Magazine

Tummy tuck methods – Which procedure is right for you?

The feeling of a fold of skin above the waistband, a protrusion or a whole apron of fat on the lower abdomen and the attempt to hide it all under shapeless clothing. The suffering caused by excess abdominal skin after a major weight loss or pregnancy can be enormous. It is therefore no wonder that a tummy tuck is one of the top 5 most common surgical procedures in plastic and aesthetic surgery.

But what exactly is a tummy tuck? What methods are there? And which procedure is best for you? Find out in this blog post.

Table of contents

What is a tummy tuck?

If the abdominal tissue is stretched too much, it can tear. For example, if you are very overweight or gain weight quickly due to pregnancy. If the child is then born or a weight loss occurs, the overstretched tissue can no longer recover. What remains is an excess flap of skin that will not disappear even with the healthiest diet and the most ambitious training.

A firm, defined abdomen can then only be achieved with surgery: a tummy tuck. In this procedure, the excess tissue is surgically removed. The resulting skin ends are tightened and sutured together. The abdomen becomes flat and the skin taut.

Who is a tummy tuck suitable for?

A tummy tuck can be useful for people who suffer from excess skin – whether after pregnancy or after significant weight loss. It is not suitable for overweight people who want to lose weight and have a flat stomach as a result of the procedure. Above all, it is important that patients are healthy. If concomitant diseases are present, these do not generally represent a contraindication for the operation, but the risks should still be carefully weighed up in the interests of patient safety.

The advantages of a tummy tuck

At last you can confidently wear the figure-hugging dress that has been hanging in your wardrobe for years. At last you can proudly show off your flat stomach. Finally you are happy with your appearance. A tummy tuck is not just an aesthetic procedure. It provides quality of life and creates self-confidence and satisfaction. It gives you the appearance you have always wanted. At the same time, it prevents restricted movement, sweating under the skin flaps, inflammation and chafing.

The methods of a tummy tuck

1. saw muscle 2. external oblique abdominal muscle (Musqulus obliquus externus abdominis) 3. navel 4. spinal cord nerves also called spinal nerves (Nervi spinalis) 5. internal oblique abdominal muscle (Musculus obliquus internus abdominis) 6. Straight abdominal muscle (rectus abdominis muscle) 7. separation of the straight abdominal muscles(rectus diastasis) 8. transverse abdominal muscle (transversus abdominis muscle) 9. V-shaped groin 10. pubic mound

Depending on your individual situation, different methods of abdominoplasty are possible. Which one is right for you depends on the extent of the excess skin, the remaining fat deposits and your personal goals. The most common treatment options for tightening your abdominal wall are as follows:

Abdominoplasty

The most common method is the so-called large tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. This is the treatment usually associated with a regular tummy tuck. In this procedure, the area between the lower ribcage and the pubic mound is tightened by removing the excess skin between the navel and the pubic mound. The overlying skin between the ribs and belly button is pulled down and sutured to the skin on the pubic mound. A fine, horizontal scar remains in the bikini area. The belly button is given a new opening within the tightened skin and remains in place.

Mini tummy tuck

In a mini tummy tuck (also known as a mini-abdominoplasty or lower abdominoplasty), the skin between the navel and the pubic mound is tightened. The excess skin is removed in a spindle shape. The wound is then closed, leaving a scar similar to a caesarean section. A mini tummy tuck is a smaller procedure with a shorter recovery period than a full tummy tuck.

Tummy tuck with T-incision

A tummy tuck with a T-incision is particularly suitable if you suffer from a sagging abdomen or a fat apron. The skin is not only tightened horizontally, but also vertically. This is an excellent way of tightening and contouring the waist. Stretch marks and possible surgical scars can also be removed. One disadvantage of this method is the vertical scar that remains in the middle of the abdomen.

Abdominoplasty with liposuction

Sometimes, despite a good diet and regular exercise, it is not possible to get rid of all fat deposits. If these stubborn fat deposits and the remaining excess skin are to be removed at the same time, a combination treatment of liposuction and abdominoplasty is ideal. The aim is to achieve firm abdominal skin and a slim, defined waistline. The extensive liposuction and scar-saving surgical techniques leave only minimal scars. In addition, the special suturing technique reduces the risk of complications and creates a harmonious fit with the adjacent areas of the body. The result: an aesthetically pleasing, natural abdominal region.

What is the procedure for a tummy tuck?

In order to be ideally prepared for your tummy tuck, you should not take any blood-thinning medication for at least 14 days before the procedure. If you are a smoker, you should also refrain from smoking for four weeks before and after the operation. Otherwise, this can lead to wound healing disorders. You should generally be in good health.

The operation itself is performed on an outpatient basis and under twilight sleep. Slight pain and bruising are quite normal, especially during the initial period. You will receive a personalized pain concept. After about 2 weeks, you can gradually return to your normal everyday life. However, you will wear compression garments for 6 weeks to support wound healing. Avoid sport during this time and make sure you rest and take it easy afterwards.

What are the results of a tummy tuck?

If pregnancy or weight gain does not occur again after a tummy tuck, you can usually look forward to lifelong results. The skin remains firm, the waistline contoured and the quality of life high. Even the scars usually fade over the years – and are hidden by underwear or swimwear anyway.

Conclusion: Which abdominoplasty method is right for you?

A tummy tuck can massively increase your self-confidence and zest for life. You will finally have the body image you have always wanted. You can choose between a major tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, a tummy tuck with a T-incision and a combination treatment of liposuction and a tummy tuck. Which method is right for you depends on your personal situation. Let a trained specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery advise you on this. Our experts at CenterPlast will help you find your individual approach. We look forward to hearing from you.

Let us advise you!