Understanding Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tighten the abdominal muscles. This procedure aims to create a firmer, flatter abdomen and a narrower waist. It is important to note that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise routine but rather a surgical solution to address specific concerns that cannot be resolved through lifestyle changes alone.
There are various types of tummy tuck procedures, each tailored to address specific needs and achieve the desired contour. The choice of procedure depends on your individual goals and existing anatomy. At Dr Mohaghegh Plastic Surgery, our experienced surgeon will work closely with you to understand your specific needs and goals, ensuring that your abdominoplasty procedure is tailored to address both your health and aesthetic concerns.
Full Tummy Tuck
The full tummy tuck is ideal for patients who want to flatten the area above and below the belly button. It is suitable for healthy men and women who have weakening abdominal muscles or excess skin around their midsections. This operation, also known as a typical or normal tummy tuck, necessitates a horizontal incision between the hipbones and, in certain cases, an incision around the umbilicus (belly button). The plastic surgeon tightens the muscles and pulls the skin down over the stomach to remove the extra during the procedure. While a stomach tuck is not intended to be a weight-loss operation, liposuction can be performed to contour and decrease extra fat during the process.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Even the slimmest of persons can be troubled by a stubborn belly pooch that no amount of dieting or exercise can remove. The small tummy tuck was created specifically for this condition. It treats the area between the mons pubis and the belly button, which flattens away a little bulge in the lower abdomen. A short horizontal incision is made between the hipbones in the area covered by a bikini bottom, allowing the surgeon to tighten the underlying muscles and remove excess skin. Before the surgeon seals the wound, liposuction might be used to remove fat deposits if necessary. Because this treatment is less invasive than a traditional tummy tuck, there is no need to relocate the belly button, and patients typically recover faster. The areas of extra skin, fat, and muscle laxity above the umbilicus, on the other hand, are unaffected. In about a week, most people are able to resume their typical activities.
Extended Tummy Tuck
The extended tummy tuck is a more extensive variant of the full tummy tuck, as the name implies. It is designed to address the concerns of men and women who are in generally good condition but have excess skin around their tummy, hips, and lower back sides. A horizontal incision can stretch across the lower belly and across the hips for a prolonged tummy tuck, and a vertical incision may be required as well. As a result, the surgeon can treat a larger area and remove more excess tissue. The belly button is moved before the wound is closed, and liposuction is usually utilised to shape and eliminate extra fat. Patients who have this operation should anticipate a recovery period of a few weeks.
Your Body is the Most Important Factor
While the amount and location of excess skin are obviously important factors in selecting which style of tummy tuck is best for you, other characteristics of your anatomy can also play a role. The quality of your skin as well as your body type can have an impact on your results. Scarring from past surgeries should also be evaluated because it can make future surgeries more difficult. Furthermore, the location of extra fat deposits is important. While stomach tucks are useful in reducing fat that is positioned in front of the muscular wall, it does not treat the deeper visceral fat found behind it. Tummy tucks should be tailored to the patient's specific needs for the greatest outcomes, therefore consultation with an expert board certified plastic surgeon is essential. Following a discussion of your specific goals and an examination of your anatomy, the doctor can educate you about your options, help you understand what kind of results you can expect, and design a treatment plan that includes the appropriate type of tummy tuck as well as any other procedures that may be required.
