Many people experience sagging abdominal skin, stubborn excess fat, and separated muscles due to pregnancy, aging, or significant weight loss. Often, lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise don’t achieve the desired smooth abdominal contour. Over-the-counter ointments and creams that promise to improve abdominal skin quality often end up being a waste of money. For many people, tummy tuck surgery is the treatment of choice to alleviate abdominal concern and reveal a firmer and flatter abdominal appearance.

During tummy tuck surgery (also known as abdominoplasty), plastic surgeons focus on removing excess skin and fat while also strengthening abdominal (six-pack) muscles that may be separated or weakened. This results in long-lasting (possibly permanent) reshaping of the abdominal that may improve your sense of self-image and confidence.

Tummy tuck success rates

The probability of success is one of the most important considerations that patients think about before they decide to have abdominoplasty surgery. Out of more than 27,000 patients who reviewed this procedure on Realself.com, over 95% said that it was worth it. The figures are the same on Real Patient Ratings, where about 95.2% of more than 9580 patients said they were satisfied with the outcome of their tummy tuck. These exemplary success rates explain – in part – why abdominoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries today.

Types of abdominoplasty

If you have thought about having an abdominoplasty procedure, it is important to understand what types of treatments are available. Below are the most common types of tummy tuck that you can have in Baton Rouge.

1. Mini tummy tuck – this is the least invasive type of abdominoplasty. It is suited for patients (particularly women) who have a small ‘pooch’ or protrusion below the belly button. If exercise and diet have not been able to address this issue, then you can have a mini-abdominoplasty (partial abdominoplasty) to achieve a smooth lower belly profile. During a mini tummy tuck surgery, plastic surgeons create a small incision right above the pubic area and use it to remove excess skin and fat. The resulting scar is thus usually concealed by a bathing suit or undergarments. The belly button is not repositioned and the upper abdomen area is not touched.
2. Full tummy tuck – this is the most common type of tummy tuck that focuses on reshaping both the lower and upper abdominal areas. A standard tummy tuck is quite popular with individuals who need to enhance the appearance of the entire abdominal area (e.g. women who have been through a pregnancy and childbearing). A horizontal incision running from hip to hip is placed right above the pubic area. Women who previously had a C-section can have the same incision used in order to prevent additional scarring. The plastic surgeon will then use this incision to remove excess skin and fat. Plastic surgeons also tighten weakened and separated abdominal muscles. In some cases, liposuction may be used to contour the lower belly area. The belly button may also be repositioned to ensure a symmetrical and natural post-op appearance.
3. Circumferential tummy tuck – this procedure – also referred to as a belt lipectomy – is the most comprehensive type of abdominoplasty. Plastic surgeons focus on contouring both the upper and lower abdomen along with the entire waistline (including the back and flanks). This type of abdominoplasty is ideally suited for individuals who have lost a lot of weight possibly through bariatric surgery. Plastic surgeons create an incision running around the waist and use it to remove excess skin from the abdomen, lower back, waist, and other midsection areas. Weakened or separated abdominal muscles will also be tightened to achieve a firmer and smoother appearance. In some cases, liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from various midsection areas. This procedure results in a thorough reshaping of the waistline but results in a significantly longer recovery duration.

Conclusion

If you have thought about having an abdominoplasty to enhance the appearance of your abdomen and midsection, the first step is to schedule a consultation visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon. At Erick Sanchez Plastic Surgery, our tummy tuck specialists will take the time to understand your concerns and expectations. The surgeon will then examine your abdomen and recommend the best possible type of abdominoplasty to achieve the results you are looking for.