Types of Tummy Tucks
By Thomas Liszka | Published on November 23, 2009 | 0 Comments
Many women have larger tums they would like made smaller. Yet few realize that there are two main types of tummy tucks to choose from. Dr. Thomas Liszka of Ballantyne Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, North Carolina, discusses here the two most popular types of abdominoplasty.
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure that seeks to remove extra skin and fat, and tighten the underlying muscles to achieve a flat and toned abdomen. Patients who benefit from this procedure are those who have had a pregnancy, significant weight fluctuations, prior surgery, or simply a loss of muscle tone due to aging or heredity.
There are two main types of tummy tucks. A traditional abdominoplasty addresses the area from the bottom of the rib cage down the pelvis, or the entire abdomen. A mini abdominoplasty addresses from the umbilicus down to the pelvis.
Location of Skin Excess
Patients who are candidates for a traditional abdominoplasty include those with skin excess above the umbilicus, or muscle weakness that extends above the umbilicus. Candidates for a mini abdominoplasty are those with skin excess limited to the area below the umbilicus, or muscle weakness below the umbilicus.
Frequently, liposuction of the abdominal region is done at the time of mini abdominoplasty, especially the area above the level of the umbilicus. Less rarely is liposuction done at the time of traditional abdominoplasty.
Recovery Period
This operation is done under general anesthesia and occasionally requires a stay overnight, depending on the patient’s individual needs. This procedure is frequently performed with other breast and body contour procedures. The recovery time for a tummy tuck is longer than liposuction because of tightening of the muscles. Most patients are able to return to work in 10 days to two weeks.
The recovery period for a mini abdominoplasty compared to a traditional one obviously is less, and the operation itself is less painful. More patients are candidates for the traditional abdominoplasty than the mini tummy tuck.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
Tags: abdominoplasty, cosmetic surgery, mini tummy tuck, plasti surgery, skin, skin excess, tummy tuck
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*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.