A tummy tuck is an effective way to get the firmer, flatter midsection you’ve always wanted, but one approach to the procedure isn’t right for everyone. Because each individual is different, there are also several different ways to perform the surgery that can help anyone get the results they are looking for.
Abdominoplasty, officially known as abdominoplasty, is one of the most popular and sought after forms of cosmetic surgery in the world. Not all are created equal, however, and because different patients have different needs, there are several different approaches to tightening the abdominal region.
The goal of a tummy tuck is to remove fat and excess skin from the stomach and then tighten the abdominal muscles to make the patient’s abdomen tighter and flatter. It is typically sought after by women looking to regain their figure after pregnancy or by people who have lost a considerable amount of weight and are looking to remove excess sagging skin.
In a full tummy tuck, a cut is created from one hip bone to another near the waist line and another cut is made somewhere in the abdomen to separate it from the surrounding tissue. The skin is then folded back to reveal the muscular structure below. These muscles are tightened with sutures, and excess tissue is then removed before the rest is stretched back into place. A new belly button hole is cut, and then the incisions are closed.
In a partial tummy tuck, the same procedures are followed in a more limited way. Typically, a smaller incision is made and smaller amounts of tissue and fat are removed. In some cases, the abdominal muscles are also tightened, but not always.
In an extended tummy tuck, a full version of the procedure is also performed along with a lateral thigh lift. The incision in this case is lower through the hips and the surgery can also contour the waist area and upper thighs.
A lateral high-tension tummy tuck is more rare and complicated, typically taking five hours to complete. In typical surgery, the abdominal muscles are tightened vertically, but in this procedure they are also tightened horizontally. The result is an even flatter and more toned midsection.
A circumferential tummy tuck, also known as a body lift or belt lipectomy, is an extended version, as is a buttock lift. The incision runs the length of the body and tightens the rear and stomach. This is most often sought after by people who have lost significant amounts of weight.
With all the different variations of this common procedure, there are also combination surgeries that achieve these results of a toned midsection along with other forms of cosmetic makeovers.
A tummy tuck can be effective for anyone who has a real need to tighten their abdominal region. The many different variations make this possible by producing results that range from small to much larger in scale and can really personalize the experience.