Patients may consider a tummy tuck to remove excess skin, as it cannot be addressed with exercise. This procedure can also tighten abdominal muscles that have separated, something that even strenuous activity cannot accomplish. While a tummy tuck is usually best for patients who have been pregnant or undergone a significant weight loss, it can also be appropriate for individuals seeking to eliminate loose skin on their abdomen, which can be addressed with a panniculectomy. Panniculectomy (with or without abdominoplasty, which addresses loose muscles) may be helpful for women who wish to transform their post-pregnancy body into a leaner, more toned physique. Before undergoing this procedure, patients might want to consider the differences between a mini or full tummy tuck.
In simplest terms, during a mini tummy tuck, excess loose skin below the belly button will be removed. Underlying muscles can be tightened as well. Recovery from a mini tummy tuck is usually faster than from a full tummy tuck, because it typically involves less surgery. For those patients who have loose skin only in their lower abdominal region, a mini tummy tuck may be most beneficial.
In a traditional, or “full” tummy tuck, loose skin in both the middle and lower abdominal regions can be addressed with a panniculectomy. After excess skin is removed, abdominal muscles can be tightened (abdominoplasty) and remaining skin is reattached. This procedure is also frequently combined with liposuction for enhanced results.
If you are interested in tummy tuck surgery, please reach out to our office to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Lintner. In the consultation, Dr. Lintner will discuss your specific needs and goals to help you discover if abdominoplasty is right for you.