Tummy tuck, or “abdominoplasty,” is designed to reduce excess skin and abdominal wall laxity. Patients who are good candidates typically have lost a significant amount of weight. This includes women who have gained and lost weight with pregnancy.

Even if you are committed to a daily regimen of exercise and diet, you may still be left with excess, sagging skin in your midsection. While you can increase muscle tone with exercise, you cannot tighten the connective tissue of the abdomen. Loose connective tissue leads to bulging and protruding, especially of the lower portion of the abdomen. This can be problematic for many individuals, particularly those who have an otherwise physically fit body and are of normal body weight and proportion.

If you have exhausted the natural means of weight loss, and are now left with sagging skin in your midsection, it may be time to weigh your options regarding tummy tuck. The two most common types of abdominoplasty include: traditional/standard tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck.

The traditional/standard tummy tuck may be an ideal option for those who are in good physical health, and have a fairly large amount of loose skin to remove from their midsection. This procedure also entails abdominal muscle tightening for a flatter, more toned stomach. Traditional/standard tummy tuck surgery can be appropriate for patients who have lost a massive amount of weight or now have weak abdominal muscles following pregnancy. Due to the amount of skin being removed, the navel usually needs to be repositioned.

Mini tummy tuck surgery can improve the appearance of excessively loose, stretched-out skin in the lower abdominal area. This particular technique does not entail the removal and repositioning of the navel. Rather, your surgeon will remove minor excess skin in the pubic region, directly below the belly button, as well as possibly tightening the muscles.

Individuals who are interested in this procedure may also have excess skin on their hips and the sides of their lower back. If you require a major amount of skin removal, then an extended tummy tuck or circumferential body lift may be your best choice. A full consultation with assessment of your abdomen and thorough discussion of your goals is essential in determining which procedure is right for you.