Identifying the Different Types of Tummy Tucks

The tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is an immensely popular surgical amongst both men and women, used to treat the signs of sagging skin on the stomach.

Loose and dangling skin can form when the stomach has been pushed and stretched out permanently due to weight or pregnancy. After the pregnancy or dramatic weight loss, the skin remains stretched and droops itself over the stomach, which can cause it to appear flabby and unflattering. A tummy tuck works to tighten the skin back to the stomach and give it a more flat and toned appearance.  

Here are some of the types of tummy tucks out on the market today. But there isn’t just one type of tummy tuck procedure out there; in fact, there are several. These procedures all work to similar goals but alter slightly in method and results, based on a person’s individual needs.

Mini Tummy Tuck

The mini tummy tuck is the least invasive form of tummy tuck procedure. Like all tummy tucks, this procedure involves the removal of excess skin and soft tissues in the stomach that find themselves unable to respond to the efforts of exercise and diet. 

The mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower part of the stomach, below the belly button and does not typically tighten the underlying muscles of the abdominal wall. This method is typically performed on individuals who only have minor concerns with minimal loose skin. As this is a relatively non-invasive procedure, scarring is often minimal.

Standard Tummy Tuck

The traditional tummy tuck, also known as standard or full tummy tuck, is the most common form of a tummy tuck. This involves removing loose and excess skin and tissues while tightening the abdominal muscles for a more toned stomach.

This is performed by creating a hip-to-hip incision, discreetly placed below the bikini line. A small incision may be made around the belly button as well. This procedure treats the stretched skin both above and under the belly button. This method is often paired with liposuction, which can help further create abdominal definition.

Circumferential Tummy Tuck

This type of tummy tuck procedure extends itself further than the stomach. After extreme weight loss, loose skin can find itself all over the body, not just the front of the abdomen.

Circumferential tummy tucks help treat the sagging skin that extends itself from the front of the stomach to the sides of the torso and wraps around to the patient’s back. This is one of the most extensive and costly forms of tummy tucks, as the surface area is the broadest.

Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck

The fleur-de-lis tummy tuck specializes in removing an extensive amount of excess skin and tissues from the abdominal region. This method is typically reserved for patients who have lost a dramatic amount of weight and are thus left with a large amount of loose skin. This method utilizes both vertical as well as horizontal incisions. While this procedure is usually very effective, it often leaves a noticeable vertical scar above and below the belly button.

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