Tummy Tuck Part 3: Types of Surgeries
Tummy Tucks from Start to Finish
Part 3: The Tummy Tuck Surgery –
In this 4 part series Dr. Ali explains tummy tuck surgery from start to finish – and breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about a tummy tuck, including whether a noninvasive body sculpting can give you the same results.
Preparing for your Tummy Tuck
If you are considering a tummy tuck, the first step is to schedule an appointment. Dr. Ali is a board certified plastic surgeon in Macomb County, a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons, with extensive experience performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. When you meet with Dr. Ali, you should be prepared to discuss why you want a tummy tuck, and what you hope the results will be.
Dr. Ali will review your medical history, including any current or past medical conditions, what medications you are taking, past surgeries, and allergies to medications. He will also ask you detailed questions about your history of weight gain and loss. He will then examine your abdomen, to determine your treatment options.
You will also be informed about potential risks, including the potential for scarring. Dr. Ali will tell you to avoid certain medications (such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding), and if you are a smoker, you will need to stop at least several weeks prior to the surgery date.
Ideally, you will have maintained a stable weight for the year prior to getting your surgery. If you are currently overweight, Dr. Ali may recommend that you lose weight before scheduling the procedure. If you lose a significant amount of weight after the surgery is completed, it can lessen the desired results.
Once your tummy tuck is scheduled, you should arrange for help after the surgery and during your recovery. You will need someone to drive you home after you leave the hospital, and ideally, to stay with you at least the first night of your recovery at home.
Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery
There are generally three types of tummy tuck surgeries, depending whether loose skin, loose muscles, or both with need to be surgically tightened.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A “mini” tummy tuck improves the lower belly with less extensive surgery. A candidate for a mini may be bothered by a “pooch” or loose skin and stretch marks below the belly button. This technique involves a single incision made just about the pubic mound, through which the loose muscles are tightened. Excess skin will be removed to restore a flat, smooth abdominal wall. The resulting scar will be a thin, horizontal line, just a few inches long.
Classic or Full Tummy Tuck
A classic or “full” tummy tuck improves both the upper and lower abdomen. If you are concerned about roundness and/or excess skin folds above and below your belly button, the full tummy tuck may be for you. Here, either a horizontal or U-shaped incision is made above the pubic mound. Excess skin is then removed, and abdominal muscles are tightened. In some cases, a second incision is made around the navel to remove excess skin above the belly button. The scar will typically be a bit longer, running from hip bone to hip bone, but it can generally be hidden beneath a swimsuit bottom. A full tummy tuck will yield a flatter and smoother abdomen than the mini.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is the most comprehensive procedure. If you have lost a lot of weight or have experienced a number of pregnancies and now have excess sagging skin hanging around the front half of your body, the extended tummy tuck may be something to consider. In addition to tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin from the upper and lower abdomen, it also addresses excess skin around the flanks.
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Macomb County Tummy Tuck Surgeon
Macomb County board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men get the body they love with tummy tuck surgery. In fact, many men and women get the best abs of their life after a tummy tuck – with firm, tight skin and muscles!
When you schedule a consultation with Macomb County surgeon Dr. Ali, he will answer all of your questions – and help you decide if a Tummy Tuck is the right solution for your appearance goals.