Not all tummy tucks are alike, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for those bulging muscles on your belly. Some women want to tighten their abdomens, some want a more pronounced belly button, and others have loose skin all over. Depending on your needs and how your body has responded to pregnancy and weight loss, the results you see after a tummy tuck will vary. In this article, we’re going to do our best to explain the differences between the two most popular types of abdominoplasty: extended tummy tucks and standard tummy tucks.
I would like to tell you about a topic my friends and have been blogging about yesterday. We were trying to figure out which is better – extended tummy tuck vs standard tummy tuck. Even though we do not know each other personally, but we heard that our problems are somehow similar.
Read on to learn more on Extended Tummy Tuck Vs Standard, Extended Tummy Tuck Vs Regular Tummy Tuck and Extended Tummy Tuck Vs Lower Body Lift
Extended Tummy Tuck Vs Standard
The extended tummy tuck is a procedure that is often performed in combination with other procedures such as a breast lift or breast augmentation. The extended tummy tuck is also referred to as a full abdominoplasty. This procedure is designed to help patients who have loose, stretched out skin and fat deposits in the lower abdomen region. It can also be used on patients who have had children and are looking to tighten their midsection following pregnancy.
A full abdominoplasty involves removing excess skin from the lower abdominal area, tightening the underlying muscles and repositioning the belly button. A tummy tuck may also be referred to as an umbilicoplasty, which refers to the removal of fat deposits around the navel area. The procedure can take anywhere between two and five hours depending on how much skin needs to be removed and how much muscle tightening is required.
It is important for patients interested in undergoing an extended tummy tuck to understand that this type of procedure requires more than just an incision around the navel area. The surgeon will create an incision around your entire belly button region so that they can remove excess fat deposits and tighten up any loose muscle fibers they find while performing
A great looking body is not complete without a stomach that appears flat and toned. Through strict dieting and exercise regimens, some people are able to achieve a midsection that they can feel good about. Unfortunately, others are forced to experience the daily frustration of living with excess fat and sagging skin on the abdominal area. Also known as “abdominoplasty,” a tummy tuck is a popular body contouring procedure that can permanently provide individuals with a slimmer and more defined stomach.
There are various abdominoplasty techniques that can be performed depending on the areas of the stomach where excess fat excess skin is located. So what’s the difference between a standard tummy tuck and an extended tummy tuck?
STANDARD TUMMY TUCK
The extended tummy tuck is an operation that extends the incisions around the sides of the abdomen and down to just above the pubic area. This procedure is done in conjunction with liposuction of the abdomen and flanks. It is often used when there is excess skin on the lower back, thighs or buttocks (lower body lift).
The main difference between this procedure and a standard tummy tuck is that it removes more skin from your lower back and buttocks. In addition to removing excess fat and skin from these areas, it also tightens them so they look more toned. The extended tummy tuck may be better suited for those who have large amounts of fat or loose skin in these areas.
The extended tummy tuck can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on your surgeon’s preference. The length of time you will spend in recovery will vary based on how much surgery you undergo, but it typically takes about two weeks before you’re able to resume normal activity without feeling any pain.
Traditionally, a tummy tuck involves making an incision within the bikini line that extends hip to hip as well as around the belly button. After excess fat and skin are removed, the abdominal muscles are tightened, and the remaining skin is stretched to reveal a slimmer contour. A standard tummy tuck is usually performed on patients who have had children or have suddenly lost a lot of weight.
EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK
An extended tummy tuck is performed just like a standard tummy tuck, except that an incision extends around the hips to the back. This not only improves the entire abdomen, but also addresses the waist. An extended tummy tuck is usually performed on individuals who have excess fat deposits or sagging skin around the waist (love handles).
The extended tummy tuck is often done for patients who have had multiple children or for those who have experienced significant weight gain and then lost weight. For example, if you were once very thin and are now overweight, you may want to consider this procedure because it will help to remove excess skin and tighten up any loose areas on your torso and abdominal region.
With both procedures, there may be some swelling after surgery, but this should go away within a few weeks as long as you follow all instructions given by your doctor and don’t engage in strenuous activity until after six weeks has passed since surgery day.
