Which tummy tuck approach is right for you?

The decision to undergo an abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a very personal one. It’s also important to know that there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to tummy tuck surgery. Depending on the level of excess skin and abdominal tightening needed, the technique that will be recommended for you can vary. Read on to learn more about the different approaches and which one may be right for you.

Full Tummy Tuck

When patients think about a tummy tuck, they often think about what’s known as the full tummy tuck. This surgery improves the appearance of both the upper and lower abdomen. During this surgery, an incision is made from hip to hip below the naval. Another incision is made around the belly button so that it can be repositioned once the excess skin is removed in the upper abdomen. The abdominal muscles are tightened with internal sutures, excess skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is pulled down over the stomach for a flatter appearance before the incision is closed.

Extended Tummy Tuck

The extended tummy tuck is designed to remove more skin from a wider area, which is often what’s needed in patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. The horizontal incision for this approach reaches around the sides of the lower back. The other incision is made around the belly button to reposition it higher, similar to what is done with a full tummy tuck.

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck

This technique, named for its resemblance to the fleur-de-lis shape, results in an additional vertical scar that will make it more difficult to hide. Patients who need this amount of surgical correction are usually willing to trade off the visible scars for the flattened appearance of the midsection.

Mini Tummy Tuck

If you don’t have stretching or sagging around the belly button and just want to smooth and tone the lower abdomen, then you may be a good candidate for what’s called a mini tummy tuck. The horizontal incision is made along the swimsuit line so that it can be hidden. Muscle tissue across the lower abdominal wall is then tightened, and excess skin is trimmed away. A tummy tuck is still one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed today.

If you are interested in learning more, call our office at (617) 965-9500 to set up a consultation.