Every prospective plastic surgery patient’s journey is different. Even people who are interested in the most common cosmetic procedures like tummy tuck surgery soon learn during their consultation that no two procedures are exactly alike. Although every tummy tuck is intended to help remove loose, excess skin from the abdomen (and correct muscle separation in some cases), there are several different ways that a tummy tuck can be performed on both male and female patients. To help differentiate these methods and explain how they can help patients, I have answered some common questions about different tummy tuck techniques that I perform.
Question #1: What is the Scarpa Fascia tummy tuck technique?
I use a special type of tummy tuck method known as the Scarpa Fascia Technique to help patients (specifically female patients) narrow their waistline and abdominal area. Unlike a traditional full tummy tuck, this technique involves preserving the Scarpa Fascia (a layer of the anterior abdominal wall) as part of the procedure. This can lead to outstanding results for patients with more noticeable curving around the waistline and bulging in their abdomen (similar to the look of pregnancy). Additionally, it can also decrease post-surgical fluid draining. In some cases, I may also use GalaFLEX mesh to help provide additional long-term support for the abdominal tissue.
Question #2: What are the benefits of a drainless tummy tuck?
In addition to trimming the abdominal area by removing excess skin from the abdomen, the drainless tummy tuck technique offers added unique benefits. Since a drainless tummy tuck also includes liposuction, the procedure is able to remove more fat from the abdominal area than a traditional tummy tuck can. Most importantly, by eliminating the need for surgical drains, the drainless tummy tuck can simplify the recovery process for some patients.
Question #3: Is it possible to undergo a tummy tuck without muscle repair?
It’s common for many prospective tummy tuck patients (especially women who have been pregnant in the past) to experience damage or separation of the abdominal muscles. This can lead to the appearance of a “pooch” in the belly area as well as back pain. A tummy tuck procedure can fix this by repairing the affected abdominal muscles. However, this aspect of the procedure is not mandatory. I perform tummy tuck surgeries without muscle tightening for patients who are only interested in removing loose, excess skin (and possibly some fat) from the abdomen.
No matter which tummy tuck method is the best choice for your needs, the process begins by consulting with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like myself. During a consultation, we will discuss all your available options to find the best surgical path for you. I will also detail specifics about your procedure with our in-office TouchMD technology to review before and after images from past surgeries and other helpful resources. For more information (including our office safety precautions during COVID-19) or to schedule a complimentary plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and more.