According to data issued by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2018, there was a quarter million increase in the number of people seeking cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic and plastic surgery is slowly gaining popularity, especially over the past decade. More people are opting to change certain physical features that make them feel insecure about their bodies.
With more plastic surgeons and clinics coming up, getting a cosmetic procedure done is becoming more affordable. Previously, cost was a factor that hindered many from getting a procedure done, but now it is no longer an issue.
With technological advancements in the medical field, cosmetic surgery is becoming a lucrative industry. The procedures are slowly evolving into less invasive and safer techniques, which eradicates worry in patients.
This article will highlight the type of tummy tucks available and help you decide which tummy tuck procedure is suitable for you.
Types of Tummy Tucks
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure done to reduce abdominal fat giving a more toned and muscular appearance. The tummy tuck procedure is common in both men and women. However, it is more prevalent among women due to persistent abdominal fat even after extensive exercise, left-over skin after pregnancy, and excessive skin after weight loss.
Cosmetically the abdomen is classified into the upper and the lower abdomen. The type of tummy tuck one goes for depends on their abdomen’s morphology and the fat distribution in the core. Understanding the techniques used in the different types of tummy tuck will help you decide which is the best tummy tuck for you.
A Standard Tummy Tuck
It is also referred to as a full tummy tuck or a traditional tummy tuck. It is the sought-for procedure in women who have persistent belly fat, especially after pregnancy. A full tummy tuck gets rids of lower abdomen fat.
The technique involves making a hip to hip incision just above the pubic area. Such a method allows the cosmetic surgeon to remove and tuck in excess skin and muscles. A full tummy tuck is advantageous as it provides for proper toning of weak abdominal muscles, especially after pregnancy. Additionally, the technique is used as a technique to strengthen abdominal muscle in patients with abdominal hernia.
A combination of a standard tummy tuck and liposuction will enhance one’s aesthetic appearance. The lower abdomen will look more flatter and toned. Sometimes during a traditional tummy tuck procedure, the belly button needs to be aligned to yield a more natural and aesthetic appearance.
An Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure compared to a full tummy tuck. The incision made in an extended tummy tuck is ‘extended.’ A cosmetic surgeon will make an incision right above the pubic area; however, the incision will extend to the lower back, unlike a standard tummy tuck.
An extended tummy tuck virtually eliminates fat that has extended from your hip area to the lower backside. This fat is popularly known as love handles. An extended tummy tuck is so invasive that the belly button has to be re-positioned once the fat and excess skin is removed. It is more costly and requires a longer recovery time than a standard tummy tuck.
People who have lost weight excessively and have loose skin are advised to undergo an extended tummy tuck plus liposuction for optimum removal of fat and skin.
A Mini-Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is used to eliminate the small stomach pouch that is persistent even after exercise. The procedure is effective in removing a small amount of fat and excess skin. The technique involves making a small incision just above the pubic area and tucking the skin to yield a more firm appearance.
The scarring is minimal, and the recovery time is less compared to both an extended tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck. For this procedure, the belly button is rarely readjusted as it is a minimally invasive procedure. A mini-tummy tuck is useful for individuals with stomach pouches that persist even after exercise. Additionally, the surgeon can use the technique as a corrective measure in persons with abdominal hernia.
Panniculectomy
Unlike other procedures, a panniculectomy does not increase the muscle tone for abdominal muscles. Therefore, a panniculectomy is not classified as a surgical cosmetic procedure. By definition, a panniculectomy is a surgical procedure that removes excess abdominal tissue and skin that are commonly known as an ‘apron.’ What makes a panniculectomy be described as a tummy tuck is the fact that both surgical procedures eradicate excess abdominal skin.
However, if you are looking for more precise contouring effects with definitive curves, a tummy tuck procedure is advised.
A Reverse Tummy Tuck
Unlike other types of tummy tucks, a reverse tummy tuck targets eliminating excess tissue, fat, and skin found on the upper abdomen. A reverse tummy tuck is medically known as a reverse abdominoplasty. A small incision is made just below the breast, and excess skin and tissue are removed and tucked upwards. A reverse tummy tuck is effective in enhancing the muscle strength and tone in the upper abdomen.
For women, the scar from a reverse tummy tuck is hidden and less prominent compared to men. Most people seeking a reverse tummy tuck often couple it with a breast augmentation procedure to minimize scarring. Additionally, combining a mini-tummy tuck with a reverse tummy tuck yields optimal results when surgically achieving a toned tummy.
The BodyTite Technique
The BodyTite is a minimally invasive liposuction procedure aiming to achieve a slim physique in the abdominal region. This procedure entails inserting a cannula just below the skin. The cannula is attached to an electrode that is placed just above the skin where the cannula is. The cannula produces radio frequency waves that melt the abdominal fats while simultaneously increasing collagen production. The BodyTite procedure gives a toned, slim abdomen.
Whether you seek a tummy tuck procedure for cosmetic or aesthetic regions, it is crucial to verify that your tummy tuck surgeon is a certified plastic or cosmetic surgeon. You can do this by visiting the American Society of Plastic Surgery website and check the ASPS number for registered and experienced plastic surgeons in your locale. Finding a board-certified plastic surgeon assures you of the tummy tuck procedure’s safety and optimal outcome.
