Types of Male Tummy Tuck New York City Procedures
There are several different types of male tummy tuck surgeries to be aware of. Below, we’ve outlined the three main types to give you a better idea of what to expect as you approach your consultation with Dr. Schulman. However, oftentimes your tummy tuck may be a special combination of several of these techniques. Every tummy tuck is customized to what you specifically need, so your tummy tuck may not fit neatly into one of these types.
The Mini Tummy Tuck
The mini tummy tuck specifically addresses the extra skin that is below the belly button. This is a good option for men with a relatively flat abdomen, but who complain of a lower “pooch” or “hang” of skin. Because less skin is being removed, the scar is shorter than in a traditional tummy tuck. There is also no muscle tightening performed, making the pain and recovery less. Usually, a mini tummy tuck is combined with liposuction to help shape the male torso.
If you have a small amount of excess skin in this area but a contour and shape that you are happy with in the upper portion of the abdomen, a mini tummy tuck may be right for you. Of all the tummy tuck techniques, a mini tummy tuck requires the least amount of recovery and time away from work and activities. It also has the shortest scar.
The Full Tummy Tuck
The full tummy tuck is designed to remove a larger amount of skin and tighten the laxity of the underlying abdominal muscles. This tummy tuck may be best for men who have had fluctuations in weight and complain of skin hang of their lower abdomen as well as excess skin above their belly button. Unlike a mini tummy tuck, this full tummy tuck will help tighten the skin of the entire abdomen, not just the lower part. Doing this requires a longer incision, often hip-to-hip. The skin is then lifted, and stitches are placed in the abdominal muscles to tighten the muscles and flatten the belly and narrow the waistline. The skin is re-draped, and the excess skin is removed. The belly button is then brought through a new opening. If necessary, liposuction will be performed on any area where excess fat remains.
Because this full tummy tuck involves a longer incision and muscle repair, the recovery is longer than with the mini tummy tuck described above.
The Extended Tummy Tuck
Lastly, the extended tummy tuck is a technique in which the skin removal extends to the sides and even the lower back. This is best for men who have lost a large amount of weight because the excess loose skin is found all around the torso. The extended tummy tuck can help you get rid of large amounts of excess skin. The procedure involves larger incisions than the other types of tummy tucks because the length of the incision is directly related to the amount of skin removed. In some cases, the skin removal can even extend all the way around the lower back. If tightening of the abdominal muscles is needed, it will be performed, as well as liposuction to remove extra fat.
Even though the incision is longer, the recovery for this extended tummy tuck will be about the same as the recovery for a full tummy tuck. The extended tummy tuck is a great option for people who have successfully lost weight either through diet and exercise, or bariatric surgery.