As we gain weight, either through puberty, pregnancy, or lifestyle choices our skin stretches to accommodate our new shape. Gain weight too quickly and the skin develops stretch marks, but what happens if you lose weight just as quickly? If you’re extremely lucky your skin will snap back as it once was, but if you’re part of the 99% who doesn’t have phenomenal skin elasticity you may be left with loose skin on your tummy, as well as other areas including thighs and arms.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a popular procedure with anyone carrying excess skin on their abdomen.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck, or partial tummy tuck, is very similar to a full abdominoplasty but it targets a much smaller area i.e. below the belly button and above the bikini line. While you are standing you may look like you have a perfect figure, but when you sit a small amount of skin may sit above your bikini line or knickers. This excess is commonly the result of pregnancy or slight weight loss, and cannot be addressed through exercise and healthy eating. A mini tummy tuck only addresses concerns on the lower abdomen, it does not address any problem areas around or above the belly button, for this you would require a full tummy tuck.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full abdominoplasty addresses areas of concern both above the belly button and below towards the bikini line. Full tummy tuck surgery is far more extensive than mini. While you are standing, or sitting, you have excess and loose skin clearly visible over your body and above the bikini line. This excess is commonly the result of multiple pregnancies or significant weight loss, and cannot be addressed through exercise and healthy eating. If any excess skin is only below the belly button and above the bikini line you may only require a mini tummy tuck.
Feeling self-conscious about your figure can make it really difficult to be confident in yourself and can even stop you wearing outfits you’d love to look good in. Having a firm, flat stomach can make a huge difference to the way you feel and when it’s not possible to achieve this through diet and exercise alone, Tummy Tuck surgery can be the right option.