What is the Difference Between a Full Tummy Tuck and a “Mini” Tummy Tuck?
Just the name “mini tummy tuck” sounds more appealing than a full tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck infers less surgery time, a smaller incision thus a smaller scar and faster healing. Though the names are similar, the procedures are quite different, and they treat different issues.
Many of Miguel Delgado, M.D.’s patients ask if they qualify for a mini tummy tuck over a full tummy tuck. He explains to his patients that the “mini tummy tuck” is generally for women who have not had children, who have mild to moderate abdominal fat, have minimal skin laxity, and mild to moderate separation of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal muscles can only be tightened below the belly button as the belly button is not altered, and removal of stretch marks will be limited. The short incision is well hidden in the pubic hairline. Abdominal liposuction can be performed with the mini tummy tuck, and some tightening of the abdominal muscles can be achieved. However, once a mini-tummy tuck is performed, a full tummy tuck cannot be done in the future without risking the viability of the belly button. A good candidate should be within 10% of her ideal body weight.
The full tummy tuck is actually two operations, muscle repair and skin excision. The skin is stretched from above the belly button to the top of the pubic mound. If there are stretch marks above the belly button, they will end up just above the pubic mound. The incision for the full tummy tuck is also at or below the pubic hairline; however it extends from hip to hip and additionally it goes around the belly button. The ideal candidate for a full tummy tuck is a woman who has finished having children. This is not to say that tummy tucks are for women alone, it is a fairly popular procedure for men, especially if they have undergone a large amount of weight loss. Some men choose to have a tummy tuck procedure when they have another surgery such as gynecomastia, also known as male breast reduction.
Which is Best, Liposuction or CoolSculpting?
Liposuction techniques have been evolving and improving for over 30 years. The popularity of liposuction is reflected in the statistics reported by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). ASAPS states that liposuction was the top cosmetic surgical procedure for 2013 with a 16.3% increase for 2012. The statistics for 2014 have not been reported yet.
This is a 28-year-old woman, 5 feet 4 inches and weighs 130 pounds. She underwent ultrasonic liposuction of the abdomen, flanks and back at Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center in Marin County, California, by Dr. Delgado. She had 2500 cc of fat extracted from these areas. The photographs are seen approximately one year after surgery. She dropped one size in her clothing.
New fat reduction techniques continue to emerge as men and women alike are constantly trying to find ways to win the “battle of the bulge.”
As successful as liposuction is, there are many people looking for a non-surgical solution for fat reduction. CoolSculpting has proven to be the answer for many. CoolSculpting is a non-invasive method that kills fat cells by a process called Cryolipolysis® which kills fat cells by freezing them.
With CoolSculpting the results won’t be evident for several weeks, as it takes time for the body to shed the dead fat cells. With liposuction the results are immediate and a lot more fat can be removed than with CoolSculpting.
It is best to be evaluated by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to determine which procedure will give you the best results. Liposuction is for more dramatic fat reduction. CoolSculpting is designed for smaller stubborn areas of fat such as the love handles, tummy, thighs and arms.
Share Tweet Read MoreCan Tummy Tuck Alternatives Deliver Great Results?
By Non-surgical tummy tuck alternatives are often hailed as cheaper, less invasive options that can deliver comparable results to the real thing. These claims to fame range in nature from pop-science ploys to simply less effective cosmetic procedures. The reality, however, is that these gimmicks often fall very short of actually helping anyone reach their appearance goals.
Tummy Tuck® System
Also known as the Tummy Tuck Miracle Slimming System or the Tummy Tuck Belt, this product is advertised as a cheap way to burn belly fat with minimal effort for a slimmer stomach. First a warming cream referred to as a “Thermal Accelerator” is applied to the midsection, followed by a belt. Then, according to the creators, just two minutes of standing abdominal squeezes “ignites a fat-burning chain reaction” that continues long after removal of the belt.
While the belt itself may minimize the appearance of bulges of belly fat and skin while you are actually wearing it (similar to many compression garments that are worn under the clothes), that’s about all the Tummy Tuck® System is good for. The alleged fat-burning chain reaction is not scientifically possible with only light exercises and a warming cream, and the claims of real results are not substantiated by clinical trials. Reviews of the Tummy Tuck® System are largely negative, and consumers report that the cream alone ends up costing more than the belt because the vendor automates regular deliveries of the cream once the product is purchased.
Smartlipo®
Smartlipo® is a laser lipolysis procedure. Advertisers claim that lasers used in the procedure “melt” fat from the body while simultaneously tightening the skin, delivering results comparable to a tummy tuck or liposuction. However, patients should approach the procedure with caution.
Laser alternatives to tummy tucks do not have consistent reviews and lack the extensive studies and regulations that would indicate safe, predictable results. Smartlipo® uses heat energy to destroy the membranes of fat cells. However, without a highly specific laser strength, fat cells may become merely damaged rather than destroyed, which can affect the surrounding tissue and may result in long-term bruising or pain. Furthermore, the alleged skin-tightening benefit seems to be a temporary result of swelling and immature scar formation rather than a permanent change.
