Which Type of Tummy Tuck Surgery Do I Need?

There are several different types of tummy tuck procedures that can be performed by skilled Troy, MI area board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ali. Surprisingly, this includes new minimally invasive surgeries, as well as a completely non-surgical radiofrequency “tummy tuck” treatment.

The type of tummy tuck that is best for you depends upon whether you only need to have abdominal skin tightened, “stomach” muscles tightened, belly fat removed, or any combination of these factors.

Board certified Troy, MI area plastic surgeon Dr. Ali will offer you a consultation to carefully assess your needs, before recommending a specific type tummy tuck to achieve your appearance goals. In the meantime, you can find your tummy issues below and see what “tummy tuck” procedure you may want to consider.

But, remember, only an experienced and knowledgeable plastic surgeon can help you select the best type of tummy tuck procedure for you.

Fat Loss Only: No Tummy Tuck Surgery Needed

If you only have belly fat to lose, but your skin is still youthful, tight and elastic, you may not need a tummy tuck at all! Dr. Ali offers liposuction that can remove

While liposuction is not strictly speaking a weight loss method, the procedure usually does result in weight loss as part of the process. For most patients there is a maximum fat extraction limit of 11 pounds with liposuction.

CoolSculpting is another advanced technology that can remove stubborn fat from the tummy, without surgery and with no downtime.

Moderate Skin Tightening Only: Non Surgical Profound Tummy Tuck

Dr. Ali is one of the few providers in the Troy, MI area to offer Profound, the new, non surgical state-of-the-art skin tightening procedure. Profound may achieve results equivalent to 37% of surgical skin tightening without incisions or surgery.

If you have moderate loose, lax stomach skin Profound may be a great tummy tuck alternative for you. And if you also have stubborn, excess belly fat Profound skin tightening can be performed in conjunction with minimally invasive liposuction or non-invasive CoolSculpting.

Keep in mind that Profound is not appropriate for patients who also have stretched or damaged abdominal muscles that require repair.

Moderate Skin Tightening: Mini-Tummy Tuck

A “mini-tummy tuck” (technically called a partial or modified abdominoplasty) is another procedure that removes excess skin and fat, but does not tighten muscles. A person is a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck if they do not need muscle tightening and the navel does not need to be repositioned.

While still a surgical procedure, a mini-tummy tuck will typically leave a much shorter scar than a full abdominoplasty or dermolipectomy. A mini tummy tuck also has a shorter recovery period than a “full” abdominoplasty surgery.

Muscle Tightening Only: Endoscopic Abdominoplasty Surgery

Some people require a tummy tuck as a result of stretched, torn or loose abdominal muscles – rather than due to excess skin. Pregnancy is the most common cause of stretched or damaged muscles in the “stomach” area.

Endoscopic abdominoplasty is another type of less invasive tummy tuck surgery. It may be ideal for you if you have weakened muscles of the lower abdomen (with or without excess belly fat) but still have fairly tight abdominal skin. Endoscopic tummy tuck does not tighten loose skin on the stomach area, so it is and is best for people who you have taut skin, but loose muscles and fascia.

This procedure is not as invasive as a “full” abdominoplasty surgery. During endoscopic tummy tuck surgery abdominal muscles are tightened with stitches using a small camera, and tiny surgical instruments that are inserted through tiny incisions.

Extreme Skin Laxity & Belly Button Repositioning: Dermolipectomy

During dermolipectomy surgery, excess skin and fat is surgically removed and the belly button is repositioned. However, there is no muscle tightening. Typically, a dermolipectomy is recommended for patients who have a higher degree of skin laxity than mini-tummy tuck candidates.

This type of tummy tuck is often ideal for patients who have large amounts of excess, sagging skin after a large weight loss, bariatric surgery or “stomach stapling”.

Extreme Laxity & Muscle Repair: Full Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)

Full Abdominoplasty is the most invasive type of tummy tuck surgery. It is generally used on people who have both very lax muscles coupled with large amounts of excess loose, saggy skin.

During full tummy tuck surgery, a large incision is made and the skin and fat are loosened away from the abdominal muscles, and the fascia and rectus abdominus muscles are then tightened by stitching them together. Typically all of the skin and fat below the belly button is removed and the skin above the belly button is pulled down toward the pubic bone and stitched into place. Then the plastic surgeon typically creates a beautiful new belly button in the right location.

While this is the most invasive form of tummy tuck, it is also the most powerful. It is ideal for patients with a severely sagging belly due to both a large amount of excess skin as well as loose, torn or stretched stomach muscles.

Top Tummy Tuck Surgeon – Troy, MI Area

Renowned Troy, MI area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men in Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Troy and Southwest Michigan obtain the firm flat abdomen they have always desired with a Tummy Tuck. When you schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali, he will answer all of your questions – and help you decide which Tummy Tuck procedure will offer the most beautiful results in your unique situation.