When I see a new patient for a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) consultation, I consider all the options. Usually, one method has the clear advantage, but occasionally there are multiple approaches to a good result. A Tummy Tuck may be the perfect fit, but sometimes less is more, like when Liposuction or a Mini Tummy Tuck will fix what’s broken. Other times, more is more, like doing a Mommy Makeover to combine belly and breast rejuvenation, or in case of a Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck after massive weight loss. It’s good to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience with all your Belly Flattening options.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Before and After Pictures
The full Tummy Tuck is the only true Abdominoplasty. Its triple threat of skin tightening, muscle tightening and lower abdominal fat removal is hard to beat.
The Abdominoplasty is the go to procedure for fixing bellies. The Tummy Tuck removes the excess skin and fat from the lower belly, and it tightens the skin and muscle layers right down the middle, from the ribs to the pubis. For post pregnancy belly and after most weight loss, the Tummy Tuck gets the job of tightening the belly done right. For some patients, the Tummy Tuck is more than is needed, and for others, it is not quite enough.
When Less Tummy Tucking is Needed
For those patients who have less skin laxity there are several options. For the tight bellied person who has disproportionate fat, Liposuction may be the best choice. The procedure requires that the skin tone is good before surgery. When skin is folding on itself, the Tummy Tuck remains the better choice.
Liposuction Before and After Pictures
Liposuction removes disproportionate fat through very small incisions that can be placed away from the contouring. When the skin is tight, Liposuction is an excellent way to reduce belly bulge and muffin tops.
The Mini Abdominoplasty
One step above Liposuction on the Plastic Surgery stairway to a better belly is the Mini Tummy Tuck. A Mini Abdominoplasty combines Liposuction with repair of the muscle below the belly button and some skin excision. Small amounts of lower abdominal skin redundancy and muscle laxity respond well to the Mini Abdominoplasty. If you have loose skin above the belly button, you will want to explore other options like a “floating belly-button” Tummy Tuck or a full Abdominoplasty.
Mini Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures
When there is less tummy to tighten, the Mini Abdominoplasty or Mini Tummy Tuck can give great results with a shortened recovery.
When More Tummy Tucking is Needed
More than a full Tummy Tuck is needed when the skin above the belly button is very loose. This is seen primarily in patients who have lost a large amount of weight. Whether you have lost weight from diet and exercise or after Bariatric Surgery does not matter. When the upper abdominal skin is very lax from side-to-side, a vertical scar is used down the middle of the abdomen to remove the excess. This is called a Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck, and more about these Tummy Tucks and Lower Body Lifts (Belt Lipectomies) can be found here: Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tucks, and on my Post Bariatric Plastic Surgery Page.
Sometimes, the Tummy Tuck will fix the Tummy, but more is needed elsewhere. A little Liposuction can be added around the sides and the back to reduce the Muffin-Top, or Breast Enhancement can be added for a full Mommy Makeover. When desired, other procedures are combined with the Abdominoplasty to help keep your body balanced.
Mommy Makeover Before and After Pictures
The Mommy Makeover combines abdominal and breast repairs in the same operation. The advantage is that there is only one recovery period.
Belly Flattening Consultations
If you are considering Plastic Surgery to flatten your belly, be certain to visit a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon near you. In the San Francisco Bay Area, you have many excellent Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons to choose from. If you would like to schedule a consultation appointment, call (925) 943-6353, and I can review the options that are most suited to your body. You can explore your options fully, so that you will know that the decision you are making is the best one for your needs. If you have questions, many frequently asked questions are answered here on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog and my other websites, or you can ask via the contact form in the side column.