Choosing the Right Type of Tummy Tuck for You

Man or woman, young or old, excess abdominal tissue is one of the most common and stubborn aesthetics issues out there. Even body weight is not a reliable predictor when it comes to avoiding this issue, as excess skin (especially for women who have given birth) does not discriminate.

But thankfully, there’s a solution—and one that is continually being refined and improved with time. At Balto Plastic Surgery, we offer a comprehensive suite of tummy tuck procedures, using state of the art approaches that push the boundaries of contouring treatments.

Not sure how a tummy tuck works, or which approach might be best for you? In this introduction to tummy tuck procedures, we will introduce the treatment and its variations so you can gain a confident understanding on which to make an informed decision. When you’re ready to commit to a transformative change, our team at Balto Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every step of the process.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Before diving into approaches, it’s important to understand the basis of all tummy tuck procedures. Also referred to as “abdominoplasty,” the general aim of this cosmetic surgical procedure is to comprehensively enhance and recontour the midsection. This is a multifaceted process that varies from patient to patient, involving the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue from various areas (around the belly button, lower abdomen, flanks, etc.) and the tightening of muscle tissues. The goal is to create a firm, youthful, rejuvenated appearance to the middle and lower abdominal areas.

Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures and Their Unique Benefits

Thanks to continued innovation in this area, anyone considering a tummy tuck procedure now has several options to choose from. Each approach offers different advantages and applications, allowing for greater variety and customizability. At Balto Plastic Surgery, we offer the following tummy tuck procedures:

• Mini Abdominoplasty: This approach to abdominoplasty focuses on a smaller region—the lower abdomen—but provides the same level of transformation that a full abdominoplasty can. Excess tissues below the belly button are removed and tightened to create a trim, firm appearance.
• Standard Abdominoplasty: Also referred to as a “full” abdominoplasty or tummy tuck, this procedure involves tightening of both upper and lower abdominal tissues. Though the required incision is typically larger, this approach allows for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
• Extended Abdominoplasty: Hence the name, this approach builds on the standard abdominoplasty to accommodate a larger area, including the “love handles,” or flanks.
• Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty: Especially effective for patients who have lost a large amount of weight (including after childbirth), Fleur De Lis abdominoplasty tightens excess skin in vertical and horizontal columns for potentially dramatic results.

Which Tummy Tuck Should You Choose?

Though fat distribution does follow certain predictable patterns connected to various factors (age, pregnancy, weight, rapid weight loss, etc.), everybody is still unique in how their particular figure distributes excess skin and fatty tissue. As such, the best way to determine which tummy tuck is best for you is not to try and squeeze yourself into a predetermined box, but to consult with a professional who can evaluate your case with a trained eye.

During this process, Dr. Baltodano of Balto Plastic Surgery will take into account several key factors that will help narrow down an ideal approach. These factors include the following:

• Amount and distribution of excess tissue: The first and most obvious consideration involves assessing how much tissue needs to be tightened and removed, and from where. Is the majority of your excess tissue concentrated in a smaller region—say, below the belly button? Or, do you have moderate skin and fat excess affecting the entire abdomen, including love handles?
• Anatomical factors: Your skin type, overall body type, old scars, and several other factors related to your unique anatomy may affect which tummy tuck is best for you. For example, poor skin elasticity may limit the extent to which our surgeon can remove fat and tighten excess skin.
• Personal preferences and needs: Finally, like all cosmetic procedures, tummy tucks are part art, part science, meaning they are inherently subjective to a degree. Each patient is unique in how they picture optimal results. Some patients are less concerned with excess tissue in one area, and more concerned with excess tissue in other areas. These personal preferences should be voiced with your surgeon to inform the approach that best delivers the changes you’re looking for.

Who Is Eligible for a Tummy Tuck?

As we’ve already hinted at, there are several scenarios in which a tummy tuck might be desired and/or warranted. First, losing a large amount of weight can often result in excess skin of the abdomen. Similarly, women who have had one or more children often develop excess skin. Finally, many patients don’t fit into either category, and are simply looking to give the abdominal area a leaner aesthetic.

As for who may be ineligible for this procedure, certain severe and/or chronic diseases, cirrhosis, diabetes, smoking, certain medications, active infections, and other issues may compromise the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Contact Balto Plastic Surgery for a Personalized Tummy Tuck Procedure

Whether it’s your very first procedure or not, our friendly and experienced team is here to make you feel welcome throughout the process. Balto Plastic Surgery is QUAD A and American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified, meaning we consistently adhere to the highest standards of safety and quality.

Contact our office today for a consultation, and we’ll partner with you to customize the perfect tummy tuck treatment for you.