Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most consistently in-demand plastic surgery procedures that I perform. A tummy tuck can help both men and women flatten their abdomen by removing loose, excess skin and repairing damaged abdominal muscles that cause the appearance of a belly “pooch”. Like so many other cosmetic procedures, prospective tummy tuck patients have a series of decisions to make in regard to their surgery and the results they hope to achieve. Deciding which kind of tummy tuck procedure to undergo depends on several factors. Allow me to explain.
A full (or standard) tummy tuck is the most commonly-performed type of tummy tuck procedure. During a full tummy tuck, I make an incision that extends from one hipbone to the other and remove excess skin (and some fat if necessary) and repair and re-tighten damaged muscles in the abdomen to help provide a trimmer, better-toned abdominal area. During a full tummy tuck, the belly button is repositioned to better accentuate the results of the procedure. I often use my signature Scarpa fascia tummy tuck technique to further enhance the contour of a patient’s waist. Some patients who seek less comprehensive abdominal re-contouring may prefer a mini tummy tuck. My mini tummy tuck uses a smaller incision to remove excess skin and address the area below the navel. Additionally, drainless tummy tucks are also very popular. A drainless tummy tuck includes a full tummy tuck procedure with liposuction to eliminate the need for postsurgical drains that are commonly used during the recovery period.
In the following video, I demonstrate how my signature Scarpa fascia tummy tuck technique can help patients enhance the appearance of their waistline:
Regardless of which type of tummy tuck you ultimately decide on, it’s essential to choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. When performed by an expert, a tummy tuck can provide amazing, life-altering results. For more information on tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a complimentary plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for additional plastic surgery tips, videos, news, and more.