Posted by Laurence Weider on October 20, 2024
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen as well as tightening the underlying muscles. There are several types of tummy tucks, each tailored to different needs and body types. All of these tummy tuck variations are typically combined with liposuction to improve the overall contouring. This is sometimes called lipoabdominoplasty. Here are the main tummy tuck types:
1. Full Tummy Tuck (Traditional Abdominoplasty)
- Overview: This is the most common type of tummy tuck and is recommended for patients who have significant skin laxity as well as laxity of the abdominal muscles or abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti). A full tummy tuck is usually performed after pregnancy or significant weight loss.
- Procedure: The surgeon makes an incision from hip to hip just above the pubic area, and a second incision is made around the navel. The skin and subcutaneous fat are lifted off of the abdominal wall muscles up to the bottom of the ribs. Excess skin and fat are removed, and the abdominal muscles are tightened. The belly button is repositioned at the appropriate location. The skin incision is closed creating a tightened and sculpted abdomen.
- Scarring: The incision, and therefore the resulting scar, extends from hip to hip just above the pubic area.
- Recovery: This procedure has a recovery time of about four to six weeks.
2. Mini Tummy Tuck
- Overview: This is for patients with minimal skin laxity and muscle weakness that is limited to the lower abdominal area below the navel. The upper abdomen can be sculpted with liposuction, but the upper abdominal skin is not tightened.
- Procedure: A smaller incision is made just above the pubic area, and only the lower abdomen is tightened. The belly button is not repositioned.
- Scarring: The scar is just above the pubic area and is shorter than the full tummy tuck scar.
- Recovery: Recovery is quicker than a full tummy tuck, typically two to three weeks.
3. Extended Tummy Tuck
- Overview: An extended tummy tuck is similar to a full tummy tuck, but the incision extends around the sides to the lower back. This procedure is suitable for patients with excess skin and fat that extends beyond the abdomen to the sides and lower back, often after significant weight loss. An extended tummy tuck requires that the patient be turned on his or her sides or stomach for a portion of the procedure.
- Procedure: The incision extends beyond the hips, and the procedure involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen, flanks (sides), and lower back. The belly button will also be repositioned.
- Recovery: Recovery is similar to a full tummy tuck, but it may be slightly longer due to the extended area treated.
4. Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck
- Overview: This is designed for patients who have significant excess skin in both the vertical and horizontal planes, usually after extreme weight loss.
- Procedure: In addition to the horizontal incision (like in a full tummy tuck), a vertical incision is made down the midline of the abdomen, creating an inverted “T” shaped scar. By removing skin both horizontally and vertically, a very large amount of excess skin can be removed tightening the abdominal area and the sides.
- Recovery: Recovery time is similar to or a little longer than that of a full tummy tuck.
5. Circumferential Tummy Tuck (Belt Lipectomy or Lower Body Lift)
- Overview: This is ideal for patients who have undergone massive weight loss and have excess skin around their entire lower torso, including the abdomen, back, hips, and buttocks. In addition, the posterior portion of the lift can be used to elevate and tighten the buttocks (buttocks lift). The procedure usually starts with the patient in the prone position and is completed in a supine position.
- Procedure: The incision goes all the way around the body, like a belt. Excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, back, flanks, and upper buttocks (if indicated).
- Recovery: Recovery is more extensive than that of a full tummy tuck, taking at least four to six weeks.
6. Reverse Tummy Tuck
- Overview: This is for patients who have excess skin limited to the upper abdomen. It is less common and is typically combined with a breast lift or a breast augmentation procedure.
- Procedure: Incisions are made under the breasts, and the excess skin is pulled upward and removed.
- Recovery: Recovery time is shorter, typically 1-3 weeks, but may vary depending on whether it is combined with other procedures.
Each type of tummy tuck addresses different cosmetic and functional concerns, and the right option depends on the individual’s specific needs, goals, and anatomy.
During your consultation at Weider Plastic Surgery, Dr. Weider will discuss your goals and perform a thorough exam. Your options and their associated benefits will be reviewed with you, and all of your questions will be answered. Give us a call at (972) 566-8444 to schedule your personal consultation.
Dr. Weider, a native of Southern California, is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who has maintained a private practice in Dallas, TX since 1999. After attending Stanford University, he obtained his medical degree (M.D.) from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then completed a one year surgical internship in Los Angeles at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, followed by a four year general surgery residency in Dallas at Methodist Medical Center, and a two year plastic surgery fellowship in Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University.
