A tummy tuck is a procedure that removes excess skin from a patient’s midsection and repairs muscles to achieve a more toned abdominal profile. (1) Modern tummy tucks have several variations and encompass a wide range of techniques. This guide intends to help patients explore the full range of tummy tuck options and make informed decisions about their treatment.
If you are looking to pursue a more sculpted abdomen, it is best to seek treatment from trained experts. At Millard Plastic Surgery, we stay up to date with the latest innovations in cosmetic treatments. Our team has the experience needed to help you understand your options and achieve impressive yet natural-looking results.
To further explore which tummy tuck is best for your circumstances, contact our office online or call (303) 792-5665 to schedule a consultation.
Before & After Photos
Before and After Photos
About the Different Types of Tummy Tucks
Weight fluctuations and pregnancy can stretch the skin, leading to sagging skin. Separated abdominal muscles, a condition called diastasis recti, are common after pregnancy and sometimes significant weight gain—a tummy tuck can help address these issues as well. As one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures, (2) tummy tucks are available in several different forms to address each patient’s unique concerns.
Below, we outline the variations we offer to help you better understand your options:
Traditional Tummy Tuck
The traditional tummy tuck is a procedure that targets excess skin in the lower abdomen while repairing separated abdominal muscles to create a flatter, more toned midsection. This procedure involves a horizontal incision made just above the pubic area. This variation is ideal for patients with significant skin laxity or muscle separation, especially following pregnancy or major weight loss. Liposuction may also be performed before skin removal to remove stubborn fat and enhance contours.
Drainless Tummy Tuck
The drainless tummy tuck is a specialized technique that uses layered suturing methods to close the space between tissue layers, eliminating the need for post-operative drains. This approach helps to improve patient comfort and streamline recovery. With the drainless method, internal quilting sutures help minimize fluid buildup and reduce the risk of seromas—lumps of built-up fluid—while promoting faster healing and optimal long-term results. (3) This technique is popular among patients who have concerns regarding the management of surgical drains during recovery or who want to return to their routines more quickly.
Mini Tummy Tuck
For patients with only a small amount of loose skin in the lower abdomen and no muscle separation, a mini tummy tuck can provide excellent results with a shorter scar and a quicker recovery. This procedure focuses on the area below the belly button and does not involve repositioning the navel. The incision is smaller than that of a full tummy tuck, and patients usually experience less downtime.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is designed for patients who have experienced major weight loss or have significant excess skin that extends laterally beyond the abdomen to the flanks. This procedure involves a longer horizontal incision that allows the surgeon to contour the entire lower torso, including the sides of the waist and hips. By removing skin and repairing the abdominal muscles, the extended tummy tuck creates a more dramatic transformation and improves the overall silhouette. This approach is especially beneficial for patients who want a more comprehensive body contouring experience and are willing to accept a longer scar in exchange for a more complete result.
Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck
In more extreme cases, patients can pursue a Fleur-de-lis tummy which is designed for those who require more significant skin removal and tightening. This approach involves both a horizontal and vertical incision, also known as a “T-shaped” incision, that allows excess skin across the midline of the abdomen and the navel to be addressed. This form of a tummy tuck is often sought after by patients who have undergone rather extreme weight loss in a short period or anyone experiencing excessive levels of sagging skin.
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Benefits
All tummy tuck variations offer several benefits. Under the expertise of the Millard Plastic Surgery team, our patients see improvements through:
- Discreet incisions: All incisions are made in locations that are easy to conceal beneath clothing for natural-looking results.
- Improved mobility: Many patients find that participating in exercise is easier without excess skin.
- Increased self-esteem: Removing excess skin will improve your clothing options and confidence with a slimmer, smoother appearance.
- Customizable treatment: We personalize each treatment plan to address your unique concerns.
- Balanced proportions: Removing excess skin can help balance your proportions for a smoother midsection.
- Natural-looking results: All adjustments are made with your unique anatomy in mind, making sure that your results are harmonious with your figure.
