A Complete Guide to Tummy Tucks

If you’ve recently gone through a life-changing physical transformation, such as a pregnancy or through extreme weight loss, you may find yourself unhappy with excess skin, fat and stretched muscles.

An effective way to treat these issues is with a cosmetic surgery called a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.

This procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, and tightening up the connective tissue (fascia) to create a smoother, contoured stomach. It’s an effective option for individuals that want to address a protruding belly, or who want a flatter, firmer midsection.

To help you make an informed decision, here is what you need to know about the techniques of tummy tucks and how they work, what the benefits are, and what the effectiveness and results look like.

3 TUMMY TUCK TECHNIQUES: HOW THEY WORK & WHAT ISSUES THEY ADDRESS

While tummy tucks address loose skin, excess fat, and weakened or stretched muscles, every patient has different areas of concerns and goals, which is why there are 3 different techniques that can be customized to meet your needs and achieve the desired results.

1. The Standard or “Full” Tummy Tuck: addresses the full length of the abdominal wall, which is great for individuals who are bothered by a protruding lower belly, or by excess skin folds that appear above and below the belly button. The incision type used with a full tummy tuck is either horizontal or U-shaped, is made above the pubic mound, and along the bikini line from hip to hip. This allows us to remove any excess skin below the belly button, and tighten up the abdominal muscles with sutures. A second incision is made around the navel if excess skin above the belly button is being removed. If required, the navel can be repositioned during a full tummy tuck.
2. The Mini-Tummy Tuck: is a less invasive version of the standard or “full” tummy tuck, requiring a single incision made above the pubic mound, which is typically a few inches in length. A mini-tummy tuck is used to target a smaller area – the lower abdomen – in individuals that have stretch marks or loose skin in this area. This option is ideal for those who want to flatten the “pooch” in the lower stomach by tightening the loose muscles, and remove a small amount of excess skin or fat.
3. The Extended Tummy Tuck: is performed on patients who have undergone massive weight loss and who have a significant amount of skin laxity. While the extended tummy tuck is similar to the full tummy tuck, in that it improves both the upper and lower abdomen, it also addresses the flanks as the incision is extended down the hip line further to remove excess skin. Like the other techniques used, the extended tummy tuck will tighten up the abdominal wall, remove sagging/hanging skin, and create a more pleasing body shape.

“While the scar can be hidden by clothing like the other techniques, the length of the incision is longer than standard tummy tucks.”

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE?

The benefits of the tummy tuck are two-fold in that it provides a physical change in one’s appearance, resulting in a flatter, firmer, and more defined waistline, as well as psychological benefits of increased confidence and self-esteem. You can expect to experience any combination of the following benefits:

• A flatter, firmer stomach that improves posture and may decrease back pain.
• Reduction in stretch marks and scarring on the upper and lower abdomen.
• A tightening of loose skin that’s been stretched from pregnancy or weight gain and loss.
• A boost to your physical health, and mental well-being.
• New strength in muscles that were previously weakened.
• Correction of the shape of the abdomen (convex/protruding bellies).

Tummy tucks can also improve your quality of life, by allowing you to participate in activities or wear clothing that you would otherwise avoid due to embarrassment or discomfort

HOW EFFECTIVE ARE TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURES?

Tummy tucks are generally very effective, with most patients seeing a significant improvement in the appearance of their abdomen. The results of your procedure will be long-lasting, provided that you maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight. It’s important to note that while a tummy tuck can help to improve your self-esteem and quality of life, it is not a weight-loss surgery. You should be at or close to your ideal body weight before undergoing the procedure.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS?

You will see immediate results from your tummy tuck surgery, as the excess skin and fat will be removed during the procedure. However, it will take some time for the swelling to go down and for your incisions to heal. It’s important to be patient during this time, as rushing the healing process can lead to complications. Most patients see their final results within three to six months.

RESULTS: HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

A tummy tuck is a permanent solution to your cosmetic concerns. The results of the procedure are long-lasting. You may, however, experience some minor changes in your appearance as you age, such as skin laxity or weight fluctuation.

If you’re interested in learning more about tummy tucks, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us here at Clark Aesthetics. Our tummy tuck options can give you the stomach you’ve always wanted, and we’d be happy to help you achieve it! You can schedule online here, or by giving us a call at (407) 629-5555.