Is a Tummy Tuck Right For You?
The goal of any tummy tuck should be to return the abdominal tissues to their original youthful look. This means treating the whole abdominal area from below the chest to the upper thigh, circumferentially. Classic tummy tuck techniques have only addressed the lower abdomen and often do not address muscle tightening, all of which could lead to a less than adequate outcome.
This is why Dr. Tatarian typically uses the Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty technique, which restores the entire abdominal area to a tighter, more youthful appearance.
Every tummy tuck revision is highly customized based on your anatomy and needs.
Information about Tummy Tucks
People who are dissatisfied with a previous tummy tuck or those who have had a tummy tuck years in the past with subsequent accumulation of fat and skin laxity are good candidates for a tummy tuck revision. A mini-tummy tuck is usually sufficient for those who have had a satisfactory tummy tuck in the past, though individuals will vary.
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
Mini Tummy Tuck
In a mini-tummy tuck, a smaller low incision is made, and the navel is not moved, as in a full tummy tuck. This technique is effective for people who only have excess skin and fat below the belly button.
Liposuction is used to remove excess fat, and the abdominal muscles are tightened, if necessary. Because this technique is less invasive, recovery time is less than after a full tummy tuck.
Extended Abdominoplasty
An extended tummy tuck is a technique used for those who have significant loose skin in the midsection. This is frequently needed after massive weight loss/post-bariatric surgery. “Extended” refers to the length of the incision.
Essentially, the incision needs to extend as far as the loose skin that is to be removed. In this case, the incision may need to extend farther to the sides than in a customary tummy tuck or even 360 degrees to remove loose skin from the back as well.
As in the other techniques, excess fat is removed via liposuction, and the muscles of the abdomen are tightened accordingly.
Fleur des Lis Abdominoplasty
This technique is so named because the incisions end up looking similar to the shape of the fleur de lis. Rather than just an incision that runs laterally across the abdomen, an additional vertical incision is made in order to address the patient’s skin laxity in the abdominal wall area. It is usually recommended for patients who have had weight loss surgery or lost a significant amount of weight.
Liposuction is also used with this technique, and Dr. Tatarian is careful to properly tighten the muscles of the abdomen.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Tummy tuck revision recovery differs depending upon the patient, but most people take at least a week off from work. Others need to take two or three weeks. Dr. Tatarian can give you an assessment of the time you will need based on your surgical plan.
Just as after your original tummy tuck, you will experience some bruising, swelling, and tenderness for several days, and the swelling will be the last symptom to resolve, at which time you will see the final result of your surgery. You can take pain medication, if necessary, as you heal.
Of course, Dr. Tatarian will monitor your progress and see you for follow-up appointments.
For more information visit our FAQ Page.