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Different Types Of Tummy Tuck: Which Is Right For You?

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A tummy tuck, medically referred to as abdominoplasty, is a form of cosmetic surgery. During this procedure, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, tightening the abdominal muscles and consequently producing a firmer, more toned stomach.

Variations in Surgical Procedures

There are multiple variations of abdominoplasty depending upon the desired extent of the surgery. The two most common types of surgery are complete abdominoplasty surgery and partial abdominoplasty surgery.

Complete Abdominoplasty Surgery

Complete abdominoplasty is the most extreme version of the surgery, used to remove large amounts of excess skin. A complete abdominoplasty procedure can take up to 5 hours and will generally follow these steps:

  1. An incision will be made across the patient’s stomach. This incision will stretch from hip to hip and, in most cases, will sit just above the pelvic area.
  2. Once the initial incision has been made, surgeons will make a second incision in order to release the belly button from the surrounding skin.
  3. The skin is lifted from the abdominal walls allowing the underlying muscles to be tightened.
  4. At this point in the surgery, liposuction may be used in order to remove excess fat and refine the abdominal muscles.
  5. Excess fluid is drained from the abdomen and the incision is closed.
  6. The wound is treated and dressed to promote recovery.

Partial Abdominoplasty Surgery

Partial abdominoplasty is a less extreme variation of the surgery. This surgery can take 1 or 2 hours and will generally proceed as follows:

  1. An incision will be made around the belly button.
  2. As the incision is smaller, the excess fat is removed at this stage in a more limited way and excess skin is removed.
  3. A second incision may be made at this point in the surgery to lower the belly button for a more flattering post-operative appearance.
  4. The muscles in the abdominal wall are tightened.
  5. Liposuction is used to remove excess fat and refine the abdominal muscles.
  6. Excess fluid is drained from the abdomen and the incision is closed.
  7. The wound is treated and dressed to promote recovery.

Aside from these two main variations of the procedure, cosmetic surgeons also offer:

–          Extended abdominoplasty surgery; a complete abdominoplasty including a lateral thigh lift.

–          High lateral tension tummy tuck; a complete abdominoplasty including horizontal muscle tightening.

–          Circumferential abdominoplasty; a complete abdominoplasty including a buttock lift.

Combination Surgical Procedures

In order to create the patient’s desired physical appearance, abdominoplasty surgery is often combined with liposuction, breast reduction, or a breast lift.