The tummy tuck offers three main procedures that can be adjusted to accommodate the smallest to the most advanced case of loose belly skin that is obstructing a man or woman's waistline. Whether multiple pregnancies or rapid weight loss after surgery has brought about this devastating change to one's abdomen, the tummy tuck procedure can bring about lasting improvements to the look and feel of the waistline.
The tummy tuck procedure provides a last resort for men and women struggling to lose excess skin, upon which diet and exercise is no longer making a significant change. Frankly, one of the hardest areas of the body to tone is the mid section or the core. From within the body it provides the foundation for all movement. Visually it can be the sleek, if ever so slight, hourglass or V that women and men appreciate about themselves or the athletic physic of another. Often times, as we age and encounter the effects of rapid weight gain and loss - for various reasons - the normal deterioration and loss of elasticity, collagen, and other nutrients in the skin impede its ability to bounce back.
Two of the main reasons for rapid weight loss that cause an alteration in the consistency and taught attachment of the skin to the flesh beneath it would be multiple pregnancies or the months following a stomach (digestive process) modification for appetite control and weight loss. These natural or medically enhanced processes can cause various degrees of excess loose skin and relaxed abdomen muscles around the belly button and below. This can be a small fold of flesh only a couple of inches thick or it can extend from one side of your waist to the other and be several inches thick causing an obstruction to dressing yourself or feeling comfortable with your body.
The tummy tuck procedure comes in three major techniques that can be applied to your unique body situation. The options include the mini, standard, and extended surgical options. All three types of procedures will utilize an incision to the lower abdomen and a pulling or repositioning of the lower abdomen skin in order to help it lay smoothing against the muscle. The mini uses the smallest incision does not require a belly button repositioning and has the least amount of down time. The standard lift varies a little bit more for patients in this range. Depending upon the degree of excess skin around the belly button adjustments may have to be made in order to produce the smoothest results. Lastly, the extended tummy tuck procedure will remove excess skin around the belly button, reposition it higher on the newly taut belly and make an incision from hip to hip in order to lower the skin and offer a more sculpted midsection.
Regardless of the size of the "pouch" that any man or woman would like to eliminate, the tummy tuck offers options beyond the gym and celery that can offer lasting results. Whether your surgeon recommends the mini, standard, or extended procedure, he or she will make sure that you are prepared to handle the procedure and recover to bring about the best possible outcome for your outlook and your waistline.
