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Home > Body Contouring > After Tummy Tuck > Types of Abdominoplasties

Types of Abdominoplasties

Each tummy tuck is a unique opportunity to help patients achieve their desired improvement. It is with this philosophy in mind that an individually tailored procedure will be outlined based on each patient's anatomic needs. In general, there are 3 types of abdominoplasty procedures.

Mini-Abdominoplasty

The Mini-Abdominoplasty is the procedure of choice for women whose primary concern is a lower abdominal bulge but do not have much, if any, redundant skin. For such women whose bulge is due to laxity of underlying muscles and tissue, the Mini-Abdominoplasty is the procedure of choice. During this procedure a short incision is made at the level of the pubic hair and the abdominal muscles below the belly button are tightened creating a very flat appearance to the area.

Modified Abdominoplasty

A modified abdominoplasty treats patients who have a modest amount of skin laxity, particularly over the lower abdomen. An incision is made across the lower abdomen that allows for the removal of excess skin and at the same time, tightens the abdominal muscles.

Full Abdominoplasty

The most commonly used technique for abdominoplasty is called a "High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty" or "Type IV Abdominoplasty". This procedure works very well for patients who have laxity and stretch marks over much of the abdomen, particularly the lower half. An incision is made across the lower abdomen within the bikini line and around the belly button. This incision is placed as inconspicuously as possible. This allows the surgeon to rejuvenate the abdominal area by narrowing the waist, tightening the muscles, and removing extra tissue.

Do I need to be hospitalized for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?

Most abdominoplasty surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis in a surgery center or hospital. For patients who are having more extensive procedures, patients who prefer, or patients who may have a medical condition, may have their surgery in the hospital often with an overnight stay.

Recovery from an Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

The recovery following an abdominoplasty varies from patient to patient and upon the type of procedure. Patients should rest and relax during the first week after surgery. During the second week they can begin to resume activities. Depending upon their occupation and the type of procedure they have, some patients will return to work at this time. During the third week after surgery patients resume their normal, light activities. Abdominal exercises should be avoided for the period of 6 to 8 weeks. This is to avoid undue tension on the tightened muscles until healing is completed.

Results of Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

While patients are generally able to see changes in their appearance shortly after surgery, the results become even more apparent as the swelling subsides. This typically takes several weeks. The results of abdominoplasty surgery are permanent. However excessive weight gain or pregnancies can jeopardize the final results.

Complications from Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

As with any surgery, complications can occur following an abdominoplasty. These include bleeding, infection, fluid collections and wound healing problems. Some of these may require additional surgery. A thorough discussion of all the relevant risks will be held well in advance of your surgery.

Follow Up after an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Following an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), We recommend frequent follow up visits to ensure a healthy recovery and careful monitoring of patients' progress for an extended period. The staff of the Western Reserve Center are committed to the well-being of each patient and look forward to providing assistance following an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).

Take the next step: request a FREE Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty Consultation now and call us at 216.227.FACE. You can visit the Western Reserve Center for Orofacial and Cosmetic Surgery at our convenient locations in Canton and Cleveland, Ohio or complete the form and one of our representatives will call you within 24 hours!