Once you decide to have cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance and well-being, choosing the right procedure can be challenging. There are a wide variety of plastic surgical procedures that produce different results. Choosing the perfect procedure depends largely on what you’re looking to enhance, your desired outcome, and your anatomy.
If you are planning to have an abdominoplasty, you may want to improve the appearance of your figure and create a flatter, more toned abdomen. More commonly known as “tummy tucks,” these procedures can help you achieve a more desirable waistline and overall slimmer appearance.
Many people do not know that there are actually three different variations of the tummy tuck: the mini tummy tuck, the standard tummy tuck, and the extended tummy tuck. How do you know which one is right for you? Learn more about these three types below.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Also known as a “modified tummy tuck,” a mini tummy tuck is the least invasive and simplest of all tummy tuck procedures. This is because it only involves the lowest abdominal area, the space between the belly button and the pubic area. It differs from standard tummy tucks in that it does not tighten abdominal muscles or alter the belly button at all. It works primarily to remove excess lower abdominal skin or a small amount of lower abdominal fat.
The procedure
A small incision is made just above the public region during a mini tummy tuck, similar to a C-section. Excess skin or fat gets removed from the lower abdominal region, and the incision is then closed to create a tighter, flatter appearance.
How long is the recovery time?
Mini tummy tucks are typically performed as outpatient procedures, so the patient is usually able to return home the same day they had the procedure. There will be minimal pain you can control, primarily with over-the-counter pain relievers. Ice packs can help reduce any swelling or discomfort.
Recovery from this procedure is much easier than recovery with other types of tummy tucks. Most patients are able to return to work within the first few days, but you should still be cautious. After a mini tummy tuck, patients should avoid strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks to allow optimal healing.
What is the cost of the Mini Tummy Tuck procedure?
A mini tummy tuck is significantly cheaper than standard or extended tummy tucks. The average cost is around $6,000 but could be more in high-demand areas. For example, the cost in Los Angeles can be as high as $28,000.
Who is an ideal candidate?
Mini tummy tucks are ideal for individuals who only have a small amount of excess skin or fat in their lower abdomen and do not have diastasis recti. That includes women who have given birth and as a result, carry excess loose skin or fat in the lower abdominal region despite dieting and exercise. Patients within a few pounds of their goal weight but who struggle to get their lower abdominal area flat or toned are great candidates for mini tummy tucks since you cannot exercise away the skin.
Who should not get a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Individuals who are overweight or carrying a great deal of loose skin after extreme weight loss should not have a mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck only involves the lower abdomen. It does not work with the remainder of the abdominal area. It does not tighten the abdominal wall or create a new belly button. Anyone who is looking for more extensive results would benefit more from a standard tummy tuck or extended tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck
A standard tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure in which a small to medium amount of excess abdominal skin and fat is removed or repositioned to give a flatter, more toned appearance. Tummy tucks are one of the most common plastic surgical procedures in the U.S., with more than 200,000 performed every year (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
What happens during Tummy Tuck surgery?
The standard tummy tuck is a little more extensive than the mini tummy tuck. It involves a larger incision that extends across the width of the lower abdomen. Excess skin and fat are removed or repositioned through the incision to create a flatter appearance. Loose abdominal muscles are tightened and a new belly button is created to fit the appearance of the enhanced stomach.
Does Tummy Tuck hurt?
After a tummy tuck, the patient will remain in a plastic surgery aftercare facility overnight. In some cases, they may remain for several days. There will be some pain and swelling after the procedure, but this can be relieved with anti-inflammatories and ice packs.
With a skilled Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck specialist like Dr. Cat Begovic, patients have little to no pain, requiring only over-the-counter medication for slight discomfort. Most patients can return to work about one week after the procedure, but they should avoid any strenuous activity for four to six weeks. You will need to have your surgical drains removed after the first two weeks, and you will need to wear a compression binder for the first six weeks. All of this is to aid in optimal healing and the best possible result.
How much does a Tummy Tuck cost?
