Tummy Tuck Techniques: Understanding Your Options
Posted November 01, 2021 in Tummy Tuck
When it comes to tummy tuck surgery, patients have several options. Dr. Taleisnik adapts one of four tummy tuck surgical techniques for your unique physiology to achieve the best results. Here is a little about each of your options for tummy tuck surgery with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andres Taleisnik.
The Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck can restore a flat lower belly where age, pregnancy, and/or weight loss have caused tissue laxity.
The mini tummy tuck technique focuses on the area below the belly button. The skin and muscles below the navel are tightened and flattened. Unlike the full or traditional tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck does not provide any tightening of the upper abdomen, and the belly button itself is left untouched to preserve its natural appearance.
The Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck can restore a firm and flat abdomen that has developed sagging skin or diastasis recti due to weight loss, aging, and/or pregnancy.
The full tummy tuck technique (also called a traditional tummy tuck) addresses both the upper and lower abdomen. The skin and muscles above and below the belly button are tightened, and the belly button itself may be repositioned to a more attractive and youthful location. The pubic area is also tightened, and the overall abdomen is flattened to a greater degree than is possible with a mini tummy tuck.
The Circumferential Tummy Tuck
A circumferential tummy tuck can restore a tighter and firmer lower body after major weight loss.
The circumferential tummy tuck technique (also called a belt lipectomy) offers all the correction of a full tummy tuck along with correction of a sagging back and buttocks. The skin and muscles of the abdomen are tightened and flattened, and excess or saggy skin in the back is tightened to lift and flatten the back and buttocks. This procedure may be performed in one or two sessions; if chosen to be two sessions, the tummy tuck portion will be performed on its own and the back and buttock lift will be performed separately.
The Panniculectomy
A panniculectomy can restore a more natural appearance and lower body contour after major weight loss.
The panniculectomy procedure offers correction of large amounts of excess skin and fat that hang down over the genitals and thighs, especially after major weight loss. It does not correct loose abdominal muscles. This procedure can alleviate skin rashes or ulcers from the excess hanging tissue, and it can also relieve back pain caused by the burden of the sagging tissue.
Which Tummy Tuck Technique is Right for Me?
The tummy tuck technique that is best for you will depend on the location and amount of correction you need. In general, individuals who have experienced major weight loss will likely be a good fit for either the full tummy tuck, circumferential tummy tuck, or panniculectomy. For individuals who have not lost a significant amount of weight but for whom the tummy is still a problem area, a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck will likely be best.
Here is the typical candidate for each tummy tuck technique:
- Mini Tummy Tuck: Best for patients with a bulge or loose skin in the lower tummy, but whose upper tummy remains fairly tight with smooth skin.
- Full Tummy Tuck: Best for patients who need tightening of both the upper and lower abdomen, especially those who desire more significant correction.
- Circumferential Tummy Tuck: Best for patients who need correction of both the upper and lower abdomen, as well as the back and buttocks area (especially after major weight loss).
- Panniculectomy: Best for patients whose main concern is excess skin and fat hanging low over the genitals and thighs, especially after major weight loss.
These varying techniques offer patients of all backgrounds the opportunity to achieve their aesthetic goals. With the right tummy tuck technique, you can enhance your body contours with aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking results.
If you are not sure which tummy tuck procedure is right for you, schedule your consultation with Dr. Taleisnik. He will answer any questions you may have and recommend the procedure to best suit your needs. To book your appointment, call (657) 294-8375 or complete our online contact form today.
