Types of Tummy Tuck

By admin on November 14, 2011

If you would like to enhance your overall body contour, it’s important to consider various surgeries that can reduce the amount of excess skin or sagging skin in the abdominal area. That’s precisely what a tummy tuck can achieve, and that’s why many people come to our San Francisco plastic surgery center for treatment.

About Tummy Tuck Surgery

Also known as an abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery is a body contouring surgery that is specifically performed to remove excess skin in the lower abdominal area. After losing a lot of weight, people tend to have a lot of loose skin that does not shrink back around their slimmer frame. This is just the nature of skin laxity. The only way to reduce the amount of excess skin is tummy tuck surgery.

Why There Are Different Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery

There are different types of tummy tuck available to help address the varying degrees of excess skin that people may face. More severe drooping and sagging of excess skin will require great recontouring of a person’s frame. Right now, let’s take a moment to look at the three basic kinds of tummy tucks and what incisions and methods are involved in each.

Traditional Tummy Tuck Surgery

During a traditional tummy tuck surgery, three incisions are made: one incision that spans from hipbone to hipbone alone the lower abdomen; one incision around the navel; and one last incision that connects the navel incision to the lower abdominal incision. It helps to think of this series of incisions as anchor shaped. Through these incisions, excess tissue is removed and the underlying structures are adjusted. Liposuction may be used to help remove any problematic pockets of fat as well.

Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

A mini tummy tuck is, as you can imagine, less extensive than a traditional San Francisco tummy tuck. During a mini tummy tuck, only one incision is necessary. This incision will be placed along the lower abdominal area, though it will not have to span from hipbone to hipbone. Through this incision, all the adjustments and tissue removal can be achieved.

Extended Tummy Tuck

After a person loses a massive amount of weight, a full body lift surgery is necessary to improve overall contours. This will often involve an extended tummy tuck. An extended tummy tuck uses the same incisions as a traditional tummy tuck, though the incision along the lower abdomen is often longer. In many cases, it’s necessary for the incision to extend past the hipbone, along the side of the hip, to the back edge of the hipbone. This will allow for more extensive tissue removal and adjustment.

The Best Option for You

The best tummy tuck option for you and your needs will definitely depend on the extent of sagging and drooping in the abdominal region. During your consultation with San Francisco cosmetic surgeon Dr. Albert Chow, he will assess your situation and help you make the best and most well-informed decision about your needs.

Schedule a Body Contouring Consultation

For more information about body contouring surgery and what it can accomplish for you, be sure to contact our San Francisco plastic surgery center today. The entire team is eager to speak with you about your aesthetic goals.

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