Basic Tummy Tuck Techniques: Complete and Partial Abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure which can aesthetically improve the waist and abdomen by removing the excess fatty deposits, skin, and tissues. And in some cases, this procedure may also reduce the appearance of the stretchmarks caused by a significant weight fluctuation and pregnancy.

To further improve the appearance of the abdomen, tummy tuck procedure usually involves liposuction which is a procedure that can remove the excess fats through a long suction probe.

According to plastic surgery experts, there are two basic techniques used in tummy tuck procedures: complete and partial (also called mini) abdominoplasty.

* Complete abdominoplasty

This technique is ideal for patients who require the most correction, meaning, there is a significant amount of excess skin, tissues, and fats which must be removed to achieve the most desired result.

In this procedure, a doctor makes an incision which starts from hipbone to hipbone. And while this may result to permanent scarring, patients should realize that the cut is made very low, almost the same level of their pubic hair.

Once the incision is made, a surgeon will manipulate the muscles, tissues, and skin to make the abdomen appear flatter, slimmer, and more toned. In most cases, the procedure also involves the repositioning of the navel to give a more natural appearance.

* Partial or mini abdominoplasty

This tummy tuck technique is generally ideal for patients who do not require a drastic change, meaning, their problem is just a slight excess fats and tissue.

The incision in this procedure, which lies about 6 or 7 cm above the pubic region, is shorter compared to the complete tummy tuck technique. Once the incision is made, an endoscope (a lighted camera attached to a probe) is inserted inside the abdomen to manipulate the underling muscles.

While this technique results to a shorter incision, this will not provide a drastic change and is not advisable to patients who have a significant amount of excess tissues and skin which is usually caused by losing more than 100 pounds of body weight.

The Safety of the Procedure

While modern tummy tuck is relatively safe, most plastic surgery doctors still use a strict patient selection method in order to filter out those who are at higher risk of complications, particularly individuals who have healing problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, and kidney problems.

Because tummy tuck is a complex surgical procedure, it is important that patients only consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in this specific cosmetic surgery.