If you are unhappy with your midsection due to loose skin, lax muscles, and fat deposits, you are not alone. These aesthetic concerns can result in a protruding abdomen and poor waist definition that impacts self-confidence and overall quality of life. Diet and exercise can help you lose weight and support a healthy lifestyle in general, but can leave stubborn pockets of fat and are not enough to correct wrinkled skin, stretch marks, and loose abdominal muscles.
If you are struggling with these concerns, a tummy tuck can improve your appearance and help you look and feel like your true self. Let’s take a look at the types of tummy tuck available to you.
What Is A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. Many patients undergo this procedure after significant weight loss, pregnancy, signs of aging, or when stubborn fat, loose muscles, and sagging skin persist despite following a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Our double board-certified surgeon, Dr. Matthew Steele, will perform your abdominoplasty under general anesthesia, typically with liposuction. This combination will flatten the abdomen and contour the waist and hips to create lasting results. Dr. Steele is an expert in several different tummy tuck techniques, and will tailor your procedure to your unique needs.
Standard Abdominoplasty
A standard tummy tuck involves an incision across the lower abdomen that runs from hip to hip. During this procedure, excess skin and fat will be removed, abdominal muscles will be tightened, and the belly button will be repositioned. This procedure is a good option for patients with lax abdominal muscles/fascia and excess abdominal skin.
Mini-Abdominoplasty
This type of tummy tuck is designed to remove a small amount of loose skin in the lower abdomen, just above the pubic region. This type of tummy tuck is reserved for patients who have mild skin laxity confined to the lower abdomen with minimal to no abdominal wall laxity as the muscles cannot be addressed with this technique. This procedure may be safely combined with liposuction of the abdomen if needed. It results in reduced scarring and a faster recovery, and is a good option for those who only need minor corrections to the lower abdomen.
Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty
In this type of abdominoplasty, the belly button is left attached to the upper abdominal skin and repositioned. Abdominal muscles are typically tightened in this procedure. It is an option for patients with good skin quality who desire a very low incision/scar, have mild skin laxity, want to preserve their belly button, or have had a previous abdominoplasty and want to improve results.
Circumferential Abdominoplasty
Also known as a Body Lift, Belt Lipectomy, or Around The World Tummy Tuck, this procedure provides 360-degree improvement around the entire waist. It includes a buttock and lateral thigh lift, and an incision that goes all the way around the trunk. This multi-faceted procedure is typically reserved for massive weight loss patients looking for dramatic, yet still natural-looking, results.
Contact Us Today To Find Out Which Type of Tummy Tuck Is Right For You
Each type of tummy tuck uses distinct technique to address different cosmetic needs. Dr. Steele has years of expertise performing these tummy tuck techniques to reveal beautiful results. The best way to know which procedure is right for you is by scheduling an initial consultation at our office. Dr. Steele will ask you questions about your unique needs and goals, and conduct a physical exam. He can then decide which type of tummy tuck is right for you and create a customized treatment plan.