You may already be aware of what a tummy tuck is and who should get one. One thing, perhaps, you’re confused about is what kind of tummy tuck would work best for you. If that is correct, worry not. We’ve got you covered.
There are several different types of tummy tucks, each designed to address particular areas of the ‘tummy’ in a specific manner. Considering each of us has a different body type, not all kinds of tummy tucks would suit all of us. Another element that separates the procedures from each other is the extent of surgery and the recovery time. If the procedure requires more incisions and extractions, then the recovery period is also longer and vice-versa.
Selecting one of the types to go for depends on what you expect from the procedure and your end goals. Nevertheless, here’s a detailed overview of each of the types along with an analysis of which one would work best for you.
Standard tummy tuck
A standard tummy tuck, medically known as the classical abdominoplasty, is one of the most commonly performed procedures when it comes to cosmetic surgeries. It is most suitable for healthy men and women with overstretched muscles and excessive skin in the belly area.
The procedure is carried out by making an incision around the belly button and removing excess skin. Liposuction may also be utilized to make the skin at the waistline and hips tighter and more toned out. Once the adjustments have been made, the belly button is repositioned, and the incision is closed.
Since this procedure is not very extended, the typical recovery time is from 2 to 3 weeks, although most patients return to regular activity in 2. The scar after recovery isn’t very prominent and can be easily hidden by a bikini.
Mini tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a relatively shorter procedure and is best suited for people who typically have fair abdominal skin and a healthy muscle tone on their upper bellies. The problem areas a mini tummy tuck usually deals with are below the belly button. It takes care of the loose skin and excessive fat centralized at the lower abdomen.
The surgical procedure for this one is almost the same as a standard tummy tuck, except for the incision’s size is a bit smaller. Pockets of fat may be removed through liposuction, and in some cases, the lower abdominal muscles may also be tightened.
Mini Tummy Tucks are not very common among people since most of them either go for a standard tummy tuck procedure or skip the whole thing altogether. Even so, people who decide to get this procedure are mostly satisfied with the results. Patients usually recover and return to normal physical activity in under two weeks.
Extended tummy tuck
The extended version is more meticulous and involves a higher level of rigor when dealing with loose skin and excessive fat. In an extended tummy tuck, the incision can stretch across the lower belly around the hip, coupled with a vertical incision in severe cases.
The main difference between an extended tummy tuck and a standard one is that the extended version allows surgeons to deal with a larger problem area and remove more significant fat and skin volumes with more ease. The surplus tissue is removed through surgery, and liposuction is performed to reduce excess fat. Once all is done, the belly button is repositioned, and the incision is closed.
The incisions in this one are longer and require a longer time to heal. Full recovery requires almost a month, but patients return to some level of physical activity within a week or two. Most of the scars are healed during recovery and what is left isn’t something a bikini can’t hide.
While we have covered most on what there is to different types of tummy tucks, it is always recommended that you get in touch with a certified medical practitioner to decide what kind of procedure to get. Always make sure that you consider your body’s unique anatomy before making any decisions.
Robert Peterson is a plastic surgeon.
Image credit: Robert Peterson
