Comparing Three Different Tummy Tuck Techniques - Full, Mini, and Extended
A person's body shape will change throughout their lifetime. With age, these changes, especially in the abdominal area, become more apparent and bothersome. Whether you have had a baby or lost a significant amount of weight, your ab muscles have most likely been adversely affected. World-renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso in Miami, FL, expertly performs the tummy tuck procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, to address the patient’s excess skin and laxity of the abdominal wall muscles.
Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso offers three types of tummy tucks to women and men in the Miami area. The first step is to schedule an initial consultation and meet Dr. LaGrasso, who will give you a full explanation of the various styles of abdominoplasty and determine the best fit for your body style. If you are considering a tummy tuck, the guide below provides helpful information about the different types of procedures performed.
Why consider a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is the only cosmetic procedure that can surgically tighten the separated abdominal muscles while removing excess fat and skin and improving the appearance of the abdomen. When a patient undergoes a tummy tuck, the abdomen is dramatically reshaped to a flat and toned profile. This cosmetic procedure is one of the most popular surgeries today. Many women include a tummy tuck as part of their mommy makeover, which helps them get their pre-pregnancy bodies back while minimizing unsightly stretch marks. However, a tummy tuck is not just for women. Healthy men in the swimsuit-ready city of Miami also seek this procedure to eliminate sagging skin after significant and rapid weight loss. A tummy tuck is a fantastic weapon to fight a flabby midsection when diet and exercise don’t seem to work as well as they used to.
What happens during a tummy tuck?
During abdominoplasty, Dr. LaGrasso will first make an incision along the bikini line. The incision line is strategically placed so that the remaining scar can be camouflaged with a bathing suit or undergarments. Fat and excess skin are removed, and the excess skin and abdominal muscles are tightened with sutures. The patient will have a new navel, which is repositioned through an incision in the reattached skin. Many individuals opt for the addition of liposuction to further contour the abdomen and get rid of additional residual fat deposits. The results of an abdominoplasty are dramatic and a real self-esteem booster.
Three different types of tummy tucks explained
1. Full Tummy Tuck
Sometimes referred to as a traditional tummy tuck, patients who undergo this style will have an incision that extends from hip to hip just above the pubic area. The larger opening allows for a significant amount of the abdomen to be altered while repositioning the belly button. A full tummy tuck procedure is most often recommended for women with a substantial amount of excess skin, usually the result of multiple pregnancies.
2. Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck, or "Brazilian tummy tuck," is ideal for patients with a smaller amount of extra loose skin around the middle. Similar to the traditional tummy tuck, the primary goal with this type of procedure is to remove excess fat and loose skin. In this procedure, the muscles may or may not be tightened depending on the patient’s needs. Mini tummy tucks require a smaller incision since less tissue is removed. Candidates for this procedure should be in relatively good shape with a healthy skin tone. The original belly button remains untouched.
3. Extended Tummy Tuck
Miami-area patients who have undergone significant weight loss love this technique to remove large amounts of excess skin and fat. This procedure requires a longer incision than the traditional and mini tummy tucks. Liposuction is typically performed to address the excess fat on the back and sides. Next, the muscles are tightened and the belly button is repositioned. The incision may extend around the navel, flanks, and lower back depending on the needs of the patient.
How do I keep my new toned belly looking great?
There is no doubt that whichever tummy tuck style is recommended for your needs, there will be a dramatic transformation. It is crucial to be patient with the final results. Ample time is required for the swelling to subside before your new midsection takes its final shape. During your follow-up visits, Dr. LaGrasso will assess your healing status. He recommends that patients follow a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise for long-lasting results. Patients should be advised that it is possible to gain weight, and undesirable changes may occur in your abdomen if proper maintenance is not followed.
Are you unhappy with the way your midsection looks because of extra loose skin and fat? If so, you are not alone. A tummy tuck is a very popular cosmetic procedure that can rid your abdominals of unsightly saggy, loose skin, camouflaging your hard work at the gym. The surgery is a fantastic solution that can give you a tighter, more attractive midsection. You will love how you look in your swimsuit and feel proud to display your new body. We invite you to contact Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso in Miami, FL, and schedule a consultation today!