Scarless Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck is becoming and more and more popular plastic surgery procedure, especially for women who have had children and can’t seem to quite get rid of that remaining lower abdominal “pouch” no matter how rigorously they diet and exercise. It’s also popular – and sometimes necessary – for both men and women who have lost a great deal of weight due to illness, weight loss, or extreme weight loss after gastric bypass surgery.

The scarless tummy tuck is a popular option for those seeking a more refined abdominal profile, but whose issues are focused mostly in the lower abdomen. While a traditional tummy tuck corrects loose skin and tightens muscles both above and below the navel, often requiring the actual removal and reattachment of the navel itself, the scarless tummy tuck, also called a mini tummy tuck, concentrates on the area below the navel.

The lower abdominal muscles are particularly susceptible to loss of tone and a pouchy appearance, particularly after they’ve been stretched by rapid weight gain or pregnancy. Once these muscles have been stretched out of their normal position, it’s very difficult to bring them back into shape through diet and exercise alone.

You might be considered a good candidate for a scarless tummy tuck if the following statements apply to you:

1. You are near your ideal weight, but still have loose skin and fatty tissue, or loose musculature, in the lower abdominal area.

2. You are in otherwise very good health

3. You understand what can and can’t be accomplished with a scarless tummy tuck, and have realistic expectations about the procedure

4. You are a non-smoker

In a scarless tummy tuck, small incisions are made at the level of the hipbone, as opposed to a traditional tummy tuck, in which the incision is much larger and usually goes all the way across the abdomen from one hipbone to the other. Loose skin is removed, as well as excess fatty tissue, and the abdominal muscles are repositioned and stitched into place to create a tighter, more refined abdomen.

A consultation with your surgeon of choice will also help you decide if the procedure is right for you, and if the surgeon is sensitive to your needs. Many surgeons will provide a free consultation, so do your research ahead of time to ensure a successful result to your quest for a better you.