Blog Article
Which Tummy Contouring Procedure is Right for You? Understanding Your Options
There are three main reasons that people undergo surgery to improve their abdominal contour: to get rid of excess abdominal skin, to correct stretched or separated abdominal muscles, and to get rid of localized abdominal fat. If you are considering surgery to improve the contour of your abdomen, understand that you have several surgical techniques to choose between. Here we will explain your surgery options to help you determine which procedure is right for you.
Surgery Option 1: Liposuction (Not Abdominoplasty)
Liposuction of the abdomen is a surgical option for individuals who have localized abdominal fat without concurrent loose skin and/or stretched stomach muscles. Liposuction is not an abdominoplasty technique because it only removes excess fat. If you have excess tummy fat, but you don’t have separated abdominal muscles or loose skin, liposuction could be the procedure for you. If you have excess fat as well as loose skin with or without overstretched abdominal muscles, you could benefit from undergoing liposuction along with one of the following abdominoplasty techniques.
Surgery Option 2: Traditional Abdominoplasty
Also called a full abdominoplasty, this surgery removes excess skin from the abdomen while repairing weakened or separated abdominal muscles. Liposuction may also be incorporated to eliminate stubborn fat deposits. This type of abdominoplasty is ideal for patients who have loose skin and stretched abdominal muscles, especially due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging. Most people who want a tummy tuck are candidates for traditional or full abdominoplasty.
Surgery Option 3: Mini Abdominoplasty
A mini abdominoplasty, also known as a “partial abdominoplasty” or “mini tummy tuck”, is a less invasive alternative to traditional abdominoplasty. This type of tummy tuck is for patients who have excess skin in the lower abdomen only. Liposuction may be incorporated to eliminate stubborn fat deposits below the belly button. If you consider your lower abdomen to be your main trouble area and do not need correction for your upper abdomen, a mini abdominoplasty could be right for you.
Surgery Option 4: Extended Abdominoplasty
An extended abdominoplasty is a more invasive alternative to traditional abdominoplasty. It addresses stretched abdominal muscles and excess skin in the abdomen as well as the love handles or flank area. Liposuction may also be incorporated to eliminate stubborn fat deposits. This technique is sometimes called a circumferential abdominoplasty because corrections are made around the circumference of the midsection instead of just in the front abdominal area. If you have gone through major weight loss (such as after bariatric surgery) and are seeking full midsection improvement, an extended abdominoplasty may be what you need.
If you’re still not sure which technique is right for you, don’t worry. Our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat will be happy to discuss these options with you in greater detail and recommend a customized treatment plan for you.
To book your appointment with Dr. Mouchantat, call (303) 232-8585 or contact us online today.
