Tummy tucks offer a narrower and more toned core and renewed strength and structure of abdomen muscles.

Following pregnancy or significant weight loss, you may experience excess or loose skin, separation of the abdominal muscles, and stretch marks in the abdominal area. This often results in a “bloated stomach,” or still-pregnant look.

Diet and exercise are a great way to minimize fat and create muscle in that area, but all the kale and crunches in the world cannot bring elasticity back to the skin or mend the abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck is an excellent method to re-attach the abdominal muscles internally and remove some of the extra skin and stretch marks.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Occasionally, slim people are afflicted by a persistent pooch at the base of the abdomen that cannot be rectified with diet and exercise alone. The mini tummy tuck is an excellent option for patients who fit this description.

A small horizontal incision is made on the lower abdomen, below the navel. The underlying core muscles are tightened, fat may be removed with liposuction, and any excess skin will be removed. Because only the base of the abdomen is worked on, there is no need to reposition the belly button and patients are able to heal in a shorter amount of time. The disadvantage to this surgery is that any area of the abdomen above the navel is not changed.

Standard or Full Tummy Tuck

Healthy men and women who experience saggy, excess skin or weakened core muscles are good candidates for a standard tummy tuck. Aiming for a complete renovation of the abdomen, a standard tummy tuck creates a narrower and flatter midsection.

During this type of tummy tuck surgery, two incisions are made: one at the base of the abdomen and one around the navel. The abdominal muscles are then tightened with internal sutures and excess fat may be removed by liposuction. Once these steps are completed, the skin is pulled down and the excess is removed, the belly button is repositioned, and the incisions are closed.

Extended Tummy Tuck

Healthy people who suffer from excess skin around their stomach, hips, and lower back are excellent candidates for this type of tummy tuck. As the name suggests, this type of surgery is a more comprehensive version of the standard tummy tuck. The goal is to remove the most amount of tissue possible around the midriff and lower back.

This tummy tuck requires multiple incisions: a horizontal incision that extends around the hips at the base of the abdomen, an incision around the navel, and possibly a vertical incision. Once the abdominal muscles are tightened, any excess fat is removed by liposuction, excess skin is removed, the belly button is repositioned, and the incisions are closed.

The procedure will take place in an operating room under general anesthesia. Dr. Banich will make one or more incisions, depending on the type of tummy tuck surgery that is being performed. The abdominal muscles will be repaired and tightened with internal sutures and any excess fat may be removed with liposuction.

The skin is then drawn over the stomach, like a window shade, and any excess is trimmed off. The belly button may be repositioned depending on what type of tummy tuck you are having. The skin is closed and you will be taken to a recovery room.

Following the procedure, Dr. Banich will place bandages over the incision(s) and wrap the abdomen with a compression garment for support. Small tubes will be placed under the skin temporarily to collect any excess fluid or blood that may accumulate. These drains will remain in place for at least one week.

Before you go home, you will receive specific information regarding:

• How to treat incisions and drains.
• Any medications to be taken and how to take them safely.
• Anything you would need to look for or be concerned about at the site of the incision or for your overall well-being.
• When to schedule any follow-up appointments.

Recovery time may differ depending on the type of tummy tuck surgery you had. Each person and circumstance is different, so the following recovery times are guidelines. Dr. Banich will make specific recommendations in your case.

• Most mini tummy tuck patients can return to work in a week or so.
• Standard or full tummy tuck patients can expect a recovery time of about two weeks.
• Extended tummy tuck patients can expect to recover over a few weeks.
• It will take months before patients can resume heavy exercise involving the core muscles.

Dr. Banich will discuss recovery expectations during your consultation.

You should look for a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who has completed an accredited medical school program and residency in plastic surgery.