Determining the type of tummy tuck procedure needed
All tummy tucks have variations. From reviewing the photos, I would recommend a standard tummy tuck with liposuction and repair of the weaken abdominal muscles.
There will be variations on what type of incision is used and where and how much liposuction would be performed.
Your plastic surgeon would be able to guide you into making the correct decisions.
It would not hurt to get more than 1 opinion. (Todd B. Koch, MD, Buffalo Plastic Surgeon)
A standard tummy tuck will work for you
Judging from the single photo, I would say that you’re a candidate for what I consider a standard tummy tuck.You have some excess fat that will need to be removed with liposuction. I can’t judge from the photo how loose your skin is. Ideally, most plastic surgeons will try to remove the excess skin from the bellybutton down to the pubis, provided this does not put undue tension on the repair or compromise the blood supply.
I explain to patients that if there is too much tension, I will leave a small vertical incision down low ,where the bellybutton used to be.The bellybutton(umbilicus) should end up above the level of the anterior hipbones for the best aesthetic result. (Joseph M. Perlman, MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
What kind of tummy tuck do I need?
Tummy tuck is a procedure that removes stretched out skin and extra fat of the belly wall, and tightens the muscles that can separate with pregnancy. I am not sure what you mean by two different kinds of tummy tucks, but I am guessing that you mean mini or full. A mini tummy tuck only fixes the muscle and skin below the belly button. A full tummy tuck corrects from your breast bone down to your pelvis. Judging from your photo, you are stretched out above and below the belly button so a full tummy tuck is probably what you need. The stretch marks below your belly button will probably come out, the stretch marks above your belly button will move down to below the belly button but will probably not all come out. One more word of advice: be certain you are not planning any more pregnancies. (Elizabeth Slass Lee, MD, Bay Area Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck Treatment Option
I concur with my colleagues that you will likely benefit from a full tummy tuck. This will remove all the excess skin, stretch marks, and excess skin/fat from the level of your belly button down to your waist. Furthermore, a tummy tuck will also tighten your six-pack muscles (rectus abdominis) to correct for the likely bulging you have on your abdominal wall. You also may benefit for adjunctive liposuctioning of your waist to eliminate any love-handles. (C. Bob Basu, MD, FACS, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
Types of tummy tucks
liposuction alone will remove bulk, but you appear to have excess skin as well. A full incision abdominoplasty will give you the most improvement. While there are smaller procedures, I think that the result in your case will not give what you are looking for. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.
And remember, the most important part of getting a good result from plastic surgery is the surgeon that you choose. This is one area in life, where it pays to pay retail. You appear to be a good candidate and will have a good result. (Darrick E. Antell, MD, Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
Abdominoplasty FAQ
Abdominoplasty procedures are safe and effective methods to improve anterior abdominal contour. In this particular case, it would be appropriate to proceed with full abdominoplasty, plication of the rectus fascia, and removal of excess skin. (Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)
Types of abdominplasty
Your anatomy and what you desire as your goal will deterine what needs to be done. Each option has risks and benefits. You have to prioritize what you want, what you willing to live with, and what risks you can accept. The only way to remove stretch marks is to excise the skin containing the stretch marks.
If you have fat that you want thinned, liposuction will be helpful. if you want maximum tightening of the skin, that will require a certain type, usually a ful tuck. If you want the least scars, then a mini-tuck procedure or simple liposuction is best. Your surgeon should systematically review all the options and risks and benefits that suit your anatomy and goals. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)
From the photos provided it is my impression that you will recieve the best result using a full abdominoplasty with muscle tightening and suction assisted lipectomy of the hips. (Otto Joseph Placik, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)