April 19, 2017 | Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck
Now that many plastic surgery procedures can be personalized for your needs, achieving your ideal body contour has never been more within reach. Dr. Frank Agullo offers the following techniques for tummy tuck surgery, one of which could be exactly what you need to redefine your waistline.
Comprehensive Abdominoplasty (Full Tummy Tuck)
A full tummy tuck smooths out the entire midsection. The incision scar is placed low between the hip bones so that it can be hidden by clothing. During the procedure, Dr. Agullo will tighten the abdominal muscles to produce an internal corset and create a firmer, tighter waistline. He uses the triple plication technique for a “Hollywood Waist.” He not only tightens the rectus muscles, but also the obliques. He will also remove the excess skin and stretch marks as well as stubborn abdominal fat. Part of the procedure often includes relocating the belly button once the excess skin has been removed. Liposuction is included with this procedure and can remove fat from the abdomen, flanks, and back.
Ideal Candidates
- Abdominal wall muscle laxity
- Stretch marks and excess abdominal skin
- Skin and muscle laxity and excess fat in the entire abdominal area
Mini Abdominoplasty (Partial Tummy Tuck)
A partial tummy tuck improves the area below the navel. The incision scar is shorter than it is for a full tummy tuck, but it is located in the same general area above the pubic line. This surgery is shorter and may even be performed under twilight anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Agullo will tighten the skin and remove excess fat with liposuction from the lower abdomen to produce a flatter waistline. All improvements are seen in the lower abdomen below the navel.
Ideal Candidates
- No abdominal wall muscle laxity
- Minor skin laxity below the navel
- No excess skin in upper abdomen
- Fat deposits primarily below the navel
Extended Abdominoplasty (Extended Tummy Tuck)
The extended tummy tuck improves the contour of the abdomen as well as the hips. The incision scar extends around to the back, which leads to a longer scar but enables more significant body shape correction. The scar is still easily hidden by bikini or underwear. Dr. Agullo often recommends this technique with high definition and comprehensive abdominoplasties because, in addition to providing the same benefits as a full tummy tuck, it contours the love handles and even provides a lateral thigh lift and mild buttock lift. Due to the complexity of this technique, it is the longest tummy tuck procedure but has a similar recovery time.
Ideal Candidates
- Abdominal wall muscle laxity
- Stretch marks and excess abdominal skin
- Skin and muscle laxity and excess fat in the entire abdominal area
- Laxity in the lateral hips
- Excess skin and fat also in the flanks and love handles
Selecting Your Technique
Patients should select their tummy tuck technique based on the type of correction they need. Here are some general recommendations based on select tummy issues:
- Abdominal fat: liposuction, typically combined with any of the tummy tuck techniques
- Excess skin in the lower abdomen only: mini tummy tuck
- Excess skin and stretch marks in upper and lower abdomen: comprehensive or extended tummy tuck
- Abdominal wall muscle laxity: comprehensive or extended tummy tuck
- Tissue laxity and excess fat that are also in the lateral hips/flanks: extended tummy tuck
With any of these techniques, tummy tuck surgery can give you a more youthful and toned abdominal contour.
You can watch Dr. WorldWide perform these procedures on Snapchat under the username RealDrWorldWide.
Of all the different tummy tuck techniques, only one will be right for you. If you are not certain which technique you need, request your personal consultation with Dr. Frank Agullo. Dr. Agullo can offer his expertise and counsel you in choosing the technique that will yield the best results for you. To book your appointment, please call (915) 590-7900 or contact Dr. Agullo online today.
