Facts about the Tummy Tuck procedure
Many people suffer from the inability to tighten the excess skin or weight around their abdomen area. This may be due to aging, heredity, or even pregnancy. These patients may desire a procedure to surgically remove this excess skin. Those who desire a tummy tuck may hope they are candidates for a “mini” tummy tuck, which has a shorter scar. Unfortunately many people are not candidates for this mini procedure, because of where they carry that extra skin. This article will explain more about this procedure.
Who is a candidate for this procedure?
The ideal candidates for this type of procedure are those who carry most of their weight below their belly button. This is likely to be seen in women who have been pregnant multiple times. The reason for this is that the abdomen expands largely in the lower portion when pregnant.
This procedure is also typically recommended for those patients who are in good health, but have plateaued with diet and exercise. These techniques can only work so well, and will not usually get rid of excess skin. Those who want this procedure done should not have excess fat above the belly button.
Another thing to consider is that if you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, this procedure may not be right for you. The incisions and tightening of the skin may not do well with large fluctuations in your weight, so keeping it at low level is the best way to ensure that your surgery is most effective.
What type of scarring occurs with this procedure?
In this type of procedure, an incision is placed below the belly button. This is done in the exact same place as a full tummy tuck, but the incision is much shorter. In a full tummy tuck the incision and scar stretches all the way around to the hips, which is necessary in order to remove upper abdomen skin. In a mini tummy tuck, the incision only stretches across the front of the lower abdomen.
In a full tummy tuck, so much skin may be removed that a repositioning of the belly button will likely be necessary. In a mini tummy tuck, this is not needed, which is another reason why patients may desire this procedure over the full one.
Before undergoing either one of these procedures, be sure your doctor is a certified member of The American Board of Plastic Surgeons. The board approves both procedures, and if your doctor is certified, you can be assured that you will have better care.
If you’re looking for a mini tummy tuck, visit our office for a consultation. You may desire this type of procedure, but you may not be the best candidate. However, most patients, if not good candidates for the mini procedure, will be able to qualify for the full one instead. This procedure can remove that excess skin you’ve been carrying around, and make you feel lighter, healthier, and happier. Talk to your doctor about getting this procedure today.