Types of Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck, clinically termed an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that involves the removal of excess skin and fat to sculpt a flatter, more toned stomach. In this article, we will discuss the different types of tummy tucks so you can better understand which one is best for you.

Full Tummy Tuck

What is a Full Tummy Tuck?

A full tummy tuck, also known as a traditional tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery that treats the entire abdomen. It is most suitable for patients with moderate-to-severe skin laxity and separation (muscle diastasis). It consists of the removal of all lax skin and excess fat in the lower abdomen and around the belly button. The abdominal muscles are also repaired and tightened where necessary.

Benefits

• A full tummy tuck covers the entire abdominal region from sternum to pubis and, as such, can create more drastic results
• Patients with moderate to severe skin laxity are most suitable for this treatment
• Scarring is often easy to conceal with underwear

Cost

At the CREO Clinic, the cost of a full tummy tuck costs between £10,900 (under sedation, no muscle tightening needed) and £12,900 (under general anaesthetic, muscle tightening needed). The exact cost will be dependent on the complexity of the surgical techniques used. A full cost breakdown will be available following a 1-on-1 consultation with our surgeon Dr Omar Tillo to discuss what methods best fit your needs.

Procedure

During a full tummy tuck procedure, incisions are made along the bikini line and around the naval. Excess skin is removed from the lower abdomen, and any muscle separation is repaired. The remaining tightened skin is draped back over the abdomen, and the belly button is repositioned for a natural-looking tummy.

Recovery

A full tummy tuck is an invasive procedure and requires a longer recovery time compared to its mini counterpart. Patients usually recommence light daily activities, including a return to work, two weeks after tummy tuck surgery. However, patients may have to wait up to eight weeks before engaging in more strenuous activities. Finally, patients should wear a compression garment to promote healing and further contour their abdomen while they recover.

Results

After tummy tuck surgery, patients immediately notice the difference in the excess skin Dr. Tillo removed, creating a slender abdominal area. However, swelling after a tummy tuck can take up to 6-12 months to fully dissipate, by which time you can enjoy the full effect of your newly taut and contoured abdomen.

Mini Tummy Tuck

What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Mini tummy tucks are most suitable for patients who are thinner and have mild to moderate skin laxity. In this procedure, fat is only removed from the lower abdomen, between the belly button and the pubic area.

Benefits

• A mini tummy tuck gets rid of the “pooch” of the hanging belly that often remains after pregnancy
• This is a less invasive tummy tuck procedure than the full tummy tuck and, as such, has a faster recovery time as well as minimal scarring
• Any scarring from a mini tummy tuck is able to be covered with underwear
• The cost of a mini tummy tuck is less than the alternative options
• In a mini tummy tuck, the position of the belly button is not altered

Before and After

Cost

At the CREO Clinic, the cost of a mini tummy tuck starts at £8,900. The exact cost of the procedure will be determined following consultation with our surgeon, Dr Omar Tillo, where your tailored treatment plan will be discussed.

Procedure

A mini tummy tuck requires a smaller incision (4-8 inches) relative to a full tummy tuck at the base of the lower abdomen. After this, excess skin in the area is removed, and incisions are closed. The mini tummy tuck does not involve tightening of the skin above the navel or repair of the muscle tissue. As such, it is not suitable for patients with extensive muscle separation or significant skin laxity in the upper abdomen.

Recovery

A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure than a full tummy tuck, and, as a result, the recovery time is shorter. Most patients are usually able to resume light daily activities one to two weeks post-surgery and can resume more strenuous activities after three to four weeks. Patients are required to wear a compression garment during the first four to six weeks to ensure a smooth healing process and minimise swelling.

Results

Immediately after tummy tuck surgery, patients will notice a flatter lower abdomen where skin has been removed. However, it may take up to 3-6 months for swelling to completely dissipate, at which stage you will be able to see the final results of your newly defined abdomen.

Extended Tummy Tuck

What is an Extended Tummy Tuck?

