Different Kinds of Abdominoplasty Surgery

Most people are quite familiar with the tummy tuck procedure, otherwise known as abdominoplasty. What the ordinary person may not know is that there is more than one kind of this plastic surgery procedure. The general process of the operation is more or less the same across all types, from the first incision to the final suture. What distinguishes one from the other is mainly in the scope of the procedure and, to some extent, its appropriateness.

Complete abdominoplasty surgery

When people talk about a tummy tuck they are most likely referring to the complete abdominoplasty procedure. In a nutshell, the operation consists of the following steps.

1. Making an incision across the abdomen from hip to hip above the pubic area.
   
2. Making an incision around the navel which separates the belly button stalk from the surrounding skin. 
   
3. Separating the tummy skin from the abdominal wall to reveal the underlying tissues. 
   
4. Making the abdominal wall tissues flatter and tighter by suturing. 
   
5. Removing excess skin and fat and then sewing the flap of skin shut. 
   
6. A new hole is made for the belly button stalk, which is then sutured in place. 
   
7. Excess fluids are drained and the area is cleaned and dressed.  

The procedure can take anywhere from 2 hours up to 4 or 5 hours. A full abdominoplasty is usually advised for patients who are heavier by 20% of their ideal body weight.

Partial abdominoplasty

Also referred to as mini tummy tuck or simply “mini tuck”, partial abdominoplasty is a less invasive procedure. The incision made is smaller and is comparable to a C-section cut. The navel may be left as is or may be repositioned lower down the abdomen. Mini tuck surgeries are usually less expensive and take only 2 hours at the most. Persons with less excess skin and fat, weighing just over 10% of their ideal body weight, are the ideal candidates for this kind of surgical procedure.

Other kinds of abdominoplasty surgery include extended abdominoplasty or lower body lift, which includes a lateral thigh lift or a buttock lift. In many instances, patients would elect to have several other cosmetic surgery operations along with a tummy tuck procedure like liposuction, arm lift and breast enhancement.

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