Tummy Tuck Techniques

Having an abdomen that lacks definition can have a significant impact on how you view your body. Weak abdominal muscles or excess skin can contribute to an undesirable abdominal contour. There’s a world of reasons that your belly may not have the firmness you desire. Many men and women struggle to maintain a toned abdominal appearance as they age, and weight loss often results in excess skin. Women may experience muscle laxity following pregnancy that results in a “belly pooch.”

No matter the cause of your altered abdominal contour, Dr. Austin has a procedure that can help you. We offer tummy tuck surgery that can be customized to target your individual needs. Three different tummy tuck techniques are available and can be adjusted to meet your contour and tightening needs.

Standard Tummy Tuck, “Abdominoplasty”

The standard tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is designed to treat a significant portion of our patients. A standard tummy tuck technique is typically chosen to address mild to moderate amounts of excess skin. If needed, muscle laxity can be addressed with this technique as well.

The standard tummy tuck utilizes incisions in the lower pelvic region just above the pubic area and around the navel. Excess skin is removed, and the abdominal muscles can be tightened using a plication technique.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is similar to the standard tuck but focuses on tightening loose abdominal muscles and removing excess skin from the lower abdomen. Women who require less aggressive skin resection may be candidates for a mini tummy tuck.

The mini tummy tuck uses the same or a shorter version of the standard incision just above the pubic area, but the secondary navel incision is not utilized. The focus is on tightening the lower abdominal muscles, and some minor skin tightening may be performed as well.

Extended Tummy Tuck

Patients who have achieved massive weight loss may benefit from an extended tummy tuck. Following significant weight loss, you may have pronounced skin accumulation along the abdomen, hips, and lower back.

An extended tummy tuck uses a long incision that runs above the pubic area and extends around the hips to address excess skin. If necessary, in some cases the incision extends circumferentially to address low back and flank skin redundancy. Abdominal muscle tightening may also be performed as part of an extended tummy tuck. The goal of an extended tummy tuck is to reveal your new, leaner contours.

Tummy Tuck & Liposuction?

Liposuction is a permanent fat removal process that in certain cases may be combined with a tummy tuck technique. Liposuction is an excellent way to eliminate excess pockets of fat that may be preventing you from having the abdominal shape or definition you desire.

If you are looking to improve the appearance of your abdomen, please schedule your consultation with Dr. Austin today. Call us at 503.561.7000 or contact us online.