An extended tummy tuck involves the removal of the excess skin from both the lower abdomen and lower flanks, commonly referred to as “love handles”. Like the full tummy tuck, it includes the tightening of the skin as well as muscle repair while also delivering a lower back lift.

Benefits

• This tummy tuck targets the lower flanks (“love handles”) as well as the abdominal region providing a more comprehensive result
• An extended tummy tuck includes the repair of abdominal muscles and skin tightening like the full tummy tuck

Before and After

Cost

The price of an extended tummy tuck at the Creo Clinic starts at £17,900. The precise cost depends on the type of tummy tuck procedures used for your body and will be determined following consultation with our cosmetic surgeon Dr. Omar Tillo. 

Procedure

A larger incision is made during this tummy tuck across the lower abdomen and lower flanks where loose skin is removed. In addition, any muscle separation is repaired, and the remaining skin is tightened. Finally, the incisions are closed.

Recovery

Recovery from this tummy tuck is slower due to the invasiveness of the tummy tuck procedure. Patients usually feel able to recommence light daily activities, including a return to work, 2-3 weeks after this plastic surgery. However, you will have to wait 6 weeks for more intensive activities, such as strenuous exercise. You will be required to wear a compression garment for the first six weeks after tummy tuck surgery to promote healing and reduce swelling.

Results

Following surgery, you should immediately notice the difference in your figure with the excess skin removed from the abdomen and lower flanks, revealing a more slender frame. However, it may take 6-12 months for swelling to subside completely. After this, you will be able to appreciate your newly tighter and more toned upper body.

Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck

What is a Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck?

A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is a plastic surgery aimed at the removal of loose skin following extreme weight loss. For example, patients may seek out this particular variation of a tummy tuck if they have recently undergone bariatric surgery such as a gastric bypass. Patients typically lose 30-40% of their excess weight and, as a result, are left with a significant amount of excess skin.

Benefits

• A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck uses larger incisions to remove larger amounts of excess skin compared to a standard tummy tuck
• A fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is perfect for patients who wish to remove loose skin following significant weight loss from bariatric surgery

Cost

The price of a Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck at the CREO Clinic starts at £17,900. The exact price can only be given following a 1-on-1 consultation with our plastic surgeon, Dr Omar Tillo. This will allow the surgeon to craft a tailored treatment plan for you with a full price breakdown.

Procedure

A fleur-de-lis surgery involves an incision along the bikini line as well as an additional incision from the rib cage along the midline of the abdomen. Any vertical skin excess is removed, and the loose skin is tightened. Like a standard abdominoplasty, any muscle separation can be repaired during this plastic surgery. Finally, the surgeon closes the incisions.

Recovery

Recovery from a fleur-de-lis surgery may be slower than that of a traditional abdominoplasty due to the extent of the incisions and how much loose skin is removed. In general, patients should return to light daily activities, including a return to work, 2-3 weeks after surgery. Light exercise can be resumed three to four weeks after surgery. However, you will have to wait six to eight weeks to engage in more strenuous activities. Finally, you will need to wear a compression garment during at least the first six weeks after surgery to minimise swelling and further contour the abdominal area.

Results

After your fleur-des-lis surgery, you will immediately notice a difference as the excess skin will have been removed, revealing a slender stomach. However, it can take up to 6-12 months post-surgery for swelling to completely subside. After this, the full effect of your fleur-des-lis tummy tuck will become apparent, and you will be able to enjoy your noticeably slender, more toned midriff.

Which Procedure is Right For You?

Schedule a Consultation With CREO Clinic Today

If you are looking to sculpt your abdominal area by removing excess skin, a tummy tuck may be perfect for you. Here at the CREO Clinic, we have the expertise necessary to understand which tummy tuck best suits you and your body’s needs.

Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Omar Tillo, specialises in body contouring and has extensive clinical experience carrying out all four of the tummy tuck procedures discussed. Contact us today to book a consultation with Dr. Tillo to see how a tummy tuck can be tailored to you and your tummy.