Which Tummy Tuck is Right for Me?
Weight loss can increase your confidence significantly, but the after-effects can leave you feeling stressed when summer comes and you need to wear summer clothes and your swimsuit. After shedding those extra pounds, you may be left with excess skin and fat around your midsection that just won’t go away no matter how much you diet and exercise. If this is the case for you, then you may need to consider getting a tummy tuck.
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen while also tightening the muscles in the area. It can be a very effective way to get rid of that post-weight loss saggy stomach and post-pregnancy belly.
But how do you know whether a tummy tuck is right for you? The answer lies in understanding anatomy and clarifying your objectives.
Why Do People Get a Tummy Tuck?
People get a tummy tuck to improve the contour of their abdomen by excising skin and fat from the belly area and tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall.
The common denominator for people seeking tummy tuck is usually dissatisfaction with their appearance after weight fluctuations. No matter how much you work out, sometimes you are left with fat pockets that do not respond to diet or exercise. Fortunately, a tummy tuck can help get rid of these remains of fat, which can be the result of:
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Experience of significant weight fluctuation
- A hereditary condition
But, which tummy tuck type is best for your particular case?
What are the Different Types of Tummy Tuck?
As a type of body surgery, there are a few different ways for a plastic surgeon to perform a tummy tuck. The surgery approach will usually depend on the amount of skin and fat that needs to be removed as well as the laxity of your abdominal muscles. Below are the three most common types of tummy tucks:
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck, also known as “partial abdominoplasty,” is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat accumulated below the belly button. The term “mini” implies that a smaller incision will be made and less skin and tissue will be removed compared to a full tummy tuck.
During a mini tummy tuck, your surgeon will make an incision just below the navel. Through this incision, they will remove any excess skin and fat. In some cases, the mini tummy tuck might also involve navel repositioning or tightening of the muscles in the abdominal wall.
Recovery can take around 6 weeks, during which time you might experience some swelling and bruising. However, the results of a mini tummy tuck can be amazing if you want to tone your stomach without undergoing a more invasive surgery.
Good candidates for a mini tummy tuck:
The ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck is someone who has a minimal amount of excess skin and fat below the belly button. This type of surgery is often recommended for men and women who are relatively within their weight range but have fat pockets in their lower abdomen.
Full Tummy Tuck
Among all the types of tummy tucks, a full tummy tuck delivers the most dramatic results. A full tummy tuck is a major cosmetic surgery that involves an incision made from hip to hip, in order to remove excess skin and fat as well as tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The length of the incision will depend on the amount of skin and fat that needs to be removed.
During the surgery, your surgeon will make an incision just above the pubic mound, extending from one hipbone to the other. Through this incision, they will remove any excess skin and fat and tighten the muscles in the abdominal wall. In some cases, a second incision might be made around the navel in order to reposition it.
Recovery can take up to 8 weeks or so, during which time patients experience some swelling and bruising. The results of a full tummy tuck can be dramatic, leaving patients with a flatter, firmer stomach.
Good candidates for a full tummy tuck:
A full abdominoplasty is best suited for patients who have undergone massive weight loss and experience loose, saggy skin around their midsection. Many women choose to include a full tummy tuck as part of a so-called “Mommy Makeover.” This term refers to a combination of procedures designed to restore a woman’s body to its pre-pregnancy state.
Extended Tummy Tuck (Belt Lipectomy)
Excess fat in the lower abdomen and love handles can be difficult to get rid of – even with diet and exercise. An extended tummy tuck, also known as a “circumferential abdominoplasty,” can help address this problem by removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and the flank area (known as love handles).
During an extended tummy tuck, the surgeon will make an incision above the pubic hairline that extends all the way to the lower back. This allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat from the entire circumference of the patient’s midsection.
Best candidate:
This procedure is ideal for patients who have excess skin and fat on their flanks and hips in addition to their stomach. It’s often recommended for patients who have undergone massive weight loss and now have a lot of loose, saggy skin around their entire midsection.
Choosing the Tummy Tuck Procedure That's Right For You
The thing is, the “right” type of tummy tuck for you is a matter of anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. The best way to determine which procedure is right for you is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your individual case and make recommendations accordingly.
Here are some general recommendations based on common tummy issues:
- If you have excess skin and tissue due to pregnancy or weight loss, a full tummy tuck may be right for you. This approach removes excess skin and tissue, tightens the abdominal muscles, and gives you a flatter, more toned appearance.
- If you have excess skin and tissue in the lower abdomen only, a partial or mini tummy tuck may be sufficient. This approach focuses on the lower abdomen, removing excess skin and tissue, giving you a tighter, more toned look.
- If you have excess skin and tissue around your entire midsection, an extended tummy tuck may be the best option. This approach removes excess skin and tissue from the lower abdomen, flanks, and hips, giving you a more contoured appearance.
Learn More About Your Tummy Tuck Options
Thinking about addressing that saggy, excess skin around your stomach? Don’t rely on the Internet for information – come in for a consultation with Dr. Demetris Stavrou, a board-certified plastic surgeon that leads the European Institute of Plastic Surgery in Cyprus, Greece and Malta.
He is experienced in all types of cosmetic procedures, including tummy tucks. He is available to answer all of your questions and help you choose the best procedure for your individual case.
Book a consultation today!
Dr Stavrou is a board-certified and highly experienced plastic surgeon in Cyprus, Greece and Malta, with a keen interest in informing patients about the latest updates on reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
- University of Athens Medical School
- Residency in Plastic Surgery at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
- Brow Lift
- Chin Augmentation
- Facelift
- Facial Cancer Treatment
- Neck Lift
- Otoplasty
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
