A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat, all while tightening the abdomen. Although this well-known surgical procedure can create a major change as it affects all three layers of the abdomen, it is not without its risks and complications. There are similar treatments and alternatives forﾠthe traditionalﾠtummy tuck.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Muscles can be tightened in a less-invasive way if only minimal tightness is neededﾠin theﾠlower abdominal area ( a small amount of flab). This plastic surgery addresses problems that liposuction cannot correct.

The incision with this type of procedure is a much smaller transverse (crosswise) cut around the panty line area for which the skin is re-draped. Usually, the bellybutton is removed and reconnected, resulting with a lower bellybutton. With the full tummy tuck, a larger incision is made up to the rib area with the creation of a new bellybutton. Because the incision with a mini tummy tuck is smaller than the traditional full tummy tuck, the recovery time is faster.

The cost for a mini tummy tuck is usually about $1,800 to $4,000, while the full tummy tuck is normally about $6,000 to $8,000.

Fleur de Lise Tummy Tuck

This type of tummy tuck involves pulling the skin from the sides using the skin from a previous scar. This is a good method for those that loss a great deal of weight,ﾠas more excess skin can be removed. The benefit is thatﾠa lot of the extra skin in front can be flattened with noﾠscar all the wayﾠaround.ﾠMore scarring and a greater possible risk of wound infection does exist, however, with this type of cosmetic surgery.

The cost for a Fleur de Lise tummy tuck is approximately $6,000 to $8,000.

Dermatolipectomy

This type of surgery removes loose unwanted skin and fat without involving the muscles. The belly button is also repositioned. The risks are similar to other surgeries such as a reaction to anesthesia, infection, blood clots and possible scarring. The post-operative period is less than the traditional tummy tuck, as there is no tightening of the abdominal muscles.ﾠFor this reason,ﾠless painﾠis experienced.

The cost for a dermatolipectomy is usually minimally $5,000 to maybe $9,000, but as like all procedures, can vary depending on the patient's medical condition and the amount of area that needs to be treated (as well as any complication factors involved).

Lipoplasty

Lipoplasty (liposuction) can remove excess fat without the need of a general anesthesia like the full tummy tuck, and yet reshapes specific areas of the body. Because this procedure makes tiny incisions in the skin, the abdomen keeps its natural appearance.

The cost for liposuction can range between $1,500 and $7,500, depending on the amount of area that is to be treated.

Body Thermage

This non-invasive technique can tighten loose skin in the abdomen, legs and buttocks, and arms. A radio frequency technique is used while restoring and stimulating new collagen under the skin. This FDA-approved procedure is known to effectively create a tighter tummy without the use of lasers, surgery, or injections. It also only usually requires one session.

The cost for a Thermage treatment is from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the amount of area to be treated, and may be an option instead of a tummy tuckﾠdepending on the extent of the problem.