Everyone dreams of having a tight and toned tummy, but sometimes diet and exercise aren’t enough. Excess fat and sagging skin around the abdominal area can be frustrating, especially if you’ve already tried everything to eliminate it.
That’s where a tummy tuck comes in. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can help you achieve the flat stomach you’ve wanted. Tummy tuck is the sixth common cosmetic procedure performed in the United States.
There are two types of tummy tucks – standard and extended.
Read on to understand the differences between the two.
What Is Standard Tummy Tuck?
A standard tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the stomach area. It also tightens the abdominal muscles to create a flatter, more toned appearance. Standard tummy tucks are ideal for patients with excess skin and fat around their midsection and who want to improve their stomach’s overall shape and contour.
What Is Extended Tummy Tuck?
An extended tummy tuck is another variation of the standard tummy tuck. It involves incision around the hip bone instead of just above the pubic area. It allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and fat from the sides and back of the waist and the stomach area.
The procedure is ideal for people with a lot of loose skin and fat around their waistline and stomach. It is also suitable for people who have undergone massive weight loss through diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery.
Read more: How Long Does a Tummy Tuck Procedure Take From Intake to Dismissal
Common Factors of Differentiation Between Standard Tummy Tuck Or Extended Tummy Tuck
The Amount of Scarring That Will Be Left Behind
In the case of a standard tummy tuck, the incision is usually made along the bikini line. It means the scar will be hidden when wearing swimsuits or underwear. On the other hand, an extended tummy tuck will leave a scar that goes around the navel.
2. The Cost of the Surgery
The common reasons for the difference in the costs of the surgeries include:
- The length of the incision
- The amount of skin to be removed
- The need for liposuction
3. Recovery Time After Surgery
The recovery period after a standard tummy tuck is usually shorter than that of an extended tummy tuck. You can expect to take approximately two weeks before you feel comfortable resuming most of your normal activities. It may take up to six weeks before you feel fully recovered.
After an extended tummy tuck, you can expect a longer recovery period of approximately four to six weeks.
4. Risks Associated With the Surgery
Any weight loss surgery comes with the risk of infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. You may also experience numbness, pain, and scarring.
With standard and extended tummy tucks, the risks are the same. The only difference is that you have a longer incision with an extended tummy tuck.
It means there is a higher risk of infection and bleeding with an extended tummy tuck. You may also experience more pain and scarring. The best way to reduce your risk of complications is to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing tummy tucks.
Hospital BC is the best place for a tummy tuck in Tijuana. We offer both standard and extended tummy tucks. We will help you choose the best option for your needs and goals.
Reference: The cosmetic surgery with the most complications – CBS News