Partial/Modified Tummy Tuck

Chicago, Illinois

Not all patients require a full tummy tuck procedure to produce the sleek, sculpted abdomen they desire. That is why Chicago board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Otto Placik offers the partial tummy tuck technique (also known as a mini-tummy tuck or modified tummy tuck) as an alternative for his patients.

Candidates for a Partial Tummy Tuck

Just as a full tummy tuck is not right for everyone, neither is a partial tummy tuck. Good candidates for this type of cosmetic surgery procedure are individuals who:

• Have good overall health and fall within a healthy body weight
• Have a small amount of abdominal fat or sagging skin they would like removed from the lower abdomen, below the navel
• Have tried unsuccessfully to eliminate the excess fat or skin with diet and exercise
• Do not possess a considerably protruding abdominal wall

The Partial/Modified Tummy Tuck Procedure

Partial tummy tucks allow for removal of fat and skin below the navel, typically leaving the area above the navel untouched. In this procedure, a short incision is made along the bikini line. The length of incision will vary from patient to patient, depending on the amount of fat and skin to be removed.

Once the incision is made, Dr. Placik will begin to remove excess fat from the incision area up to the navel. The abdominal muscles can also be tightened, if necessary, during the procedure. The excess skin will then be stretched down and trimmed. The remaining skin will be re-stitched at the incision site.

Because the work is done below the navel, the patient's navel will remain in its proper position on the abdomen.

Advantages of a Partial Tummy Tuck

If the patient is a good candidate for the surgery, there are many advantages to undergoing a partial tummy tuck procedure. Partial tummy tucks are sometimes referred to as "scarless." However, while the incision line for a partial tummy tuck is typically shorter than a full tummy tuck, it is important to understand that this is an invasive surgery that will leave a scar on most patients.

Other advantages include:

• Quicker recovery time
• Less abdominal wall exposure
• Cheaper than a full tummy tuck
• Only one incision area

If you have been increasingly frustrated by a less-than-perfect abdominal area and wish to pursue a partial tummy tuck, please contact Associated Plastic Surgeons in Chicago, Illinois for a consultation. Dr. Placik can help you determine which tummy tuck procedure, if any, is right for you.

Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C. Otto J. Placik, M.D., F.A.C.S. (847) 398-1660 or (312) 787-5313 Arlington Heights and Chicago, Illinois

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