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Tummy Tuck - Procedures


  1. Overview
  2. Are you a good candidate?
  3. What do you want to change?
  4. Different types of abdominoplasty
  5. Benefits
  6. Dr. Cruise's philosophy regarding abdominoplasty
  7. Consultation / physical exam
  1. Prior to surgery
  2. Anesthesia
  3. After the procedure
  4. Recovery time
  5. Possible complications
  6. Abdominoplasty Before and Afters

Mini-abdominoplasty, also known as the mini-tummy tuck

The best candidate for mini-abdominoplasty typically has redundant skin and an abdominal "pooch" located below the umbilicus. It is the least involved variation of these procedures, and can dramatically flatten this area. The incision is relatively short (slightly longer than a c-section incision) and stays within the pelvic bones. It usually does not involve repositioning of the umbilicus.

 
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Mini-abdominoplasty, correction of the abdominal "pooch," four months post-operative in a patient in her
mid-30s, mother of two.
mini tummy tuck incision

Mini-abdominoplasty Incision.

Mini-abdominoplasty with umbilicus release
If there is redundant skin above the umbilicus (belly button), but not enough to perform a standard tummy tuck, a modified mini-tummy tuck with release of the umbilicus may be performed. In this procedure, the umbilicus is released from its cord and is moved slightly downward.
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Mini-tummy tuck with umbilicus release in a 39 year-old patient , three months post-operative.
Standard abdominoplasty, also known as the standard tummy tuck
The standard abdominoplasty is the most common abdominoplasty. It is excellent in eliminating the abdominal "pooch" below the umbilicus, especially in women who have given birth. The standard abdominoplasty produces a much flatter stomach. Many plastic surgeons go several steps further by tightening the underlying muscles to flatten the stomach and narrow the waistline. An added bonus is the removal of the stretch marks below the umbilicus, the area in which they most often occur.

Frontal view of standard abdominoplasty shows significant improvement creating an "hour-glass" waist. (Courtesy Dr. Cruise)

A properly performed standard abdominoplasty will help to create an hour-glass waist line. It will not, however, treat fat deposits in the flank area. These can be addressed with liposuction at the time of the standard abdominoplasty.

Notice marked improvement of the "pooch" below umbilicus and a flattening of the stomach.
Before and After views of a mother of two with loose, hanging abdominal skin. Dr. Cruise pays particular attention to restoring an attractive umbilicus.
Notice the flattening of the abdomen and overall reduction in waist circumference.
naval belly button
This standard circular incision around the belly button opening results in a flat, unnatural appearance. Modifications that hide the incision allow the new belly button to appear natural and attractive . (Courtesy of Dr. Cruise)
The standard abdominoplasty leaves a scar from hip to hip and requires repositioning of the umbilicus to avoid positioning it too low on the abdomen. Dr. Cruise has developed various techniques that, in addition to removing skin and fat, tighten the underlying musculature. This further tightening creates an attractive, contoured look.

Standard Abdominoplasty Incision.

 

 

 

 

Circumferential abdominoplasty, also known as body lift
The circumferential body lift is a very aggressive and complicated procedure reserved for those patients with a significant amount of redundant skin posteriorly, flabby hips and droopy buttocks. Dr. Cruise's pioneering efforts in this procedure allow the hips and buttocks to be markedly elevated resulting in a sleeker more youthful appearance. It must be mentioned, however, that this more aggressive operation will leave a circumferential scar. This will be discussed during your consultation. START HERE
Extended Abdominoplasty, AKA Extend Tummy Tuck
The extended abdominoplasty is exactly what it sounds like. It is a standard tummy tuck with an incision that extends farther out laterally over the hips .Sometimes, the incision may need to go toward the back.
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Extended Abdominoplasty Incision.

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Extended Abdominoplasty Incision From Behind.

 

The determining factor of how far the incision must go is how far the hanging skin goes. The incision must go at least to this level.

 

Reconstructive Surgery Surgery Abdominoplasty
Extended Tummy Tuck on a 37-y-o male after massive weight loss. Six months post-op. Notice that the incision extends as far as the crease does on the pre-operative picture.

Plastic Surgeon usually try to keep the incision as short as possible. But, when it is necessary, the incision must go as far as the abdominal crease goes.

The amazing thing about the extended abdominoplasty is the dramatic improvement these patients undergo. These patients are used to having this hanging skin wrapped around their waist. Often, they feel trapped by it. They feel almost as if it doesn't even belong to them; as if it were a foreign body. When this is removed they feel as if a weight as been removed. This weight is emotional as much as it is physical.

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Notice the dramatic improvement in waist line and abdominal flattening.

 

 
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Extended Abdominoplasty. Notice the significant improvement of waistline, hips, and flanks.

The extended Abdominoplasty gives hope to the patient who is not a candidate for a standard abdominoplasty. Gastric bypass patients frequently fit into this category. These patients are especially satisfying to me. They have already been through a very long journey during their surgery and subsequent massive weight loss. Still, they feel trapped by this excess hanging skin that just will not go away. Often, this is demoralizing. Fortunately, procedures such as the extended tummy tuck can get them to where they feel comfortable and even excited about their body.

 

   
Circumferential Abdominoplasty, AKA Body Lift
The circumferential body lift is a very aggressive procedure and is reserved for those patients with a significant amount of redundant skin that goes all the way around to the back. The body lift is being done more and more because of the increase in gastric bypass patients. It can produce dramatic improvements in these patients. The down side is that it is usually done in a hospital setting. This is because it usually requires an overnight stay within the hospital to make sure everything is OK.
 
 

Circumferential Body Lift Incision.

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Quick Links to Abdominoplasty Procedure
  1. Overview
  2. Are you a good candidate?
  3. What do you want to change
  4. Abdominoplasty Procedures
  5. Benefits
  6. Dr. Cruise's philosophy regarding Abdominoplasty
  7. Consultation / Physical Exam
  1. Prior to Surgery
  2. Anesthesia
  3. After the procedure
  4. Recovery time
  5. Possible complications
  6. Abdominoplasty Before and Afters

Joseph T. Cruise, M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
180 Newport Center Drive, Suite 150
Newport Beach, CA 92660

949-644-4808
1- 866-GoPlastic (866-467-5278)
info@orangecountycosmeticsurgery.com


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