Tummy tucks are one of the most popular procedures to enhance a patient’s aesthetic, but understanding what the best type of tummy tuck is for you can be challenging.
We get it: the task of slimming down your midsection can be tedious and discouraging, especially when little results are evident. Even though exercise and diet are key to shaping loose skin and excess fat, sometimes they’re just not enough. Fortunately, a number of tummy tuck procedures, referred to as an abdominoplasty, exist to help get you feeling confident, and are safe and reliable options to improve your physique. In fact, these procedures have soared in popularity over the last few years, because feeling good about yourself physically is key to feeling good mentally.
So what’s the best type of tummy tuck for you? Well, a lot of components go into the decision, but fear not – every person has the right to feel comfortable in their own skin, and these procedures are geared for all body types. A good place to begin is to identify how the procedure works, so you can choose what’s right for you.
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How is a Tummy Tuck Procedure Done?
An abdominoplasty is a surgery that aims to flatten and shape a person’s abdomen, providing a smooth and firm contour. Most often, a surgeon will make one or multiple incisions, usually near the hips or the naval area, so they can tighten the abdominal muscles and restore the abdominal wall. Liposuction may also be used in some instances, usually for more dramatic results. Where and how the surgeon goes about performing these incisions depends entirely on the type of tummy tuck you desire.
Types of Tummy Tucks
Various procedures exist to fit your anatomical needs, and fortunately they don’t vary tremendously in the surgery required. The main types of abdominoplasties are:
- Full Tummy Tuck
Regarded as a traditional abdominoplasty, this procedure is suitable for men and women with moderate excess skin or fat. They are commonly used for women post-pregnancy to shape the abdomen and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. During surgery, the surgeon makes two incisions on either hip bone or near the navel area, to provide better access to the internal structures. A patient’s belly button may often need to be repositioned during a full tummy tuck, to ensure a natural look post-surgery.
- Mini Tummy Tuck
As the name suggests, patients receive this surgery when they have a small bit of loose skin below the navel area, or a smaller belly ‘pooch’. It usually concerns solely the lower abdomen, so an incision will be made just below the belly button or below the hips. These are less-invasive and have a shorter recovery time, so they continue to be a strong option to take care of the smaller but frustrating fat that won’t seem to go away.
- Extended Tummy Tuck
This procedure involves the same components as a full tummy tuck, but aims to improve a patient’s flanks as well. This is considered the best type of tummy tuck for patients who have lost a considerable amount of weight and are looking to refine their body contours. The surgery involves a longer incision as the scope is larger, but recovery times tend to stay the same as a traditional abdominoplasty. However, scars from these procedures tend to take longer to heal, and liposuction may also be needed.
- Reverse Tummy Tuck
For patients with a firm lower abdomen but who may have excess fat in the upper region, a reverse tummy tuck may be performed. These incisions are usually performed under the bra line, and are commonly linked with breast lift operations.
Does Insurance Cover Tummy Tuck Surgery?
In most instances, a tummy tuck procedure is entirely cosmetic, and won’t be covered by insurance. However, some instances exist that can provide medical benefits for these procedures. Criteria that can potentially dictate a medically necessary surgery includes:
- Inability to walk normally
- Intertrigo (or rashes) of the pannus which persist over a three-month period
- Chronic pain and ulceration created by the skin fold
- A large panniculus that hangs above the pubic region
Of course, the best way to identify potential coverage is through a consultation with a plastic surgeon, so they can go over what you need and what the costs will be.
Dr. Marc Everett MD, FACS
Highly regarded as one of New York’s leading plastic surgeons for tummy tuck surgeries, Dr. Marc Everett has been guiding clients through cosmetic procedures with a passion and keen sense for patient needs. He is currently certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and a Candidate Member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, with years of experience in his craft. With a combination of compassion, attention to detail, and endless intellectual curiosity, his inspiration is centered upon seeing his patients thrive, both physically and mentally. For more information, please contact us today to schedule a virtual and/or in person consultation.
I look forward to meeting you!
At ME Plastic Surgery, I provide the most advanced techniques in plastic surgery while maintaining uncompromising standards of safety, patient care and professional ethics. I pledge to give my best so that you can feel your best, no matter your age, body type or background. Please contact my office to set up a one-on-one consultation at one of my locations in Manhattan and Queens. My door is always open.