Look around and see, not everyone is shaped or built the same. Every person has a different body type, which is why a tummy tuck procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, is not a cookie cutter type of surgery. There are different tummy tuck options available today that allow plastic surgeons the opportunity to customize the body contouring experience for patients to achieve the look they want. Baton Rouge board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Erick Sanchez, performs tummy tuck procedures on a regular basis and utilizes a number of techniques depending on the specific needs of each patient.

If you are struggling with loose skin, unwanted pockets of fat, and are tired of not looking and feeling your best because of our midsection, there are options for you. Here is some information on the different types of tummy tucks available and what each one can do for you.

Why consider a tummy tuck?

Baton Rouge, LA men and women may first consider a tummy tuck in order to help them lose weight. However, a tummy tuck is not the answer for weight loss. This cosmetic surgery, which is one of the most sought after procedures in the U.S., exists for skin tightening and contouring. It can help tone and slim your midsection and improve its overall contour by removing excess skin and isolated areas of fat that cannot be corrected with diet and exercise alone. Maybe you have endured body changes with pregnancy, lost a significant amount of weight, or have entered middle age and are dealing with changes to your stomach area due to gravity and diminishing skin laxity–no matter your reason, a tummy tuck can help you have a tighter-looking midsection!

What a tummy tuck can do for you

Love handles, that stubborn pooch that resides under the belly button, and loose skin that looks wrinkled and sagging, can all be corrected with tummy tuck surgery. In addition, if you have stretch marks from pregnancy or weight loss or a C-section scar, this treatment can also help reduce and diminish these skin imperfections. A tummy tuck removes unwanted fat and excess skin from the stomach area, and in some cases tightens the underlying abdominal muscles to contour and reshape a patient’s midsection. It is a great solution for women and men in Baton Rouge to push them past the finish line if they need a little extra help in the stomach or torso area.

Different types to find you the right fit…

Certain aspects can change the appearance of your midsection even with regular exercise and a healthy diet that may require you to need a little cosmetic help. Regardless of your reason for considering a tummy tuck, there are few different surgical options that a Baton Rouge, LA board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Sanchez, can offer.

Here’s a look at 4 tummy tuck options and how each of them are different to tailor the surgery in order to achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals.

• A full, also known as a traditional, tummy tuck is a solution for individuals with an area of fat and excess skin needing to be removed usually covering the entire lower abdomen region. The incision is usually from hip to hip and in some cases liposuction is utilized to remove excess fat cells to achieve the best results for a flatter stomach. Also, the belly button may or may not need to be repositioned. A traditional tummy tuck is the most popular and has a longer recovery time but can lead to dramatic, tighter end results.

• An extended tummy tuck is the most invasive of the tummy tuck procedures and is used in cases where a patient needs more extensive help. It is usually the solution to remove a larger amount of loose or sagging skin in the abdominal area due to extreme weight loss or being pregnant with multiples (twins, etc.). The incision is like a traditional tummy tuck but is extended to the lower back or “flank” area. Liposuction, as with a traditional, may be used to get better contouring results and repositioning the belly button may be needed.

• A mini tummy tuck is an option for patients that need to target a smaller amount of loose skin or excess fatty tissue. It is less invasive than a traditional abdominoplasty and generally means a quicker recovery. Only a small incision is needed on the lower abdominal area just below the belly button. It is also known as the “scarless tummy tuck” procedure. The same techniques are used, as with a traditional, to tighten the abdominal wall muscles and any loose skin, just on a smaller scale. The one difference is the belly button is not repositioned with a mini tummy tuck. If you want to remove a small amount of loose skin or just a small pooch then a mini tuck could be an option for you!

• A reverse tummy tuck is an option for patients that are struggling with the upper part of their torso. This tummy tuck option removes loose or excess skin on the upper part of the abdominal area or above the belly button. The incisions are made below the breasts or in the breast folds or one long incision is made across the same area depending on what the surgeon requires to get a patient the best end results. A reverse tummy tuck is not as commonly performed but is a cosmetic option for patients not struggling with their lower abdominal area but want to see a smoother, more contoured upper torso to complete their look.

If you have decided that a tummy tuck procedure is the right treatment for you then there are different options you can consider. Consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon on which option is right for you is the next step. Dr. Erick Sanchez is a highly recommended and board-certified plastic surgeon in the Baton Rouge area. He has transformed men and women to beautify their midsections and take back their appearance. His professional staff and accredited Sanchez Plastic Surgery facility will make sure you are taken care of and love the way you look! Call or schedule your tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Sanchez today!