Which Tummy Tuck Is Right for You?
Not so long ago, when people talked about getting a tummy tuck, they were talking about one thing, abdominoplasty. A comprehensive Cleveland plastic surgery procedure, abdominoplasty tightens the stomach muscles and removes all excess skin – and virtually all stretch marks -- from both the upper and lower abdomen. A traditional tummy tuck generally requires an overnight hospital stay and 2 to 3 weeks of recovery before normal activities can be resumed.
Today, there is more than one way to tuck a tummy! Women and men who want a sleeker, tighter tummy now have several Cleveland cosmetic surgery options, in addition to full abdominoplasty, to choose from.
- Mini Tummy Tuck. When excess skin is limited to the lower part of the abdomen, a mini tummy tuck can be performed. Usually performed as outpatient surgery, a mini tummy tuck tightens muscles and removes excess skin only in the lower portion of the abdomen. Patients can return to work in just a few days, although they will need to forego strenuous exercise for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Lipo Tummy Tuck. A less invasive way to tighten abdominal skin and contour the stomach, a lipo tummy tuck uses liposuction to remove excess fat while smoothing and contouring the stomach area. Lipo tummy tucks offer dramatic results and fast healing with minimal bruising and pain. Performed as an outpatient surgery, lipo tummy tucks allow patients to return to normal activities with almost no downtime, although a compression garment must be worn for a short time to reduce swelling.
If you are considering having a tummy tuck, schedule a consultation with a board-certified Cleveland cosmetic surgeon to discuss which tummy tuck option will best help you meet your appearance goals.