Different Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery: Which One is Best for You?

Tummy tucks remove excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal area to create a flatter, smoother belly. Whether you’ve never been slim around the middle, are hoping to counteract a post-pregnancy pooch with stretch marks, or have recently lost a bunch of weight only to be left with loose skin, this body contouring procedure has a lot to offer. Far from a one-size-fits-all treatment, tummy tucks are customized to address an individual patient’s needs. Each person has his or her own anatomy, specific surgical needs for their skin type, and scar location preferences. Some patients may require a abdominal muscle repair, or may want to get additional procedures done at the same time.  We explore the two main types of tummy tuck surgery Los Angeles-area patients can find at Cassileth Plastic Surgery, so that you can have a better understanding of what’s involved.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdominal area. This is a great choice for patients who mainly want to address laxity below the belly button. Only a small amount of skin is removed, and this surgery typically doesn’t involve repositioning the navel. There are many advantages to this approach: The procedure is shorter and less extensive, scars are smaller than those from a classic tummy tuck, and less recovery time is needed.

Full/Standard Tummy Tuck

The full tummy tuck is the most common option and can be a better choice for patients who have a larger amount of extra skin, including loose skin above the belly button. It can also be an effective option for those who want to remove stretch marks. This technique improves the look of the entire abdomen, and the belly button is adjusted. The procedure involves a U-shaped incision just above the pubic bone, stretching from hip to hip. After skin and fat are removed via this incision, the remaining skin is re-draped over the new contours.

After any variation of a tummy tuck, patients can look forward to a more proportional waistline and a slimmer profile.

Want more tummy tuck advice from experienced physicians? Talk to our team at Cassileth Plastic Surgery and Skin Care in Los Angeles. Learn more about what we offer by calling (310) 278-8200 or write us a message and we’ll get back to you shortly.