A tummy tuck is a highly tailored operation. The exact technique depends on your body shape, skin quality, muscle tone and the kind of improvement you are hoping for. All abdominoplasty procedures involve removing some degree of excess skin and fat from the abdomen, and in many cases tightening the underlying muscles. At your Harley Street consultation, Dr Abood will explain which approach is most appropriate for you and why.
Full Abdominoplasty (Standard Tummy Tuck)
A full abdominoplasty is the most commonly performed type of tummy tuck. In this procedure, loose skin and fat are removed from the area between the belly button and the pubic region, and the underlying abdominal muscles can be tightened if needed. The belly button is also repositioned so that it sits naturally on the newly contoured abdomen. This technique is often recommended for patients who have significant skin laxity and muscle weakness, such as after pregnancy or major weight changes.
Extended or Fleur-de-Lis Abdominoplasty
An extended, or fleur-de-lis, abdominoplasty is designed for people who have a larger amount of excess skin and tissue affecting both the upper and lower abdomen, typically following substantial weight loss. In this procedure, more skin and fat are removed than in a standard tummy tuck, allowing the abdomen to be tightened in both horizontal and vertical directions. As part of this more extensive reshaping, an additional vertical scar is created as well as the low horizontal scar. Although the scarring is more noticeable, this approach can provide a more dramatic and comprehensive improvement in carefully selected patients.
Apronectomy
This is a modification of the standard abdominoplasty and is generally more limited in the approach. It is often reserved for those who have an isolated ‘apron flap’ in the lower abdomen that causes functional issues- for example rubbing or creates difficulty with clothing. This procedure is restricted to removing the excess skin and does not involve bringing together of the tummy muscles. It is a procedure that can be undertaken in patients with an elevated body mass index (BMI), provided they are appropriately selected and counselled. It is primarily a functional procedure with cosmetic benefits.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini abdominoplasty is suitable for those who have only a small amount of loose skin, usually confined to the lower abdomen. The focus is on the area just above the pubic line, where a limited amount of excess skin is removed. In most cases, the belly button does not need to be repositioned. This more modest procedure typically takes around an hour and can be carried out under either local or general anaesthetic, depending on your individual needs and preferences.
Reverse Tummy Tuck
The reverse tummy tuck is a less commonly carried out procedure which focuses upon the removal of localised, excess or sagging skin from the upper abdomen (above the belly button). The procedure uses the crease under the breasts to remove excess skin from the upper abdomen and can therefore be combined with breast procedures. The placement of the scar means that it can be well hidden.
The Corset Abdominoplasty
This is an advanced body contouring procedure which effectively combines the fleur-de-lis and reverse tummy-tuck in one procedure. It is best suited in those patients who have lost significant amounts of weight- often as a result of bariatric surgery- and have excess skin throughout the abdomen. The inclusion of a ‘reverse’ component means that is can also be effectively combined with breast-uplift procedures.
Using Liposuction to Refine Results
For all of these techniques, liposuction can be combined with abdominoplasty to enhance the final outcome. It can be used to smooth stubborn pockets of fat, refine the waistline and improve overall abdominal contour and definition. Your treatment plan at Harley Street will be designed to ensure that the chosen tummy tuck technique, and any use of liposuction, work together to produce a natural, balanced and long-lasting result.
