If you are unhappy about the size and appearance of your stomach area, plastic surgery offers you plenty of options today.
Among the most common and popular treatments is the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
And this procedure also comes in two different forms-the full tummy tuck and the mini tummy tuck.
Both have their pros and cons and are aimed at correcting the look of the abs and stomach.
The Full Tummy Tuck A traditional abdominoplasty is best for those whose body weight is above 20 percent of their ideal weight.
This is because it is a more invasive and dramatic surgery than the mini version.
General anesthesia is used and it can be performed in a hospital or an outpatient facility.
The cosmetic surgeon makes an incision around the navel as well as along the pubic bone up to the hips.
The skin is then loosened from the underlying muscles and lifted up.
Often liposuction is performed at this point to suck out stubborn fat pockets and create a slimmer tummy.
The abdominal muscles are also tightened up with sutures and repositioned.
Next, the skin is stretched down tightly and the excess is cut off.
The navel is often displaced in this process so it is repositioned to be in the right spot.
Then the skin is pulled down and sewn back together at the original incision mark.
The recovery from a full abdominoplasty is similar to but more involved than a mini tummy tuck.
There will be plenty of swelling and bruising around the incision and in the stomach area and there will also be some pain, tenderness, and discomfort.
The swelling and bruising will subside after several days and the pain can be managed with prescribed medications.
During the recovery period, your plastic surgeon will recommend that you get plenty of rest and refrain from a lot of moving or stretching during the first few days.
After you have healed, your abdomen will be much smoother and tighter, but you will have a long scar along your hips and pubic area.
Fortunately, the scar will almost always be hidden by clothing or swim suits.
The Mini Tummy Tuck This procedure is not as invasive as the full abdominoplasty and is typically best for those who are between 10 percent and 20 percent over their ideal weight.
It is a great procedure for those who have experienced a sagging tummy due to age or several pregnancies.
The mini tummy tuck is simply a scaled down version of the full procedure.
The incision is much smaller, usually just along the pubic bone and the navel positioning is not adjusted.
The surgeon works on reshaping and repositioning only the tissues and muscles between the navel and the pubic bone.
Liposuction is still commonly used in this process but usually is not as extensive.
The skin will still be stretched and excess removed, after which it will be sutured together again.
The recovery will involve all the same elements as a full tummy tuck but just on a smaller scale.
Most patients can even return to work again after a few days or a week.
The scar will still be visible but much smaller than that of the full abdominoplasty.
Both options offer solutions to a large, loose, and sagging stomach.
Your surgeon can help you decide which procedure is a better fit for your situation.
Among the most common and popular treatments is the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
And this procedure also comes in two different forms-the full tummy tuck and the mini tummy tuck.
Both have their pros and cons and are aimed at correcting the look of the abs and stomach.
The Full Tummy Tuck A traditional abdominoplasty is best for those whose body weight is above 20 percent of their ideal weight.
This is because it is a more invasive and dramatic surgery than the mini version.
General anesthesia is used and it can be performed in a hospital or an outpatient facility.
The cosmetic surgeon makes an incision around the navel as well as along the pubic bone up to the hips.
The skin is then loosened from the underlying muscles and lifted up.
Often liposuction is performed at this point to suck out stubborn fat pockets and create a slimmer tummy.
The abdominal muscles are also tightened up with sutures and repositioned.
Next, the skin is stretched down tightly and the excess is cut off.
The navel is often displaced in this process so it is repositioned to be in the right spot.
Then the skin is pulled down and sewn back together at the original incision mark.
The recovery from a full abdominoplasty is similar to but more involved than a mini tummy tuck.
There will be plenty of swelling and bruising around the incision and in the stomach area and there will also be some pain, tenderness, and discomfort.
The swelling and bruising will subside after several days and the pain can be managed with prescribed medications.
During the recovery period, your plastic surgeon will recommend that you get plenty of rest and refrain from a lot of moving or stretching during the first few days.
After you have healed, your abdomen will be much smoother and tighter, but you will have a long scar along your hips and pubic area.
Fortunately, the scar will almost always be hidden by clothing or swim suits.
The Mini Tummy Tuck This procedure is not as invasive as the full abdominoplasty and is typically best for those who are between 10 percent and 20 percent over their ideal weight.
It is a great procedure for those who have experienced a sagging tummy due to age or several pregnancies.
The mini tummy tuck is simply a scaled down version of the full procedure.
The incision is much smaller, usually just along the pubic bone and the navel positioning is not adjusted.
The surgeon works on reshaping and repositioning only the tissues and muscles between the navel and the pubic bone.
Liposuction is still commonly used in this process but usually is not as extensive.
The skin will still be stretched and excess removed, after which it will be sutured together again.
The recovery will involve all the same elements as a full tummy tuck but just on a smaller scale.
Most patients can even return to work again after a few days or a week.
The scar will still be visible but much smaller than that of the full abdominoplasty.
Both options offer solutions to a large, loose, and sagging stomach.
Your surgeon can help you decide which procedure is a better fit for your situation.