Candidates
Because there are several tummy tuck variations, eligibility can include a wide range of candidates. Some are post-pregnancy mothers looking to reclaim their pre-baby figure, while others have recently lost a large amount of weight and are dealing with the effects of excess skin. Generally speaking, tummy tuck candidates are:
- Adults in good general health who maintain a stable weight
- Nonsmokers or those willing to quit nicotine before surgery and during recovery
- Individuals bothered by loose skin and/or separated abdominal muscles
- Patients who have realistic expectations about results and recovery
- Those who are not planning future pregnancies
Your eligibility for a tummy tuck will be established during your personal consultation.
Consultation
Every tummy tuck begins with a comprehensive personal consultation. During this meeting, you will discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, lifestyle, and any prior abdominal procedures with one of our expert surgeons. They will conduct a physical examination to evaluate skin quality, fat distribution, and abdominal muscle tone. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the different types of tummy tuck procedures, and once your surgeon gains the necessary information, they will create a personalized treatment plan tailored uniquely to your goals.
To schedule this consultation and learn more about your tummy tuck options, contact Millard Plastic Surgery online or by calling (303) 792-5665.
Preparation
To prepare for your treatment, we will give you a set of detailed preoperative instructions. These will differ slightly for each patient depending on their chosen tummy tuck method. In general, you should
- Arrange time off from work and transportation home
- Fill prescriptions ahead of time
- Stop taking medications and/or supplements that can thin the blood
- Avoid alcohol and nicotine
- Eat nutritious meals and take good care of your body
Procedure
The details of each procedure will vary depending on which type of tummy tuck you receive. Traditional, extended, and drainless tummy tucks will have longer procedure times than a mini tummy tuck. The length of your procedure will also depend on whether or not additional treatments are performed. Regardless of the chosen procedure, the surgeons at Millard Plastic Surgery use precision to minimize scarring and ensure natural-looking results.
Recovery and Results
Following your tummy tuck, you will be briefly monitored before being released to return home. Your recovery process will depend on your specific treatment plan. We will provide specific instructions to help make your recovery as smooth as possible.
After recovering, you can expect a smoother, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing midsection. Results from a tummy tuck can be long-lasting as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle—significant weight fluctuations can impact results. Many patients feel that their self-confidence improves after the procedure, and they feel more comfortable wearing different kinds of clothing.
Cost of Tummy Tucks in Denver
The total cost of your tummy tuck will depend on which tummy tuck variation you undergo, the scale of the procedure, your aesthetic goals, whether any other procedures are included, and more. After establishing a treatment plan during your consultation, your surgeon will provide a quote.
Schedule your consultation today to explore your treatment options. If you have any further questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Englewood office directly at (303) 792-5665.
FAQ
What is the best age to get a tummy tuck?
There is no universally ideal age for undergoing a tummy tuck, though the most common demographic is patients between the ages of 20 and 60 who are in good general health but struggle with excess abdominal skin and/or separated abdominal muscles.
Will there be scarring after a tummy tuck?
All surgical procedures involve incisions, leading to scarring. However, we take meticulous care in placing incisions so they can be easily concealed underneath clothing and swimsuits whenever possible. Scars tend to fade significantly as time goes on.
How long is the recovery period after a tummy tuck?
Most patients take about two weeks to return to normal routines, but should wait until their surgeon approves before engaging in more strenuous activities.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?
Yes, many patients opt to combine tummy tuck surgery with liposuction, breast surgery, or other cosmetic enhancements to enhance their results.
Is tummy tuck surgery safe?
As with all surgeries, a tummy tuck carries some risks. However, complications are rare, especially when performed by a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon.
References
- Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
- Triana. Trends in Surgical and Nonsurgical Aesthetic Procedures: A 14-Year Analysis of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery-ISAPS. Aesthetic plastic surgery. 2024;48. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-04260-2
- Paranzino AB, Sims J, Kirn DS. Safety and Efficacy of Outpatient Drainless Abdominoplasty: A Single-Surgeon Experience of 454 Consecutive Patients. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2023;43(11):1325-1333. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjad167