The average cost for a tummy tuck is around $7,000 to $10,000. In high-demand cities, the price is much steeper. For example, a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills can be anywhere from $7,000 to $45,000.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
The ideal candidate for a standard tummy tuck is anyone with a relatively small amount of loose skin and excess fat in their abdominal area. Tummy tucks also address loose abdominal muscles, so they are great for people who have lost muscle tone in this region. Individuals who are seeking a tummy tuck should be within 10-15 pounds of their ideal weight. This is not a weight loss procedure, so it cannot resolve any significant excess fat.
Who should not get a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks are not a good choice for overweight people or anyone with a large amount of excess skin. If you are still in the process of reaching your goal weight, you should not get a tummy tuck until you are close to that weight. Women who plan to get pregnant in the near future should also avoid tummy tucks, as pregnancy will alter the outcome of your procedure.
Patients can get pregnant after surgery, however, the tissues will likely get stretched out again and they may need to do a revision or re-do after pregnancy. It is ideal to wait until after you are done having kids, but many patients will have procedures done before then if they don’t want to wait.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is a more extensive variation of the tummy tuck procedure for patients with wider anatomy. Extended tummy tucks address significant excess loose skin and fatty tissue around the abdomen and flanks. The surgeon will remove excess loose skin and remove or reposition fatty tissue to create a flatter appearance as well as tighten the abdominal muscles to create a toned image. A new belly button is created to match the newly enhanced abdominal area since the old belly button is removed with the excess skin flap.
How long does the pain last after the procedure?
Many patients who desire tummy tucks don’t end up doing it because of the horrible pain they have read about on the internet or from friends who had it done elsewhere. Extended Tummy Tuck Specialist, Dr. Cat Begovic, has developed a gentle extended tummy technique that has a quick recovery and little to no pain. Dr. Cat’s patients need no prescription pain medication, at most a few Tylenol, and they are walking a few hours after surgery.
How long until scars fade?
In an extended tummy tuck, a long incision will be made right above the pubic area. Scars take about two years to completely fade. Dr. Cat Begovic uses a special incision closure technique, making scars are basically invisible once the patient is fully healed.
When can you return to work after an extended Tummy Tuck?
After an extended tummy tuck, the patient will remain in a plastic surgery aftercare facility overnight or for several days. They can usually return to work within the first two weeks after surgery. Surgical drains will be in place for up to two weeks after surgery. Patients should avoid strenuous activity, exercise, or heavy lifting for up to six weeks. They should also wear a compression garment for six weeks for optimal healing.
What is the cost of an Extended Tummy Tuck operation?
The price for an extended tummy tuck is around $12,000 on average and up to $50,000 in high-demand areas like Los Angeles.
Who is an ideal candidate?
Extended tummy tucks are essentially standard tummy tucks for people with a wider abdominal area. They are ideal for someone who has slightly more excess loose skin and fatty tissue.
Who should not get an Extended Tummy Tuck operation?
Individuals who are severely overweight should not have tummy tuck procedures, even extended ones. Patients may need weight loss surgery or liposuction before having this procedure.
Anyone with a smaller abdominal region or minor problem areas should opt for a mini or standard tummy tuck, as the extended procedure is for more extensive cases. This is why consultations are extremely important to be able to discuss your goals and the look you are trying to achieve with your surgeon and get their best medical recommendation.
The Best Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgeon In Beverly Hills
If you are interested in getting a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills, look no further than Dr. Cat Begovic. Dr. Cat is a board-certified female cosmetic surgeon specializing in several plastic surgical procedures, including the tummy tuck in Los Angeles. Patients come from all over the world to have her perform their plastic surgeries, as she has a reputation for producing remarkable results.
Dr. Cat has developed specialized techniques for some of the most common cosmetic procedures, including tummy tucks. Her unique approach to plastic surgery results in minimal pain, faster recoveries, and exceptional results. Book your consultation with Dr. Cat today and start your plastic surgery journey.