Tummy Tuck Benefits
Unlike tummy tuck alternatives, abdominoplasty is a tried and true method of delivering measurable body contouring results. Not only is excess fatty tissue removed, but the abdominal muscles are also tightened and repaired, an advantage that cannot be offered by any non-surgical alternative. Finally, the skin is smoothed and tightened over the abdominal area and the belly button is repositioned for a beautiful final result. Patients interested in treating lingering pockets of subcutaneous fat can opt for a drain-free tummy tuck, which combines liposuction with a
traditional abdominoplasty.
While a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that requires more downtime than non-invasive alternatives, it also delivers real, significant results. Furthermore, a tummy tuck delivers results as a one-time surgery rather than needing repeated treatments. Perhaps the most notable advantage of a tummy tuck, however, is that the procedure is safe, highly regulated and has a proven track record. While no surgical procedure is completely risk-free, investing in a tummy tuck alternative that has not been backed by studies or undergone thorough development is much riskier, and can result in a lot of wasted money and disappointment.
Share Tweet Read MoreRisks of Medical Tourism
Medical tourism has been around for thousands of years. According to history, the Greeks traveled hundreds of miles for medical treatments, and spa therapies similar to what we have today. The media reports the upsurge of Americans traveling to other countries for cosmetic surgery procedures such as: tummy tucks, breast augmentation, breast reduction, and facelifts.
Some of the most popular countries for medical tourism are; Thailand, Hungary, India, Philippines, and Brazil. While some of the surgeons may be very qualified, there are several disadvantages that patients need to consider before booking those plane tickets.
Initially, the savings may be very tempting, and the lure of recovering in a tropical paradise may seem ideal.
Dr. Miguel Delgado warns patients to consider the possibility of surgical complications after returning home. Will traveling back to the original country be an option? If not, it may be difficult to find a surgeon willing to take over another surgeon’s problem case. In either case, the cost may negate the initial savings.
A foreign language may make communication with the doctor and staff difficult. Depending on what procedure was done, most patients will need to be careful traveling and lifting heavy suitcases. Additionally, there may be some risks of blood clots if the patient travels The United States is regarded as having the highest medical standards in the world. Many foreign countries do not require doctors to have malpractice insurance; this allows them to offers procedures at much lower fees. Medications and medical devices may not be top quality, leaving the patient vulnerable should there be a complication. Most U.S. insurance
companies do not cover complications due to treatment outside the country.
If recovery in a tropical paradise sounds appealing, remember most incisions need protections from the sun to minimize scarring. Swimming in tropical waters will need to be avoided until after healing to avoid infection. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has additional warnings on their website.
Dr. Delgado advises patients to carefully consider all the pros and cons of traveling out of the United States for their cosmetic surgery procedures. He suggests that patients plan a fun getaway vacation to a tropical paradise after healing from surgery.
Share Tweet Read MoreParents, Teens and Plastic Surgery
By It has become quite commonplace to talk about plastic surgery in New York City, just as it has in other major metropolitan areas, and it is not unusual to hear teens discussing procedures they’d like to have. Here in the Big Apple, young people don’t just pay attention to what reality TV teens are doing; they’re also bombarded with images of perfectly proportioned, youthful models on billboards all over Manhattan.
So how can parents ensure teens have the right perspective on plastic surgery? Here are some tips to consider.
Listen Carefully
Encourage conversations about body image whenever your son or daughter seems open. Any frustration you hear could be related to normal adolescent changes, or there could be some underlying issues intertwined with unhappiness about physical developments. Do your best to listen without judgment and express understanding. Ask gentle questions about other aspects of your teen’s life, and don’t hesitate to suggest counseling if you think it might benefit him or her.
Offer Perspective
If your daughter seems obsessed with the huge lips or oversized rear ends young celebrities tend to favor these days, remind her that fads come and go—even when it comes to bodies. Back up your position by showing images of female models of yesteryear, from the Rubenesque women of the Baroque era to the skinny waifs of the 1960’s. You can suggest that it’s a sure bet that at least some stars will regret their enhanced lips and butts at some point in the future.
Share an Experience
Remember when you sprouted breasts before you were really ready for them? Or when your feet seemed way too big for the rest of your body? “This too shall pass” may seem like a simplistic message, but when you share a personal story with your child it can be powerful. It can be difficult for a young person to trust that his or her body proportions will even out and feelings of embarrassment subside—you can help.
Encourage Activities
There’s no better antidote for self-absorption than outside activities and accomplishments. Perhaps your son or daughter would benefit from a hobby or pastime that gets them out of the house and away from electronics. Encourage your teen to find ways to exercise their muscles, try something new and/or give back to society—and consider joining them!
Be Open Minded
It’s not hard to argue that plastic surgery for teens is often inappropriate. But there are exceptions. Very large breasts can cause a young girl extreme mental anguish, and when overdeveloped male breast tissue known as gynecomastia persists for guys, the impact can shatter self-esteem. Even oversized ears and noses can attract teasing and bullying, causing a teen to withdraw.
If your child is suffering from a physical attribute that might warrant cosmetic surgery, it is natural to have many questions and conflicting feelings. One step you can consider is to visit a plastic surgeon with experience working with teens—with or without your youngster. After you perform research and talk with family and friends, this is the next logical move. You’ll gain valuable information from an experienced, understanding professional, and no reputable plastic surgeon will push a procedure on anyone.
There’s perhaps no more difficult time of life than adolescence, and impressionable young people often grasp at ways to fit in better—even plastic surgery. You owe it to your son or daughter to do all you can to help them gain perspective and a sense of peace about their body.
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