Which tummy tuck is right for you

The skin is then pulled taut over the mid section, creating a smoother, slimmer shape. Often, a new belly button will be shaped or moved higher on the belly.

For a mini tummy tuck, the area of focus is solely underneath the navel. Just like a full version, an incision is placed a few inches below the navel, allowing Dr. Ortiz to repair the lower muscles and remove the loose skin. Then, the skin is pulled tightly over the lower abdomen, eliminating signs of a lower belly pooch. Now that you have a better understanding of the procedures, you probably have a better idea of which one will align with your goals. Regardless of which procedure you choose, both are designed for women who are done having children as future pregnancies will compromise the results.

Ortiz clears you to ensure your results last. Patients who undergo this procedure should expect their recovery to take a few weeks. While the amount and location of your excess skin are clearly a major factor in determining which type of tummy tuck is appropriate, other aspects of your anatomy can also come into play. Skin quality and body type can both impact your results. Scarring from previous surgeries also needs to be considered; it can complicate future surgeries.

In addition, the placement of excess fat deposits also matters. While tummy tucks are effective in reducing fat that is located in front of the muscle wall, it does not address the deeper visceral fat located behind it. For the best results, tummy tucks should be tailored to the patient's unique needs, so consulting with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon is absolutely crucial.

After discussing your individual goals and examining your anatomy, the doctor can educate you about the possibilities, help you understand what type of results you can expect, and design a treatment plan that includes the appropriate type of tummy tuck and incorporates any other necessary procedures. The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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Share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community or post your question to Ask a Surgeon to get an authoritative and trustworthy answer from our ASPS member surgeons. Share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community. My Account. Jay Orringer takes an individualized approach for each tummy tuck patient. During your consultation, you can discuss the options available for your procedure and how each can potentially improve your look.

A mini tummy tuck typically involves a smaller scar and often focuses on muscle tightening, liposuction and removal of limited lower abdominal skin. If your issues are more concentrated below the navel, a mini tummy tuck may be the best option for you.

A full tummy tuck requires an incision, and therefore scar, around the belly button along with a longer lower abdominal scar than with a mini tummy tuck. However, a full tummy tuck allows for the possibility of more muscle tightening and removal of more sagging skin. Patients recovering from multiple pregnancies or significant weight loss may benefit from a full tummy tuck. For patients with good skin tone and a primary concern of removing stubborn belly fat, liposuction may be the better choice.

Liposuction can also be used in combination with a tummy tuck to potentially achieve a more optimal result. Would you like to learn more about which tummy tuck options may potentially help to restore your abdominal appearance?