Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is used to remove excess fat in the abdomen area that accumulates due to pregnancy, loss of weight or aging. This excess fat results in a hanging belly or a sagging abdomen and occurs mostly in women. Tummy tuck surgery can help tighten the muscle around the abdomen area to provide a flat and firm tummy. There are three types of tummy tuck surgeries to choose from based on the amount of excess fat to be removed.

Mini Tummy Tuck

This is also known as the scarless tummy tuck surgery. It requires making a small incision in the lower abdomen wall to the navel in order to remove a smaller portion of the skin. The tightening of the muscles and appropriate pulling of skin will serve the purpose. This is extremely suitable for people who have a well toned body but cannot seem to lose the fat around the waist line. It is a quick procedure and will take about an hour and a half to complete. There will not be any scars after the surgery so it is a safe procedure for a suitable candidate.

Mini tummy tuck have a quicker recovery period that lasts for about a week to a month depending on the physical condition of the person undergoing the surgery. It is more common for men who have undergone a massive weight loss or a gastric bypass surgery.

Standard Tummy Tuck

Standard tummy tuck works on a slightly larger area of the abdomen. The incisions are made in a straight line from one end of the hip bone to the other. The excess fat is removed and the abdomen muscles are tightened. There might also be a minor liposuction required to achieve a firm flat tummy. The closing of the incision requires the belly button to be positioned correctly. This can be a long task and is suitable for people who have a reasonably proportionate body except the belly area. Since it is a long surgery the recovery period will also take about a month or three to complete.

Extended Tummy Tuck

In order to remove an excessively large bulge from the abdomen area the extended tummy tuck is appropriate. The incision made reaches the hips to the lower back. This procedure almost always requires the liposuction technique to remove excess fat or drain the extra fluids. The muscles around the abdomen as well as the hips are tightened and the unnecessary skin is removed. The position of the belly button is adjusted accordingly. This is a very long procedure and can also require a person to spend at least two days in the hospital with drainage tubes placed. The recovery time can take about six weeks to complete.

Side effects of tummy tuck are common for all types of surgery including swelling, bruising, pain and scarring. Scarring is least to occur in a mini tummy tuck surgery. Clotting and infections are rare complications but can occur in some cases. A typical surgery can cost around $300 to $10,000.