During your consultation, your body will be evaluated, and your preferences will be taken into consideration to determine which type of tummy tuck method will be most beneficial for you.
Extended Tummy Tuck Vs Regular Tummy Tuck
Once you decide to have cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance and well-being, choosing the right procedure can be challenging. There are a wide variety of plastic surgical procedures that produce different results. Choosing the perfect procedure depends largely on what you’re looking to enhance, your desired outcome, and your anatomy.
If you are planning to have an abdominoplasty, you may want to improve the appearance of your figure and create a flatter, more toned abdomen. More commonly known as “tummy tucks,” these procedures can help you achieve a more desirable waistline and overall slimmer appearance.
Many people do not know that there are actually three different variations of the tummy tuck: the mini tummy tuck, standard tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck. How do you know which one is right for you? Learn more about these three types below.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Also known as a “modified tummy tuck,” a mini tummy tuck is the least invasive and simplest of all tummy tuck procedures. This is because it only involves the lowest abdominal area, the space between the belly button and the pubic area. It differs from standard tummy tucks in that it does not tighten abdominal muscles or alter the belly button at all. It works primarily to remove excess lower abdominal skin or a small amount of lower abdominal fat.
The procedure
A small incision is made just above the public region during a mini tummy tuck, similar to a C-section. Excess skin or fat gets removed from the lower abdominal region, and the incision is then closed to create a tighter, flatter appearance.
How long is the recovery time?
Mini tummy tucks are typically performed as outpatient procedures, so the patient is usually able to return home the same day they had the procedure. There will be minimal pain you can control, primarily with over-the-counter pain relievers. Ice packs can help reduce any swelling or discomfort.
Recovery from this procedure is much easier than recovery with other types of tummy tucks. Most patients are able to return to work within the first few days, but you should still be cautious. After a mini tummy tuck, patients should avoid strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks to allow optimal healing.
What is the cost of the Mini Tummy Tuck procedure?
A mini tummy tuck is significantly cheaper than standard or extended tummy tucks. The average cost is around $6,000 but could be more in high-demand areas. For example, the cost in Los Angeles can be as high as $28,000.
Who is an ideal candidate?
Mini tummy tucks are ideal for individuals who only have a small amount of excess skin or fat in their lower abdomen and do not have diastasis recti. That includes women who have given birth and as a result, carry excess loose skin or fat in the lower abdominal region despite dieting and exercise. Patients within a few pounds of their goal weight but who struggle to get their lower abdominal area flat or toned are great candidates for mini tummy tucks since you cannot exercise away the skin.
Who should not get a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Individuals who are overweight or carrying a great deal of loose skin after extreme weight loss should not have a mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck only involves the lower abdomen. It does not work with the remainder of the abdominal area. It does not tighten the abdominal wall or create a new belly button. Anyone who is looking for more extensive results would benefit more from a standard tummy tuck or extended tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck
A standard tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure in which a small to medium amount of excess abdominal skin and fat is removed or repositioned to give a flatter, more toned appearance. Tummy tucks are one of the most common plastic surgical procedures in the U.S., with more than 200,000 performed every year (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
What happens during Tummy Tuck surgery?
The standard tummy tuck is a little more extensive than the mini tummy tuck. It involves a larger incision that extends across the width of the lower abdomen. Excess skin and fat are removed or repositioned through the incision to create a flatter appearance. Loose abdominal muscles are tightened and a new belly button is created to fit the appearance of the enhanced stomach.
Does Tummy Tuck hurt?
After a tummy tuck, the patient will remain in a plastic surgery aftercare facility overnight. In some cases, they may remain for several days. There will be some pain and swelling after the procedure, but this can be relieved with anti-inflammatories and ice packs.
With a skilled Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck specialist like Dr. Cat Begovic, patients have little to no pain, requiring only over-the-counter medication for slight discomfort. Most patients can return to work about one week after the procedure, but they should avoid any strenuous activity for four to six weeks. You will need to have your surgical drains removed after the first two weeks, and you will need to wear a compression binder for the first six weeks. All of this is to aid in optimal healing and the best possible result.
