The tummy tuck, otherwise known as abdominoplasty surgery, is one of the most popular types of plastic surgery procedures in Canada today. Presently, there are several different types of tummy tuck procedures to choose from, all designed to deal with specific issues. The types of tummy tuck procedures to consider are listed below.
1. Mini Tummy Tuck
Among the different types of procedures for a tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck is the least invasive. In addition, it delivers a subtler result than many of the other procedures. This technique involves the removal of small amounts of soft tissue and excess skin in the abdomen below the belly button. However, it is limited to the lower abdomen.
The mini tummy tuck is a perfect procedure for slim patients with a “belly pooch.” It addresses loose skin that is irresponsive to typical weight loss programs such as diets and workouts. This plastic surgery procedure does not tighten the abdominal wall muscles. If the surgeon decides to perform a muscle repair of the lower abdomen region, it might result in an unnatural abdominal contour.
Due to the fact that it is the least invasive technique of all, the mini tummy tuck procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. In addition, it leaves the least amount of scarring. More so, it takes no more than a week for the patient to fully recover.
2. Standard Tummy Tuck
Typically, a tummy tuck involves the process of removing excess skin and soft tissue. The standard tummy tuck, otherwise known as the full tummy tuck, makes a hip-to-hip incision below the navel and leaves a scar around the lower abdomen. The surgeon removes excess skin and tissue and then pulls the muscles and skin tightly over the stomach. Once done, the surgeon repositions the belly button and makes sure the incisions are perfectly covered using sutures.
This type of surgical procedure is ideal for men and women who have excessive midsection skin. Also, individuals experiencing weak abdominal muscles can opt for the standard tummy tuck procedure. The procedure is the most common type of tummy tuck surgery, and it is performed under general anesthesia. Recovery time after the surgery takes about two weeks. After that, patients can get back to their daily lives.
3. Circumferential Tummy Tuck
This type of tummy tuck procedure is more invasive than a standard tummy tuck technique. This is because it targets the entire abdomen area while also addressing areas such as the hips and lower back. If you’re looking to give your upper body a slimmer shape and look, then the circumferential lower body lift might be right for you.
This type of procedure involves creating a horizontal incision that stretches across the lower region of the abdomen. The surgeon will also create another vertical incision through the navel. This incision allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and tissue, thus leaving the abdomen muscles a lot tighter.
To remove excess skin tissue around the hips and lower back region, the surgeon uses liposuction. Once the procedure is completed, the belly button is repositioned and the incision closed. Despite the fact that it takes a longer time—at least three weeks—to recover, this procedure is known to produce more dramatic results than a standard tummy tuck.
4. Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck
Aside from the vertical scar, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck also requires horizontal incisions. These scars cannot be hidden and can be seen when wearing a two-piece swimwear. As a result, this surgical procedure is only reserved for patients following massive weight loss that resulted in the loss of skin elasticity. However, this type of tummy tuck procedure is not so popular because of the apparent scarring.