A properly performed tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can slim and sculpt your stomach and enhance your self-confidence. The surgery can help you reclaim your pre-baby body or show off the results of significant weight loss.
There are several different types of tummy tuck procedures, each designed to create a more attractive abdomen while remedying specific issues. The tummy tuck procedure that is right for you will depend on your unique anatomical needs and what you hope to achieve through treatment.
Read on as board-certified plastic surgeon Ronald Schuster familiarizes you with the available treatment options.
Full Tummy Tuck
Traditional or “full” tummy tuck improves the upper and lower abdomen and is the most popular type of tummy tuck.
Through an incision created just above the pubic hairline, Dr. Schuster removes loose, wrinkled skin at, above and below the belly button and re-drapes the skin more tightly over the stomach. He repairs stretched-out abdominal muscles and eliminates unwanted fat.
As discussed in his last blog post, Dr. Schuster usually moves the skin around the belly button and carefully sutures it into its new opening.
Mini
Mini tummy tuck focuses on improving the lower abdomen only. As the name suggests, surgery is shorter and less involved than a full abdominoplasty, and the results are less dramatic.
Through a short incision, Dr. Schuster removes unwanted fat and loose skin to produce a smoother, flatter lower abdomen. Usually, the belly button is not touched.
Circumferential
Circumferential abdominoplasty is a more extensive variation of a full abdominoplasty. Often it is recommended when massive weight loss has left folds of sagging, loose skin around the circumference of the lower body, including the abdomen, hips, and sides of the lower back.
The incision extends across the lower abdomen and around the hips. Dr. Schuster removes excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal wall. He moves the skin around the belly button and re-drapes the skin more tightly over the front and back of the trunk.
Modified
A modified tummy tuck offers more improvement than a mini tummy tuck, but not as much as a full tummy tuck. It is usually recommended for individuals with a very minor amount of muscle laxity and skin laxity above and below the belly button.
After creating an incision just above the pubic area, Dr. Schuster removes a small amount of loose skin and lightly tightens the abdominal muscles. He may relocate the belly button if appropriate.
Consult with Dr. Ronald Schuster
The best way to determine the procedure that is right for you is to meet with Dr. Schuster in person. During your appointment, he will evaluate the amount and location of loose skin and excess fat deposits, and he will ask you what you hope to look like after surgery. Based on this information, Dr. Schuster will recommend the type of surgery he feels will provide the best looking results. Please contact our Baltimore office to request an appointment with Dr. Schuster today.
