Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. It is usually combined with liposuction to achieve a better contour and well-defined waistline. Read more to learn about this very popular technique.

Not for Weight Loss

But one must know that tummy tucks are not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Also, tummy tuck operations cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally the treated areas below the belly button.

A tummy tuck is an in-patient procedure performed under general or epidural anesthesia. One must consider a downtime of 7 to 10 days and after that, they can return to daily activities, but not physical exercise. After one month, in most cases, there will be no restrains.

Mini-Abdominoplasty versus Abdominoplasty

Mini-Abdominoplasty or a mini tummy tuck is a less extensive variation of the full abdominoplasty and is typically employed when loose abdominal muscles and a minimal amount of excess skin are confined to the lower abdomen below the belly button.

The goal is to remove the excess fat and skin, but only from the lower abdomen, without having to transpose the navel, as in a full abdominoplasty. The skin incision and the scar are smaller, and it is usually combined with a liposuction of the upper and lateral abdomen. When there is an existing scar, like the one from a C-section, it can be done to remove the excess skin and so improve the tightening of the lower abdomen. The post-op recovery is also better tolerated and faster than with a traditional abdominoplasty, but this is also a hospital-based surgery usually with an overnight stay.

(Credit: Dr. Francisco de Melo, consultant plastic surgeon at Zo Skin Center, Jumeirah Road, Dubai)