Tummy Tuck Incisions

Tummy Tuck procedures vary in scope, and are frequently divided into categories based on the comprehensiveness of the procedure. A complete abdominoplasty can take 1 to 5 hours. A partial abdominoplasty, or mini-tuck, normally can be finished in an hour or 2.

General Tummy Tuck

The abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, always involves a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and the navel. The shape of the incision, and its length, are decided by the plastic surgeon according to the degree of correction he or she is making. The plastic surgeon will then enter though this incision and repair and suture any weakened abdominal muscles, as well as remove excess fat. The surgeon also removes excess tissue and skin. Sometimes, a second incision around the navel may be necessary. The purpose of this incision is to remove excess skin of the upper abdomen.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A partial, or mini, abdominoplasty will tend to involve smaller incisions. The skin and fat of the lower abdomen are detached in a more limited way from the muscle fascia. The surgeon then stretches the skin down and excess skin removed. The belly button stalk may sometimes be divided from the muscle below and the belly button moved lower on the abdominal wall. The surgeon then tightens a portion of the abdominal muscle fascia wall, and liposuction is often used to contour the transition zone. After all that, the flap is stitched back into place.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended abdominoplasty a complete abdominoplasty and extends to the fronts of the thighs and flanks (sides). There are also combination procedures, and a tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction contouring, breast reduction, breast lift, and sometimes even a hysterectomy.

Complete Tummy Tuck

The procedure for a complete, or full, abdominoplasty starts with the incision made from hip to hip just above the pubic area. Then, another is made to free the navel from the surrounding skin. The muscle fascia wall is tightened with sutures. After that, the surgeon removes the excess tightens the remaining skin and fat. The surgeon then brings the belly button stalk out through a new hole and sutures it into place, and liposuction is often used to refine the transition zones of the abdominal sculpture, to give definition to the abdominal muscles.

For more information about the Tummy Tuck procedure, it's best to get a free consultation with a plastic surgeon in your area.