Tummy Tucks: What are the different types?

Who doesn’t want a flat, toned stomach? Having kids, weight fluctuations, and genetics can all affect and change the appearance of our stomachs, making that flat, toned stomach difficult if not impossible to achieve without the assistance of a plastic surgeon (board certified please). 

What exactly is a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty? It’s a cosmetic surgery procedure (insurance is not covering this, but we do get asked on the daily) that seeks to improve the appearance of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat as well as repairing the abdominal muscles (separation is typically due to child bearing). Let’s talk about the different types of tummy tucks. 

1. Full Tummy Tuck (Traditional Abdominoplasty)

  - The details: A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen, both upper and lower regions. It involves an incision from hip to hip, just above the pubic area, and a second incision around the navel to free it from surrounding tissue once that tissue is excised (we make a new hole for your belly button, it’s still your belly button).

  - Candidates: This procedure is ideal for individuals with significant excess skin, fat, and weakened abdominal muscles, often due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging.

   - Recovery: Recovery typically takes about 4-6 weeks, with initial discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Full activity can usually be resumed after 8-12 weeks.

2. Mini Tummy Tuck (Partial Abdominoplasty)

   - The details: A mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdomen below the navel. It involves a smaller incision than a full tummy tuck and does not usually involve repositioning the navel.

   - Candidates: Suitable for individuals with minor skin laxity and muscle weakness localized to the lower abdomen. It’s often chosen by those who are close to their ideal weight but have a small “pooch” or loose skin below the belly button.

   - Recovery: Recovery is quicker than with a full tummy tuck, typically around 4-6 weeks. Scarring is also less noticeable since it is a smaller incision.

3. Extended Tummy Tuck

   - The details: An extended tummy tuck addresses the abdomen, flanks (love handles), and sometimes the lower back. The incision extends beyond the hips, wrapping around the lower back.

   - Candidates: This is ideal for individuals who have experienced significant weight loss and have excess skin and fat not only in the abdomen but also in the flanks and back. It’s often part of post-bariatric surgery.

   - Recovery: Recovery time is similar to or slightly longer than a full tummy tuck, with activity restrictions for 6-8 weeks. Scars extend beyond the hip to hip region of a full tummy tuck to excise additional skin and tissue. 

4. Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck

   - The details: This procedure combines a vertical incision in the middle of the abdomen with the traditional horizontal incision. It removes a greater amount of excess skin and tightens the abdominal area both vertically and horizontally.

   - Candidates: Suitable for patients with massive weight loss and significant skin excess that needs more tightening than a traditional tummy tuck can provide.

   - Recovery: Similar to a full tummy tuck but with an additional vertical scar. Recovery time can be longer due to the more extensive nature of the procedure, but patients typically return to full activities after 12 weeks. 

5. Circumferential Tummy Tuck (Body Lift)

   - The details: A circumferential tummy tuck, also known as a body lift, is an extensive procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, back, hips, and buttocks. The incision completely encircles the body.

   - Candidates: This is often performed on individuals who have undergone significant weight loss, such as after bariatric surgery, and have a large amount of excess skin around the torso.

   - Recovery: Recovery can take 6-12 weeks, with substantial activity restrictions.

6. Reverse Tummy Tuck

   - The details: A reverse tummy tuck removes excess skin from the upper abdomen. The incision is made under the breasts, and the skin is pulled upward rather than downward.

   - Candidates: This procedure is suitable for individuals with loose skin primarily in the upper abdomen, often after weight loss or aging.

   - Recovery: Recovery is similar to a mini tummy tuck, with a focus on healing the upper abdomen area.

7. Combination Tummy Tuck Procedures

   - Mommy Makeover: A tummy tuck combined with breast surgery (augmentation, lift, or reduction), labiaplasty, or liposuction to address the changes that occur after pregnancy. The procedure is totally customized to the patient and her desires. 

   - Tummy Tuck with Liposuction: Often, liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck to enhance contouring, particularly in the flanks or other areas where fat deposits persist. I typically (99% of the time) advise patients to add liposuction. It really helps with contour and addressing those stubborn fat deposits that are difficult to remove with exercise and diet alone. 

If you are thinking about a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, please schedule a consultation with a  board-certified plastic surgeon to determine which procedure is best suited for your needs and to discuss the potential risks and benefits. 

Dr. Derrick sees patients in his Plano and Anna offices here in Texas.