Most prospective cosmetic surgery patients have no clue about the different forms of abdominoplasty available. However, there are a host of options for would be patients with three being most common. Every option is used for a different type of situation. Following is a description of each of the three Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty Techniques;
The mini tummy tuck
Also referred to as the “scar-less” tummy tuck, this plastic surgery procedure only removes a small portion of the skin hence the name “mini”. The incision made during this procedure is generally small compared to the other two procedures. This surgical technique is ideal for individuals with a little amount of stubborn belly flab that won’t go away as a result of either exercising or dieting. This procedure is mainly done to fit and healthy people who want to remove the slight fat build up in their slender physique.
How it’s done
During this procedure, the doctor usually makes an incision in the lower abdominal wall that stretches to the navel. The navel need not be repositioned unlike with the traditional procedure. After making an incision, the doctor removes the slight extra skin, tightens the abdominal muscles and then pulls the remaining rigid skin to close the incision. A week after the surgery, patients are able to resume their daily schedules. However, patients are advised to avoid any intense physical chores to hasten the recovery period. Over-the-counter painkillers can be used to relieve pain if need be during recovery.
The traditional “Standard” Tummy Tuck
Men and women who are in good physical health but have a sizeable amount of loose skin on their midsection make the perfect candidates for this procedure. These are people who have lost a large amount of weight or women who have additional belly fat or weak muscles as a result of a recent pregnancy. Similar to the mini tummy tuck, this procedure is the last result for patients who cannot reduce their extra tummy flab through exercising and\or dieting.
How it is done
Traditional tummy tuck abdominoplasty involves a slightly larger incision that runs between the hip bones in a straight line. The doctor might decide to use a minor liposuction to help remove fat before tightening the abdominal muscles and closing the incision. The belly button needs to be repositioned correctly since a larger amount of skin is usually removed during this procedure. The procedure is more intense than the mini and patients usually have to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover. Patients take 2 to 4 to recover. During the recovery time, the doctor will prescribe pain medication to ease pain and discomfort.
The extended tummy tuck
This procedure is for patients with huge amount of loose and sagging skin on their abdomen, hips and lower back. To add on to the sagging skin, these patients often have large amounts of extra fat in the aforementioned body parts.
How the procedure is done
The surgeon makes a long incision in the abdominal area that stretches from the hips to the lower back. In most cases, liposuction is necessary to remove extra fat and drain other fluids accumulated in those parts. The procedure involves removal of large amounts of extra skin and fat which transforms the body shape requiring repositioning of the belly button. The doctor then removes any extra skin and tightens the muscles and then pulls the remaining skin to seal the incision. Patients must undergo an initial recovery in the hospital of about 2 days before going home for final recovery. Like the other two procedures, patients must not carry out stressing physical activities during recovery. The swelling lasts for a little bit longer than with the other procedures. Patients can resume light duties after a month of pure rest and recovery.
Other options
Though the above three methods are the most common cosmetic surgery procedures there are other options, these are;
- Endoscopic tummy tuck abdominoplasty
- This involves the smallest incision, smaller than the mini tummy tuck. Here only a minimal amount of skin is removed and the scar left is also tiny.
- Circumferential tummy tuck
- This procedure involves the longest incision which runs round the waistline.
Also note tummy tuck is not a weight loss alternative in its entirety and a patient must meet some health conditions to qualify as a candidate.
Tummy Tuck cost
The prices of tummy tuck in sydney usually varies from the amount to fat that needs to be taken out. A severely obese person will not take the same time or effort as someone who has a little bit of fat on their stomach. A assessment of the amount of time required will be conducted by our surgeons. The total cost of a tummy tuck usually consist of the surgeons and assistants time, anaesthetist’s cost, theatre cost, follow up visits and cost of special garments that are required. Feel free to book your consultation now.
Check out our tumescent liposuction page for more details.