended abdominal muscles, which frequently occur after an extensive weight loss or with pregnancy. During a tummy tuck procedure, excessive subcutaneous fatty tissue and skin are removed together. Also, the abdominal muscles may be sutured to tighten them.

The amount and distribution of fat deposits that you have in your abdominal area will determine which type of tummy tuck will be most effective for you. Even people with well-toned abdomens have a thin layer of fat. One procedure, called abdominal etching, precisely removes thin lines of fat to allow the natural muscle surface to be appreciated thus producing the highly coveted "six-pack" appearance. This is used in cases in which people already have a well-conditioned abdomen with little fat.

 

The mini tummy tuck is usually a good option for someone who has a small amount of fat and abdominal skin to be removed and does not have abdominal muscle wall protruding out. The mini tummy tuck can be performed under general anesthesia, or, in some cases, under local anesthesia with mild sedation. The size of incision made is much smaller than the traditional tummy tuck. People can leave hospital within a few hours of a mini tummy tuck procedure and can return to work within a few days. Strenuous activities should be avoided for some time, however.

In traditional or complete tummy tuck procedures, surgeon removes excess skin and fat and tightens muscles. Reasons for this type of procedure include significant weight loss (such as after weight loss or bariatric surgery), normal aging, or for women in which pregnancy weakened abdominal muscles and damaged skin (cesarean section scars). This surgery is usually carried out under general anesthesia. Surgeon will first make a long incision along the bikini-line, from hip to hip. Navel will be cut away for its proper positioning later. Abdominal muscles will be tightened by stitching them into their new position. Abdominal skin will be stretched and new hole made for navel. The excess skin will be trimmed off and the remaining skin will be pulled tight. This may be an inpatient or outpatient procedure.

An extended tummy tuck is a more elaborate procedure, in which the surgeon not only removes excess skin from abdominal region but also from the patient’s sides and improves muscle laxity at the flank and hip region. It is suitable for those who after substantial weight loss have excess amount of fat and skin in the flank, upper hip, and lower back regions. In this procedure the incision spans entire length of abdomen and goes up to back of the patient’s hips during which exposed muscles are tightened and new hole made for navel to match the new body shape. Once the excess skin is trimmed off, the incision will be closed with sutures. Since it is such a long procedure, people may be required to remain in hospital for one or two days but can return to light activity within about two weeks after their procedure.