An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a procedure that flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall.

Did you know that there are multiple types of tummy tucks? Dr. David Lo of Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery can guide you about which tummy tuck is more suited to your needs. Every patient has their unique aesthetic goals and desired outcomes of treatment. Dr. Lo will recommend the type of tummy tuck surgery that will be able to achieve your goals and minimize any concerns you have about scarring and creating a natural look.

 

Types of Tummy Tucks

1) Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck tightens skin and muscles over the entire abdominal area, above and below the belly button. It repairs separated muscles in the mid and upper abdomen. While the incision is made very low on the abdomen, just above the pubic area and running from hip to hip, skin is pulled down to tighten the entire abdomen. This may involve the creation of a new belly button.

 

2) Mini Tummy Tuck

Unlike a Full Tummy Tuck, the Mini Tummy Tuck procedure is limited to the part of the abdomen that is below the navel. A smaller incision is typically used compared to the full tummy tuck and there is no need to reposition the belly button. Patients who are concerned by a “pooch”, loose skin or stretch marks below their belly button may want to consider this procedure.

 

3) Extended Tummy Tuck 

Extended Tummy Tuck, Plus Size Tummy Tuck or Extended Abdominoplasty, is a more extensive form of regular Tummy Tuck. The procedure extends beyond the tummy area and targets flanks, hips and lower back as well. This can be an effective treatment for patients that have lost a substantial amount of weight and are looking to refine the contours of their body.

 

4) Drainless Tummy Tuck

A drainless tummy tuck avoids the need for post-surgical drains by using an advanced progression suturing technique. A drainless tummy tuck will result in a much better overall healing process, as it can drastically help reduce postoperative symptoms. There is usually less pain and swelling, and surgical wounds heal faster without the need to measure fluids or change drains. Ask our surgeon if you are a good candidate for a drainless tummy tuck. 

 

Combining Liposuction with a Tummy Tuck procedure is common and can be beneficial for patients that want to tackle stubborn body fat simultaneously with eliminating loose skin and repairing muscle tissue.

 

If you’ve been considering tummy tuck, it’s important to see an extensively trained Plastic Surgeon like Dr. David Lo of Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery in Knoxville. In your initial consultation, Dr. Lo will explain all your options and determine the best style of tummy tuck for your body. 

Contact our office at (865) 306-5680 for personalized advice or visit to REQUEST A CONSULTATION with Dr. Lo.