Types of tummy tucks

There are options when considering tummy tuck. In fact, some will do better with liposuction alone without tummy tuck at all.

The choice will depend on your goals, and what has affected your abdomen in the past such as weight loss and gain, present weight, prior pregnancy or plans for a future one.

Start with a consultation in your area from board certified plastic surgeon. You can find one on the ASAPS website. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

I also agree with your assessment. See 3 boarded surgeons in your area.

Or you could post a photo here on REAL SELF.com so we can answer. (Darryl J. Blinski, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)

Plastic surgeon can advise about best tummy tuck options

Types of tummy tucks picture

We can only answer your question in general terms without seeing you personally. If there is skin laxity, which it sounds like may be the case, then lipo alone won’t be optimal.

If the upper half of the abdomen, above the belly button has really smooth tight skin then a mini tummy tuck would work, but if there are stretch marks or ani issues above the belly button then the full abdominoplasty is going to be best. (Richard Baxter, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck options

Your question is an astute one in that implies that you realize there are more than one type of tummy tuck and it acknowledges that you need to find the right procedure that fits your situation.

The Types of tummy tucks

You first need to find a plastic surgeon that thinks like you and doesn’t pigeon-hole you into a “standard” tummy tuck. Customization should be done for all patient. This involves prioritizing your goals; is it maximal tightening, removal of stretch marks, limitation of scars, length of recovery, location of scars, etc?

A good surgeon will review all your goals as wells as the things you don’t want or can’t tolerate and spend time to find the best fit procedure. If you go through all the variables systematically, I find that patients will essentially build their own procedure and understand why things need to be done the way you choose. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Types of tummy tucks photo

Basically there is a mini tummy tuck which involves excision of the skin below your belly button. In this procedure, your muscles are not tightened and the skin between your chest and your belly button remains the same. For a true or full tummy tuck, all the extra skin and fat is removed and the muscles are tightened.

The length of the incision is about the same. The only difference is that a new belly button incision is made since the loose skin above the belly button is pulled tightly. There is no question in my mind that a full or true tummy tuck is the best procedure. (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Plastic Surgery Consult Can Help Determine Right Procedure for Tummy

A consultation with a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon can assist you in determining the appropriate operation for your situation. There a several options (full tummy tuck, mini-tummy tuck, liposuction, or a combination). In some cases it is best to avoid any surgery. (John Whitt, MD, Louisville Plastic Surgeon)