from breast augmentation, liposuction, and rhinoplasty, tummy tucks are one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in America. In fact, nearly 130,000 individuals had some sort of tummy tuck surgery in 2017, up two percent from 2016 figures. You might have seen before and after photos of patients who have had this surgery, but did you know there is more than one way to achieve the flat abdomen you desire? Denver tummy tuck surgeon Dr. Swail is happy to speak with you about which option is best for you during a free consultation at Boulder Valley Plastic Surgery, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about tummy tucks. We can even discuss how a tummy tuck procedure can be combined with others, like those included in a Mommy Makeover, to produce an improved, balanced body image. Schedule your consultation today!

Common Tummy Tuck Procedures

The type of tummy tuck surgery Dr. Swail performs will depend on your unique case and desired outcome. Mini-tummy tucks, full tummy tucks, and extended tummy tucks have all proven effective for those wishing to restore a firm, flat contour to their abdomen. Continue reading to better understand the difference between these procedures.

Mini-Tummy Tuck

Do you have loose skin and stretch marks below your belly button? This loose skin is often referred to as a “pooch,” and it can be addressed with a mini-tummy tuck. This type of abdominoplasty involves the least extensive surgery and has a quicker recovery time than the full or extended versions of the surgery.

During the surgery, a single incision is placed right above the pubic mound, allowing access to the loose muscles in the abdomen. The muscles will be tightened and any excess skin will be removed to achieve a flat abdominal contour. Following the procedure, patients usually have a fine, horizontal scar that is very small — usually just a few inches long in most cases.

Full Tummy Tuck

If your satisfaction goes beyond the pooch on your lower abdomen, then a full tummy tuck make be more effective at providing you with the results you want. This procedure addresses both the upper and the lower abdomen, eliminating extra skin folds and undesirable roundness that some individuals have above and below their belly button.

A broad, U-shaped incision is made above the pubic mound, providing your surgeon with access to the entire abdominal wall to tighten loose muscles. Excess skin will be removed from this area, and if there is additional excess skin that needs to be removed above the belly button, a second incision may be made around the navel. Scarring is similar to the mini-tummy tuck, but generally longer, spanning from hip to hip.

Extended Tummy Tuck

For some individuals, more extensive surgery is required to address the unhappiness they feel with their midsection. For example, those who have lost a significant amount of weight may have significant amounts of excess skin that sags around their stomach. Likewise, women who have had multiple children may experience high laxity in their abdominal muscles due to repeated overstretching.

An extended tummy tuck may be appropriate for cases such as these, as the procedure not only tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin from the from the upper and lower stomach, it also addresses loose skin on the flanks. The resulting scar may not be as easily hidden as those that result from mini-tummy tucks and full tummy tucks, but many patients feel as though their improved body contour is worth it.

Meet with a Denver Tummy Tuck Surgeon

Are you tired of being unhappy with the contours of your stomach when you look in the mirror? Everything from pregnancy and weight loss to aging and heredity can cause your abdomen to change over the years, but Denver tummy tuck surgeon Dr. Swail can help. With more than 30 years of experience helping patients like yourself, he has the skill and knowledge needed to devise a surgical plan that can help you reveal your inner beauty. Finally, with a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can rediscover the flat, trim tummy of your youth!

Call 303-449-6666 today to speak with a helpful member of our staff, or schedule your free consultation online now. We look forward to meeting you!