What types of tummy tucks are there? There are several procedures that can be used to flatten and improve the appearance of the abdomen. Many clients do not require a full abdominoplasty. If you are considering a tummy tuck, you should investigate all the possible techniques and procedures. You’ll want to discuss this information with Dr. Porterfield.

•  Mini-Tummy Tuck; Partial or Modified Abdominoplasty: This procedure is designed for clients who need skin and fat removed but do not require the abdominal muscles to be sutured back together or repositioning of their belly button. This procedure usually results in a scar across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area, that is shorter than the scar from a full abdominoplasty.
• Dermolipectomy: This procedure is best for clients who have a lot of redundant skin and excess abdominal fat and need repositioning of the belly button, but whose underlying muscles are in good shape. People who have lost a great deal of weight and have sagging skin on the abdomen are ideal candidates for this procedure, as are people who have skin that is less elastic and will not bounce back from other procedures, such as abdominal liposuction. No muscle tightening takes place during dermolipectomy.
• Panniculectomy:This surgery removes hanging fat and skin on the belly, but does not usually reposition the navel and does not tighten the abdominal muscles. A panniculectomy may be done in conjunction with non-cosmetic surgery, such as a hysterectomy, repairs to the abdominal wall or the repair of an umbilical hernia. The procedure is called a panniculectomy because the hanging “tummy” is called a panniculus.
• Full Abdominoplasty: This technique is the most invasive of all abdominoplasty surgeries. It is reserved for those clients who have very loose abdominal muscles  and significant excess skin to be removed. In a full abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision from hipbone to hipbone. The surgeon then loosens the skin of the abdomen up to and past the navel (sometimes all the way to the ribs) and makes an incision around the navel to free it from the skin. The details are as follows:

  1. Dr. Porterfield exposes the rectus abdominus muscles, which form two vertical bands down the abdomen that are joined at the center line by connective tissue. During an abdominoplasty, the surgeon will suture these muscles and connective tissue together. This pulls in the loose abdominal tissue and strengthens the abdominal wall.2. Once this is done, Dr. Porterfield then pulls the loosened abdominal skin down and removes excess skin. He then makes a hole in the redraped skin for the repositioned navel and sutures the navel into place.

• Liposuction: Liposuction can be used as an alternative to abdominoplasty or in
  conjuction with a tummy tuck.  In liposuction, areas of fat are loosened and then sucked out using a vacuum-type device. Some people with firm skin that is not sagging may only need liposuction to the abdominal area to achieve a flatter stomach. For more information, see Liposuction.