This is the most common type of abdominoplasty, featuring an incision that runs from hipbone to hipbone just below the panty line. Dr. Grandhige tightens the abdominal muscles and eliminates extra skin through the expanded incision to create a smoother, firmer abdomen. During the treatment, liposuction may be performed to increase the definition and contouring of the abdomen. During this surgery, the navel is typically relocated to achieve a more natural-looking result.
This less invasive surgery, which is also known as a limited incision abdominoplasty, may be recommended to patients who just require correction below the navel. However, the results of this procedure will not create the substantial improvement that can be achieved with a standard procedure. The incision that is made for a mini abdominoplasty is made in the same place as the one that is made for a standard abdominoplasty, below the bikini line; however, it is much shorter than the one that is made for the traditional procedure. In most cases, the navel does not require repositioning in order for this treatment to be successful.
An extended tummy tuck is typically recommended for patients who have experienced dramatic weight loss (either through bariatric surgery or other means) that’s left them with a considerable amount of excess skin. In this technique, a vertical incision is made across the middle of the patient’s torso, in addition to the traditional horizontal incision that is made during a full tummy tuck. In order to achieve horizontal tightness and a smoother finish, this additional incision gives the surgeon the ability to remove more superfluous skin than was previously possible. Altering the position of the belly button is usually required in order to achieve the most natural-looking outcome.
A circumferential abdominoplasty, also known as a belt lipectomy, provides the largest degree of correction, and is most commonly used in patients who have lost over 70 pounds – resulting in significant quantities of excess skin around the entire trunk (abdomen, flanks and back). In addition to flattening the abdomen and narrowing the waist line, a circumferential tummy tuck eliminates excess skin from the hips, flanks and buttocks. As the name suggests, the incision encircles the entire body, providing for spectacular, three-dimensional results.
