Choosing Your Tummy Tuck

July 11, 2016


Choosing Your Tummy TuckA tummy tuck is an effective way to firm up the midsection and achieve a more attractive body contour. In a single surgery, you can achieve dramatic results that will last indefinitely as long as you adhere to a healthy diet and exercise program after your procedure. If you are considering a tummy tuck procedure, it is important to know that there are different types of tummy tuck techniques, each designed to address different types of contour irregularities.

Full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A full tummy tuck is the traditional tuck procedure used to address more significant skin laxity and excess tissue and fat that is interfering with your body’s contour. This procedure achieves the following:

  • Tightens the abdominal muscles to give a flatter abdominal contour
  • Removes loose skin from the midsection
  • Eliminates areas of fat in the abdomen and hip/flank areas
  • Repositions the belly button for a natural appearance

The full tummy tuck is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made across the bikini line from hipbone to hipbone. Through the incision, abdominal muscles are tightened to produce a natural, toned look to the midsection. Excess tissue and skin are removed and liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from the area. The belly button will likely be repositioned in the center of the abdomen to ensure a natural, proportionate appearance.

Patients who undergo a full tummy tuck may require an overnight stay in the hospital after their procedure, although some are allowed to go home the same day as surgery. Recovery from a full tummy tuck takes some time and pain medication is generally needed to ensure a comfortable healing process. Most patients are typically back to work within 3-4 weeks after this procedure.

Mini Tummy Tuck (Partial Abdominoplasty)

Patients that don’t require quite as much improvement may opt for a mini tummy tuck, also known as a partial abdominoplasty. This procedure is often recommended for patients in relatively good shape that have a small pooch of excess skin fat in the midsection that will not respond to diet and exercise. The benefits of a mini tummy tuck include:

  • Smooths the contour from the belly button to the pubic bone
  • Removes pockets of fat interfering with your abdominal profile
  • Eliminates excess lower abdominal skin
  • Repair of the abdominal muscles is performed if necessary

The incision for a mini tummy tuck is much smaller, which means less discomfort and recovery time afterward. Mini tummy tucks also do not require repositioning of the belly button, which means an easier recovery period. Patients undergoing a mini tummy tuck are often back to work within three weeks. The results of a mini tummy tuck may be evident sooner, since the healing process isn’t quite as involved. Your midsection will be tighter and firmer, allowing your clothing to fit more comfortably.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty/Lower Body Lift

Patients who need additional improvement can also opt for a circumferential abdominoplasty. In addition to firming up the midsection, this procedure also includes a buttock lift. The procedure is very power and provides a wholesale improvement in the lower abdominal contour. Because the procedure removes significant amounts of excess skin/tissue from the sides, the outer thigh contour is also improved. This procedure is often recommended for patients with a significant amounts of loose skin, often as the result of massive weight loss.

The circumferential tummy tuck involves an incision that extends from hipbone to hipbone, across the sides and along the upper buttock to the posterior midline. Through this extensive incision, the surgeon can remove large amounts of loose skin 360 degrees around the lower abdomen. This procedure nearly always includes liposuction to remove areas of fat from the midsection, flank, hips, back and lateral thighs. The surgery also requires repositioning of the belly button to create a proportionate midsection.

Patients undergoing a circumferential tummy tuck will typically need a day or two in the hospital after surgery to begin the healing process. Incision healing becomes a greater concern with this procedure, since the incisions are so much longer than with other procedures. Most patients are able to return work one month after the procedure. Results of an extended tummy tuck tend to be very long lasting, particularly if a healthy diet and exercise program is maintained after surgery.

Combining Your Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures

No matter which type of tummy tuck you choose, your procedure may be combined with other surgical procedures to achieve the best possible results. Many patients opt to combine their tummy tuck with breast augmentation – a procedure known as a mommy makeover. Tummy tucks are also frequently combined with liposuction to further enhance your body contouring results.

If you are considering a tummy tuck, the choices in procedures can seem overwhelming. Dr. Andrews at Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery is experienced in a variety of tummy tuck techniques and will work with you to help you determine the best procedure to help you meet your aesthetic goals. To learn more about this procedure or schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Andrews, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery at 855-338-0261.

January 11, 2017

Dear Dr. Andrews,
Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*
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2017-01-11T13:02:59-06:00
Dear Dr. Andrews, Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*

Everything is great!!

Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*
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2017-01-22T15:30:46-06:00
Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*

You change peoples’ lives!

You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*
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2017-02-24T14:28:06-06:00
You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews!

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*
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2016-09-28T15:22:01-05:00
I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*

June 26th, 2013

Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*
2015-02-10T19:25:22-06:00
Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*

May 27th, 2013

I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*
2015-02-10T19:25:46-06:00
I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*

May 27th, 2013

I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*
2015-02-10T19:26:11-06:00
I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*

June 1st, 2013

Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*
2015-02-10T19:26:35-06:00
Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*

Jan 24th, 2013

Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*
2015-02-10T19:26:55-06:00
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I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*
2015-02-10T19:27:28-06:00
I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*

Oct 29th, 2012

Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*
2015-02-10T19:27:54-06:00
Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*

Extraordinary doctor

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Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*

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I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*
2015-03-30T12:00:42-05:00
I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*

You all are the best!

Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*
2015-03-30T12:02:02-05:00
Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*

Amazing!

I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*
2015-03-30T12:02:20-05:00
I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*

With appreciation

With appreciation for putting me back together!*
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With appreciation for putting me back together!*

I am forever grateful

I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*
2015-03-30T12:03:02-05:00
I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*

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Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*

April 12, 2016

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2016-05-05T11:40:35-05:00
Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
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