Tummy Tuck Procedures: From the Mini Tuck to Full Abdominoplasty

You may already know that a tummy tuck, known by medical professionals as abdominoplasty, can improve your figure. For some people, getting regular exercise and eating a proper diet do not eliminate the "pooch" in the stomach area. Others can have flabby bellies because they have lost muscle tone over the years or after pregnancy. Still others might have overcome obesity and want to tighten loose skin in the tummy area.

Types of Tummy Tucks

Three common types of tummy tucks are:

• endoscopic tummy tuck
• full abdominoplasty
• mini tummy tuck.

A range of "modified" tummy tuck procedures within the above categories exists for those with special needs. Individuals who have suffered from morbid obesity or who are combining other medical or cosmetic surgeries may be candidates for specialized treatment. Regardless of which tummy tuck procedure you undergo, be prepared for some scarring.

Invasive Tummy Tuck Procedures

The following procedures are more invasive and, therefore, create added risks. However, surgeons may recommend one of these more involved procedures for patients with fat and excessive skin in particular locations. Invasive tummy tuck procedures include:

• Circumferential Tummy Tuck: Also referred to as a "lower body lift," this is a more invasive procedure than the full abdominoplasty. Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery or experienced massive weight loss can benefit from a circumferential tummy tuck.
  
  In this procedure, the incision goes around the body to tighten muscles and remove skin in the abdomen, the buttocks and the outer thighs. As with a full abdominoplasty, the belly button is loosened and then reattached. Liposuction is often incorporated with this procedure.
  
  Patients can expect a two- to four-night hospital stay with drainage tubes remaining in place for up to two weeks after the procedure Expect a lengthy recovery process that likely includes pain medications.
  
  
• Full Abdominoplasty: Also known as a "complete tummy tuck," this procedure benefits those with greater loss of skin elasticity, multiple abdominal folds and irreversible muscle separation. Those with fat deposits above the navel can also benefit from a full abdominoplasty. In this procedure, the incision typically extends from hip to hip, just below the bikini line.
  
  The surgeon separates skin, along with the belly button, from underlying tissue. Muscles are sometimes tightened, excess skin flaps are cut away and the belly button is repositioned. Liposuction often accompanies this procedure. Because of the invasive nature of the fully abdominoplasty, patients usually experience more pain and a longer recovery period. Drainage tubes at the excision sites may also remain in place for a few days.
  
  
• High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty: This extended procedure creates body contouring that traditional types of tummy tucks cannot achieve. Utilizing the same hip-to-hip incision, the high lateral procedure focuses on the outer areas of the body, as opposed to the central portion. This allows for additional areas of liposuction, including upper thighs.
  
  As a result, the high-lateral type of tummy tuck reshapes the sides and waist to create more comprehensive results. Patients will generally experience a recovery process that is similar to that of a full abdominoplasty, with a one- to two-day hospitalization stay immediately after surgery.

Other less popular invasive procedures include:

• dermolipectomy
• reverse abdominoplasty
• vertical scar abdominoplasty.

Minimally Invasive Tummy Tuck

• Endoscopic Tummy Tuck: This procedure, an extended variation of the mini tummy tuck, calls for the surgeon to make a number of small incisions in which he can insert an endoscope (a small optical tool that helps surgeons see the inside of the body). Excess fat and skin is then removed, sometimes with the aid of liposuction to re-contour the patient’s body.
  
  Because the skin typically stays in place, this type of tummy tuck is best for those who still have great surface elasticity.
  
  Patients tend to experience reduced blood loss and less swelling at the incisions. They are typically able to resume daily activities within two weeks of undergoing an endoscopic tummy tuck.
  
  
• Mini Tummy Tuck: Also known as a "scarless tummy tuck," this procedure is often performed through the navel or an existing scar, such as a former C-section. However, the extent of required skin removal and muscle repair determines the actual length of the incision. The navel typically remains attached during a mini tummy tuck.
  
  In most cases, this is same-day surgery, meaning the patient will return home within a few hours. Within one week, a person can generally resume light activity and work.