Have you been struggling with a flabby belly despite your best efforts? Sometimes, even rigorous workouts and strict diets can’t fix certain areas of our bodies. Don’t worry because Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery is here to help you achieve your dream stomach through tummy tuck surgery. We’ll guide you through the different types of tummy tucks and their recovery process.
Understanding the different types of tummy tucks
Before getting a tummy tuck, it’s important to know that there are four different types of tummy tucks. Each type caters to specific needs and concerns of the patient.
What are the four types of tummy tucks?
All four types of tummy tucks target the removal of loose skin and excess fat and help create a tightened stomach area after weight gain, weight loss, aging, or pregnancy.
- Mini tummy tuck:
A mini tummy tuck is ideal for people who only have a small amount of excess skin and fat in the lower abdominal area. The incisions are smaller, and the surgery takes less time than the other types of tummy tucks. - Regular/normal tummy tuck:
The traditional tummy tuck targets the entire abdominal area from hip to hip. This type of tummy tuck is perfect for individuals who have excess skin and fat on their entire abdomen. - Extended tummy tuck:
An extended tummy tuck is similar to a regular tummy tuck, but it extends further back to the hips. It may also involve some liposuction to contour the area. This type of tummy tuck is recommended for those who have excess skin and fat in the lower back and hips. - Circumferential tummy tuck:
The circumferential tummy tuck is a 360-degree tummy tuck that removes excess skin and fat from the entire torso. It’s ideal for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin and fat in their back, hips, and abdomen.
What is the tummy tuck recovery process like?
The recovery process of a tummy tuck varies depending on the type of tummy tuck you choose. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to all tummy tuck procedures.
Dr. Bruno highlights that a traditional tummy tuck takes about 6 weeks to be fully recovered. To break that down further, your recovery timeline would look something like this:
- During the first 2 weeks, you should really be taking it easy. You are probably hunched over when you walk, with limited movement, really just being cautious and moving slowly.
- In the 3rd and 4th weeks, you will be able to do some light activities. Still no heavy lifting or intense activity, but you should be able to have more mobility.
- After 6 weeks, you should be fully recovered and able to resume your normal activities. You should be able to lift heavy objects and engage in strenuous exercise after this time.
Choosing the right type of tummy tuck for you:
You should have a consultation to figure out which type of tummy tuck is right for you. In your consultation, you will discuss your problem areas, your concerns, and the best way to treat them. Then your surgeon will make a recommendation on which tummy tuck you should get in order to achieve the best result possible.
