Dr. David Bottger, a leading aesthetic plastic surgeon based in Philadelphia, describes the various techniques and types of tummy tuck surgery that can slim, sculpt, and smooth the abdomen.
Philadelphia, PA — A tummy tuck, medically referred to as “abdominoplasty,” is a well-known body sculpting procedure designed to reduce a bulging abdomen and provide a more defined abdominal contour. Although the positive effects of a flatter and more sculpted belly can be experienced by all tummy tuck patients to some extent, there are different types of abdominoplasty which utilize distinctive techniques based on each person’s unique needs. Board-certified plastic surgeon David Bottger, MD explains the different types of tummy tuck surgery available at his Newtown Square practice in the hopes of helping individuals who are considering abdominoplasty better understand their treatment options.
For patients affected by a combination of separated muscles, excess skin, and stubborn fat in the abdomen, a full tummy tuck is typically the most commonly performed procedure. During a full abdominoplasty, incisions may extend horizontally from hip bone to hip bone, or be placed vertically in the middle of the abdomen. Abdominal muscles are then tightened through the incisions, while excess skin and fatty tissue are removed. There are several techniques that can be utilized during a full tummy tuck to achieve the most optimal result for your body shape, including liposuction and the “drain-free” approach.
A drain-free tummy tuck is an innovative technique that uses progressive tension sutures to reduce tension on the incision’s closure site. This ultimately has the effect of eliminating the need for surgical drains, which can have positive benefits for patients such as minimized pain during the recovery period, greater mobility while healing, a decreased risk of infections at the drain site, and the ability to recover without the hassle of drain canister maintenance.
In contrast, a “mini” tummy tuck may be a better solution for women and men who only have a mild to moderate amount of excess skin and fat in the abdomen. Only the region below the belly button is addressed during surgery, and the underlying muscles typically do not need correction. The incision for a mini tummy tuck is often shorter than the one required for a full tummy tuck, allowing qualified patients to achieve reduced scarring and recovery time. However, a mini tummy tuck is only effective for certain patients depending on their anatomic indications.
Finally, a plus-size tummy tuck can be a possibility for patients who are overweight, yet in good health. The procedure is performed similarly to a full tummy tuck with the addition of liposuction often performed on the flanks, lower back, and abdomen to achieve a superior result. Patients are more likely to qualify for a plus-size tummy tuck if they’re within 20 to 30 pounds of the healthy weight range for their body type, although each patient will be assessed individually. In any case, Dr. Bottger states that losing weight before tummy tuck surgery can be very helpful in achieving the best possible results.
Dr. Bottger performs numerous tummy tuck techniques at his practice to ensure each patient has options to achieve their goals, no matter their unique needs. He stresses the importance of consulting with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) to obtain the information necessary to make a well-informed decision about tummy tuck surgery.
About David Bottger, MD
Dr. David Bottger is an aesthetic plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He offers several different types of body contouring, breast enhancement, and facial plastic surgeries at his office in Newtown Square, including abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, and breast reduction. In addition to his membership to the The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Dr. Bottger is also on the surgical staff at both Bryn Mawr Hospital and The Crozer Health Surgery Center at Haverford. He has been recognized in Philadelphia magazine’s catalog of “Top Doctors” in the region for numerous consecutive years. Dr. David Bottger is available for interview upon request.
Contact:
Dr. David A. Bottger
Philadelphia Main Line
3855 West Chester Pike, Suite 230
Newtown Square, PA 19073
(610) 355-1929