How much does a Tummy Tuck cost?
The average cost for a tummy tuck is around $7,000 to $10,000. In high-demand cities, the price is much steeper. For example, a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills can be anywhere from $7,000 to $45,000.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
The ideal candidate for a standard tummy tuck is anyone with a relatively small amount of loose skin and excess fat in their abdominal area. Tummy tucks also address loose abdominal muscles, so they are great for people who have lost muscle tone in this region. Individuals who are seeking a tummy tuck should be within 10-15 pounds of their ideal weight. This is not a weight loss procedure, so it cannot resolve any significant excess fat.
Who should not get a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks are not a good choice for overweight people or anyone with a large amount of excess skin. If you are still in the process of reaching your goal weight, you should not get a tummy tuck until you are close to that weight. Women who plan to get pregnant in the near future should also avoid tummy tucks, as pregnancy will alter the outcome of your procedure.
Patients can get pregnant after surgery, however, the tissues will likely get stretched out again and they may need to do a revision or re-do after pregnancy. It is ideal to wait until after you are done having kids, but many patients will have procedures done before then if they don’t want to wait.
Extended Tummy Tuck Vs Lower Body Lift
Sometimes, when trying to lose weight through exercise and diet, you can only get so far. Each patient responds differently to weight loss depending on where pockets of fat are located within their bodies. Some patients can lose significant amounts of body fat from the abdomen, while others tend to lose more from the thighs and buttocks.
In addressing pockets of fat around the body that do not respond to exercise and diet, there are two cosmetic procedures plastic surgeons recommend. A body lift is designed to tighten loose skin or flesh around the body, particularly the lower back, buttocks and the thighs. A tummy tuck, on the other hand, is designed to remove excess fat from the abdominal area.
So which procedure is best for you? This article will explore the pros and cons associated with both surgical procedures.
What is a Body Lift?
A body lift is recommended to those who need to remove fat but also tighten loose skin around the abdominal area (sides or lower back), buttocks or thighs. Aging, genetics, pregnancy and/or significant weight fluctuation can cause poor tissue elasticity and visible sagging of skin. A body lift is designed to shape and contour the patients body, focusing on solving poor skin elasticity.
What does a Body Lift involve?
During a body lift, you will be put under general anesthesia and then the plastic surgeon will begin the procedure by creating incisions on the targeted area, from there, the excess fat will be removed and the sagging skin will be lifted. Deep sutures within underlying tissues help to form and support the newly shaped body contours.
The procedure lasts for 4-5 hours. Body lift results are visible almost immediately but 100% of desired contour will show once you are fully recovered and all results vary.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a common procedure that reduces excess fat and skin, but unlike a body lift, also helps build or weakened abdominal muscles. You will achieve those firm abs you may not have been able to achieve solely through diet and exercise. Women who have excess or sagging abdominal skin due to pregnancy can benefit from a tummy tuck. To maintain the best results from your tummy tuck, you must keep a healthy lifestyle and avoid weight fluctuations.
What does a Tummy Tuck involve?
During a tummy tuck, you will be put under general anesthesia and then the plastic surgeon will begin the procedure by creating horizontal incisions on abdominal area, from there, the excess the excess skin will be lifted. Once the skin is lifted, the underlying ab muscles are repaired. Depending on how much skin you have, especially in the upper ab area, a second incision may be necessary around the naval. The plastic surgeon will close the incisions using sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips.
Within a week or two after surgery, you will be able to confidently stand tall and reveal your flatter and firmer abs.
Which procedure is best for you?
The decision to have a body lift or a tummy tuck will depend on the areas of concern as well as the elasticity in your skin and your ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If your weight loss initiatives are not yielding results in many parts of your lower body or you are seeing an excess amount of sagging skin due to poor elasticity, a body lift may be the solution for you.
A tummy tuck is the best choice for patients who are focused on achieving a flatter or firmer abdominal area and are able to keep a healthy weight after surgery to maintain the tummy tuck results.
Still not sure which one is best for you? Don’t worry – an experienced plastic surgeon will recommend the best procedure for you.