If you’re searching for the best way to end up with a slimmer, tighter tummy then a tummy tuck procedure may be a great option for you. Once you begin to research tummy tucks (also known as abdominoplasty) you may feel a bit overwhelmed with your options. There are a variety of techniques that surgeons rely on to treat various problem areas and provide patients with life-changing results. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, New York, will address your concerns and suggest which technique will not only repair your midsection, but also improve how you feel about yourself and your body.
To get an idea of what tummy tuck procedure is best for you, we have explained the most common methods used on our Long Island patients.
The “Traditional” tummy tuck
A traditional tummy tuck, also known as a full tummy tuck, is the most common tummy tuck procedure and works best for patients that need to flatten and tone the lower abdominal area. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires a horizontal incision just below the belly button that most commonly extends from hip to hip. Liposuction is usually used during this type of tummy tuck, thus the first step in the surgical process is to remove excess isolated areas of fat within the abdomen. The excess skin and tissue are then removed and the remaining underlying muscle structure is tightened. The final step is to make sure the remaining skin is pulled taut so that a flat, smooth appearance can be achieved. Some, but not all patients will require some additional manipulation of the belly button. The repositioning of the belly button will help create results that look symmetrical and natural.
This technique works best on Long Island area men and women that have excess skin and fat along their midsection, or weak abdominal muscles. Women who have gone through pregnancy and childbirth, especially those that have undergone C-sections, are also excellent candidates for this type of tummy tuck as it tightens the abdominal muscles and can reduce previous scarring. Men and women who have undergone significant weight loss and now have excess skin and fat to contend with are also great candidates for this procedure.
The “Extended” tummy tuck
An extended tummy tuck procedure is the most invasive type of tummy tuck available, and it also provides the most dramatic results. Like the other types of tummy tuck procedures discussed, this one also requires a horizontal incision along the lower stomach. The main difference with an extended tummy tuck incision is that it spans the entire width of the abdominal area and also incorporates a vertical incision along through the center of the belly button. A larger amount of fat, tissue, and skin can be removed with this technique. Similar to a traditional tummy tuck, the belly button is also repositioned.
An extended tummy tuck is usually reserved for men and women who have lost a significant amount of weight and have a large amount of excess skin in the abdominal area. An extended tummy tuck targets the abdomen, the sides of the lower back, and hips and reshapes and contours the body and provides life-changing results.
The “Mini” tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck procedure is a less invasive treatment, but still provides excellent results. This procedure is good for patients that only need moderate contouring of the lower abdominal area. This surgery requires a small horizontal incision to be made under the belly button in order for the excess skin and fat to be removed. The incision is usually just 2 - 3 inches long, but long enough to remove the pockets of fat and loose skin that reside in the area. Since this procedure is less invasive it does not require the repositioning of the belly button and the scar from a mini tummy tuck can easily be hidden beneath undergarments or swimsuit bottoms.
This technique is ideal for men and women who want to get rid of loose skin, but do not have enough of it to warrant a full tummy tuck procedure. These patients typically have a small area of stubborn excess skin or fat in their lower midsections that cannot be eliminated through diet and exercise alone.
The “Reverse” tummy tuck
A reverse tummy tuck targets excess skin and fat that is located in the upper abdominal area. Unlike the incisions made during the other techniques mentioned, a reverse tummy tuck incision is actually placed beneath the breasts, right at the breast crease. Depending on the location of the excess skin, the surgeon may use two smaller incisions or a single W-shaped incision. Out of all the tummy tuck procedures performed this is actually the least common method as most patients tend to have excess fat in either both their upper and lower abdomen or in just their lower abdominal area.
This procedure is best for anyone who has accumulated excess fat and skin in their upper abdominal area which leaves their lower abdomen looking disproportionate. This extra skin and fat is also known to create fat rolls on the upper stomach, which is especially noticeable when seated.
Interested in a consultation?
If you’d like to learn more about any of the tummy tuck techniques mentioned, or if you’d like to find out if you’re a good candidate for this procedure then please give our Long island office a phone call to schedule a consultation. Your consultation is the first step in preparing for a tummy tuck procedure. You will meet with one of our board-certified surgeons to discuss your problem areas and desired results. Your surgeon will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and discuss your surgical options in greater detail.
Since not all patients have the same problem areas, there are several tummy tuck techniques available to help our patients achieve their body goals. Contact Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY today to be on your way to a firmer, flatter midsection.
