Abdominoplasty, also known as the popular tummy tuck, is a transformative surgery that can work wonders in enhancing the appearance of the midsection. This procedure aims to provide a boost of confidence to individuals seeking to improve a variety of concerns, such as excess skin or fat in the abdominal region. During the procedure, a skilled plastic surgeon will carefully remove any excess skin and fat from targeted areas of your abdomen, while possibly tightening your abdominal muscles to reinforce the strength of your abdominal wall.
Depending on your needs and the specific type of surgery you qualify for, there are many different tummy tuck options: a full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, modified tummy tuck, upper tummy tuck, or a circumferential tummy tuck.
Many Different Tummy Tuck Options
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck is the most effective procedure for removing excess skin and repairing damaged or stretched abdominal muscles. This procedure involves making a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and the belly button. It’s a longer scar, but it heals well, and it’s in a location where clothes, swimwear, and intimates can all hide it. This is the most commonly performed tummy tuck procedure.
A full tummy tuck is a wonderful alternative for particularly slender patients who have a considerable amount of stretch marks or loose skin, as well as patients with more body mass who have a denser volume of skin and fat.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a procedure that is similar to a full tummy tuck but with a smaller incision. In this case, the surgeon makes a single short incision right above the pubic hair. Typically, a mini tummy tuck involves several components, such as liposuction, tightening lower abdominal muscles, and removing some excess skin.
A mini tummy tuck works best on individuals who have generally healthy skin and only a small amount of skin twhich needs to be removed.
Modified Tummy Tuck
A modified tummy tuck is used to prevent having a scar around the belly button. The standard horizontal tummy tuck scar is still the same. Liposuction, tightening of the abdominal muscles and more lower abdominal skin is removed than with the mini. The belly button is frequently released and allowed to “float” downward which can help to tighten the upper tummy skin just a bit.
Upper Tummy Tuck/Lift
This procedure is also called a reverse tummy tuck. There are not any lower abdominal scars nor a scar around the belly button. Instead there are incisions/scars placed beneath the breasts, concealed in the crease. It is excellent for tightening the tummy from the belly button and above. It is usually combined with liposuction. This can also be combined with a mini tummy tuck in order to tighten the tummy from both directions and avoid a belly button scar.
Circumferential Tummy Tuck
A circumferential tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and tissue from the abdomen but also from the hips and lower back area. The scar forms a circular shape around the waist, strategically positioned to be discreetly concealed by underwear. The length of the scar varies from just extending around the sides a bit to going all the way around.
A circumferential tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have an abundance of loose skin that extends around their waistline, including the sides and possibly over the hips. The procedure is also intended to enhance a person’s overall appearance following substantial weight loss. The circumferantial tummy tuck is a very powerful procedure to really change the contour and tighten all of the tummy and waist.
Explore Tummy Tuck Options in Baltimore, MD
Dr. Ronald Schuster is a highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in different tummy tuck procedures in Baltimore, MD. With nearly 30 years of experience in plastic surgery, he is dedicated to helping you achieve the aesthetic transformation you desire.
To learn more about which tummy tuck options might work best for you, please contact us today at (410) 902-9800.
