At least once or twice, most of us have heard of the term  ”tummy tuck” or abdominoplasty, which is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to eliminate excess or loose skin from the abdominal area. A tummy tuck in Atlanta occasionally, surgeons also refer to it as “mommy makeover surgery,” in conjunction with breast lifts, breast augmentation, and liposuction. Some women are also familiar with it as a mini tummy tuck, which is a more concise version of the standard tummy tuck procedure and removes only a smaller portion of the abdominal skin. However, what most prospective surgery patients don’t realize is that there are actually three common forms of the tummy tuck surgery, including:

• The mini tummy tuck
• The traditional or standard, and
• The extended tummy tuck

With these three common options available with your Crispin Plastic Surgery experts, how would you know which type is the most suitable one for you? What are the differences between these contouring procedures? Here is what you need to know about each one.

The Mini Tummy Tuck Surgical Procedure

The baby of the entire bunch is the “mini” tummy tuck surgery also familiar among people as the “scarless” tummy tuck. Just as mentioned above, this body contouring procedure goes by the name mini because it removes a smaller skin portion with smaller incisions in general. The mini tummy tuck surgery is best suitable for people who struggle with a small amount of belly flab that just won’t go with exercise and diet. In other words, this version of a tummy tuck is great for the healthy patients and those who wish to get rid of the stubborn “pouch” of loose skin that tarnishes their otherwise slender body.

During the procedure, your tummy tuck surgeon will make an incision in the lower wall of the abdomen, which reaches to the navel. Since this surgery is on a smaller scale compared to the traditional tummy tuck procedure, the navel itself does not need repositioning during the surgical procedure. Once the surgeon makes the incision, the minor excess skin is removed, the abdominal muscles tightened and the remaining skin taut close the mini tummy tuck incisions.

Note that the recovery period often varies from one patient to another. However, with the use of painkillers and avoiding intense physical exercises, patients can soon resume their daily activities within a week.

The Traditional/Standard Tummy Tuck

The standard tummy tuck procedure is ideal for women and men who have a sizeable loose skin portion of skin to remove from their midsection. Usually, traditional tummy tuck patients are those who have gone through drastic weight loss or women who have excess flab or weak muscles in their abdomen post pregnancy. This procedure is also suitable for patients who are not being able to reduce their tummy fat even after exercise and diet alone.

For this procedure, the incisions are slightly larger than the mini tummy tuck and usually run in a straight line between the hip bones. Before surgeons tighten the abdominal muscles, minor liposuction may be needed to assist with the removal of fat and finally, the incisions would be closed. Since this surgery may require a larger portion of skin removal, the repositioning of the belly button correctly is one of the final steps. It is more intensive than the mini tummy tuck and patients may require a brief stay in the hospital during the initial period of recovery. Often, the average recovery period lasts between 2 to 3 weeks, during which doctors prescribe painkillers to prevent pain or unnecessary discomfort.

Patients that have more of loose, and sagging skin on their hips, abdomen and on the sides of their lower back, the extended tummy tuck is the most appropriate surgical choice. Extended tummy tuck patients also usually have excess fat in the body regions that need removal along with the extra skin.

The Extended Tummy Tuck                  

In the extended tummy tuck surgical procedure, surgeons make a longer abdominal incision that reaches the hips to the lower back. Usually, this procedure requires liposuction to remove excess fat cells and drain of extra fluids. The surgeon then tightens the abdominal area muscles as well as around the hips. During this stage, they also remove any amount of loose skin before finally suturing the incision. Just like the traditional tummy tuck, surgeons reposition the belly button to correspond with the patient’s newly transformed body shape. The recovery period of this procedure often lasts for 1-2 days in the hospital, where you will need to stay in the hospital. However, depending on how well you care for it, the recovery time may last longer over a month.

You should note that tummy tuck surgery is not for people who want to choose it as a weight loss solution, and there are specific health requirements you must meet before you qualify as the right candidate. Just like liposuction, this procedure helps to remove cellulite.