Types of Incisions Used In An Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty still remains to be one of the most popular surgeries to enhance a patient’s aesthetics in 2022. It is the top five surgical procedures that happen to patients in the UK. A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure designed to firm up and contour the abdomen area. It does this by removing excess skin and fat as well as tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall.
There is a range of causes for having loose or sagging skin around the abdomen. These include: ageing, hereditary ailments, pregnancy, prior surgery, weight fluctuations and much more.
Benefits Of A Tummy Tuck
There are many benefits to an abdominoplasty, but patients have mentioned the following in their treatment:
- A more contoured waistline, firmer abdomen and an overall trim aesthetic.
- Boosts confidence when trying on or wearing clothes.
- Remove or reduce the visibility of stretch marks.
Types Of Tummy Tuck Techniques
Every patient has their own goals and desired outcomes for their abdominoplasty. The surgeon will of course recommend the technique that you should have whilst also minimising any concerns that you may have. Due to each person being different and needing different amounts of fat or excess skin removed, there are techniques to suit those needs. These include:
Full Tummy Tuck
The full tummy tuck is designed to improve the overall abdomen which includes both upper and lower parts. Patients in good health that have a weak abdominal area or weakened muscles or have excess skin around the midsection will consider having abdominoplasty surgery to help contour or flatten the abdominal areas.
Full Tummy Tuck Includes:
- A small umbilical incision is made to give an “innie belly button”.
- A short incision is made under the waistline so it is hidden with underwear.
- The excess skin is removed.
- The abdominal muscles are tightened.
Mini Tummy Tuck
The mini tummy tuck differs from a full tummy tuck as it concentrates on the lower abdomen which basically covers anything under the belly button. This procedure is perfect for those who have a small pouch of loose skin or stretch marks that patients may want to remove or reduce.
Patients who have a mini tummy tuck are not overweight but are often frustrated by stubborn fat pockets between the pubic area and the navel that is not easily removable even when they have a strict diet and do rigorous exercise.
A Mini Tummy Tuck Includes:
- Make a small incision between the hipbones
- The excess skin is removed
- The muscles are tightened
When one undergoes a mini tummy tuck, the belly button is not repositioned as any excess skin or fat or loose muscles are not touched above the belly button. The recovery for this usually is quicker at 2 weeks and 6 weeks for exercise as it requires less and the patients are at a more suitable body weight.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck includes everything that a full tummy tuck would involve whilst also improving the flanks of the body. This can be a treatment for patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight and are looking to have their silhouette contoured.
Typical Patients Have:
- A substantial amount of excess skin hangs from the upper and lower abdomen as well as the flanks which can sometimes be heavy.
- The muscles of the abdomen are extremely loose.
When one opts for an extended tummy tuck, they will often benefit from having liposuction on the flank, hips and love handles to achieve the best contour available. The surgery requires a larger incision than the full tummy tuck, but this is to be expected as the area is larger. The scarring can often be hidden with clothing or a swimsuit.
Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck
The fleur de lis abdominoplasty gets its name from the shape of the incision. The surgery incision involves the surgeon creating an incision that resembles a fleur de lis. The procedure is most suited for those patients who have excess skin and fat in the middle of the abdomen.
Patients who opt for a fleur de lis abdominoplasty have often lost a lot of weight and from this, their muscles or weak both horizontally and vertically. Just like a full tummy tuck, patients will often have lower rolls of loose skin.
The fleur de lis tummy tuck involves two incisions. The first is made along the pubic bone and the second is vertical that runs along the middle of the abdomen area. The second incision is to tighten the muscles of the abdomen for a firmer, more contoured appearance.
Each patient is different and each patient needs different treatments, so it can be difficult to determine what exactly the patient needs before a consultation. If you are wanting to learn more regarding surgery, speak to a surgeon who offers a tummy tuck manchester based for some of the best talents in the UK.
