Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess fat and skin from the middle and lower abdominal area and sutures are used to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. It is also commonly referred to as a "tummy tuck." This procedure is ideal for giving the patient a more toned, flatter abdomen and can also help relieve lower back pain caused by having excess weight in the abdomen. These are some different types of abdominoplasty and how they are performed.
Full Abdominoplasty
When a full abdominoplasty procedure is performed, excess skin and fat are removed from just above the belly button down to the top of the pubic area. Many people develop excess weight and skin in this area due to pregnancy, obesity, or just being genetically inclined to have extra weight in the midsection. However, having a full abdominoplasty surgery removes excess skin and fat, giving the patient a much flatter stomach area.
Mini Abdominoplasty
This procedure is done by making only a single incision in the pubic area below the abdomen. The incision may be very small and only a few inches wide, depending on how much fat and skin needs to be removed. Once the incision is made, the surgeon removes excess skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and may also use liposuction to remove any extra fat located in this area. Mini abdominoplasty is most commonly done on those who are in overall good shape but have a problem area in the abdomen that they have not been able to correct through diet and exercise.
High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty
A high lateral tension abdominoplasty procedure removes excess skin and fat from a larger area of the abdomen. A longer incision is made and skin and fat are removed from the abdomen, hip, and upper thighs. The remaining skin of the hips and thighs is pulled tightly to give the patient a more contoured appearance. This type of surgery is often performed on those who have a greater amount of excess skin and fat in this area due to multiple pregnancies or being obese and having a substantial weight loss.
After having any of these procedures performed, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions while recovering from surgery. If any drains are in place, these must remain until the surgeon removes them. Be sure to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and avoid lifting heavy objects while in the healing process.
For more information about tummy tucks and other body contouring methods, speak with a professional.