Tummy Tuck Surgery.  There is a range of Mini Tummy Tuck Procedures designed to treat the spectrum of patient needs. In consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, the choice of procedure will be made based on the your anatomic features and desired outcome. While all tummy tucks have in common that they tighten the abdominal skin, there are two key differences between the various tummy tuck surgery procedures. The incision lengths vary depending on the amount of skin to be excised, and the abdominal muscles may be tightened if they have excess laxity.

The length of the incision is determined by the amount of loose skin that is to be removed. The incision lengths vary from as short as six inches (Mini Tummy Tuck) to as long as the entire circumference of the waist (Body Lift). The most common incision length runs from hip to hip concealed beneath the bikini line (Full or Traditional Tummy Tuck).

In addition to removing loose skin, localized fat deposits can also be removed during your tummy tuck. It is recommended, however, that you be as close as possible to your goal weight before having the procedure. Liposuction may be performed in combination with tummy tuck to remove additional fat around the abdomen or to treat other areas such as the hips and flanks.

Full or Traditional Tummy Tuck Surgery

With the traditional tummy tuck surgery, the abdominal skin is pulled so far downward that it is necessary to reposition the belly button to keep it centrally located. This results in a circular scar around the belly button and a dramatic improvement in abdominal contour. The traditional tummy tuck is the best solution for most people.

For patients who require less skin excision, it may be possible to "float" the belly button. This means that the belly button will remain attached to the skin and will be pulled downward with the skin. The belly button, however, is not moved so far as to require a circular incision for repositioning. It is also possible to tighten the muscles of the upper and lower abdomen with this procedure. Floating the belly button may result in significantly improved abdominal contour, but the results are not as dramatic as with the traditional tummy tuck.

Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

A mini tummy tuck surgery is a smaller procedure designed to improve the contour of the abdomen only below the belly button. It is best for patients who have subtle skin and fat excesses of the lower abdomen or unattractive scars from previous surgery (such as a C-section). It is possible to tighten the muscles, but only below the belly button and in smaller amounts than with the traditional tummy tuck. Only a small percentage of patients are good candidates for a mini tummy tuck surgery.