What Is A Tummy Tuck Procedure?

Tummy tucks or abdominoplasy surgery have seen a surge of popularity in recent years. Many men and women suffer from having excess sagging skin and fat around their belly that doesn’t seem to budge no matter how much they diet and exercise. For these individuals, surgery may be the only option to give them the flat, toned stomachs that they desire.

There are several variations of a tummy tuck procedure, however the primary objective of all of them is to remove excess skin and fat and to tighten the muscles around the abdomen. The following outlines the most common types of tummy tucks.

Full abdominoplasty

The full (or complete) tummy tuck is still the most commonly performed. The surgeon will make a horizontal incision from hipbone to hipbone which is usually low enough that the scar can be hidden beneath bikini bottoms.

The skin is separated from the abdominal wall and muscles are tightened with sutures. Liposuction may also be used to further contour the belly.

Often, the surgeon will provide the patient with a compression garment to wear during their recovery, and the patient may have drainage tubes for several days (although the use of drainage tubes has become less and less).

Mini abdominoplasty

Depending on the patient, a partial or mini abdominoplasty may be all that is required to get the desired results.  This procedure is similar to the full tummy tuck however it usually can be done with a smaller incision and requires less tissue removal and muscle tightening. It is designed for the patient who mainly has issues below the belly-button.

Floating abdominoplasty (the FAB tummy tuck)

This is a newer technique which is also referred to as an extended mini abdominoplasty.  This procedure involves using a smaller incision to remove excess skin during which the belly button is detached temporarily.

The muscles and skin are tightened and then the belly button is reattached.

This is a good choice when there are bulging stomach muscles above the belly-button, but the skin is still tight.  Skin is loose mainly below the belly-button.

Extended abdominoplasty

This procedure involves a full tummy tuck as well as a lateral thigh lift. This may be chosen by patients who wish not only to contour the belly area, but who also wish to see improvement in their waist area and upper thigh.

Circumferential abdominoplasty

This procedure combines an extended tummy tuck with a butt lift and results in the patient having a scar that runs right around the body. This surgery is also referred to as a body lift or a belt lipectomy.

Patients who undergo this procedure are typically those who have been very obese and lost a significant amount of weight.

What kind of tummy tuck is right for me?

To understand what kind of tummy tuck is the best one for you, it is necessary to meet with a qualified cosmetic surgeon.  During your consultation, he will examine you, review your medical history and discuss the goals you have in mind.

To book your consultation in Toronto, contact the Edelstein Cosmetic office today and arrange an appointment with either Dr. Jerome Edelstein or Dr Kunaal Jindal.

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