Understanding the Differences: Mini, Traditional, Extended, and Circumferential Tummy Tucks

Tag Archives: plastic surgery

As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I, Dr. Sam Jejurikar, perform a high volume of tummy tuck procedures, helping patients achieve a flatter, more contoured abdomen. I’m fortunate to have been selected to D Magazine’s Best Doctors list for the past five years and Newsweek’s Best Plastic Surgeons list for the past three years. When considering a tummy tuck, it’s important to understand the different options. What are the differences between, mini, traditional, extended and circumferential tummy tuck? The main difference between each type is incision length, but all allow for muscle tightening (rectus plication) and liposuction to enhance results.

Mini Tummy Tuck: Subtle Enhancement with a Small Incision

A mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients with mild skin laxity below the belly button. The incision is short, similar to a C-section scar. This procedure removes excess skin, tightens lower abdominal muscles, and preserves the belly button. While there’s no incision around the belly button, I can perform an umbilical float (navel repositioning), slightly lowering it for a more natural result.

Ideal Candidate:

✔ Mild skin laxity below the navel
✔ Shorter recovery than a full tummy tuck
✔ Close to ideal body weight with limited need for skin removal

Traditional Tummy Tuck: Comprehensive Abdominal Rejuvenation

A full tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens muscles from the ribcage down to the pubic area. The incision runs from hip to hip but stays low enough to be hidden by most underwear and swimsuits. The belly button is repositioned, ensuring a natural appearance. While this procedure dramatically tightens the front of the abdomen, it does not provide as much contouring to the sides or waist.

Ideal Candidate:

✔ Excess skin and muscle laxity after pregnancy or weight loss
✔ Desire for a flatter, firmer abdomen
✔ Needs full rectus muscle repair but not much lateral contouring

Extended Tummy Tuck: Dramatic Hourglass Contouring

An extended tummy tuck goes beyond the traditional approach by removing excess skin that extends past the abdomen to the sides of the waist. The incision reaches beyond the hip bones, allowing for enhanced sculpting of the flanks and waistline. This procedure is excellent for patients seeking a dramatic hourglass figure and greater definition beyond the front of the abdomen.

Ideal Candidate:

✔ Loose skin extending past the abdomen
✔ Desire for more contouring along the waist and hips
✔ Desires dramatic reshaping of body to create an hourglass silhouette

Circumferential Tummy Tuck: 360-Degree Contouring with Gluteal Enhancement

A circumferential tummy tuck, also called a body lift, removes excess skin from the abdomen, sides, and lower back. The incision extends around the entire waistline, providing a full 360-degree transformation. In addition to creating a flatter, firmer midsection, this procedure allows for gluteal autoaugmentation, where excess tissue from the lower back is used to naturally enhance the buttocks. This option is especially popular among patients who have experienced massive weight loss.

Ideal Candidate:

✔ Significant skin laxity in the abdomen, back, and flanks
✔ Desire for full lower body contouring
✔ Interest in a natural buttock enhancement through autoaugmentation
✔ Stable weight after major weight loss

Choosing the Right Tummy Tuck

The best procedure depends on how much excess skin you have, muscle separation, and your overall goals. I perform muscle tightening and liposuction with all tummy tuck procedures to achieve the best contour possible.

If you’re considering a tummy tuck, I’d love to discuss your options. Schedule a consultation by calling us at 214-827-2814 to create a customized plan for your transformation.

Liposuction is one of the most effective procedures for removing unwanted fat and reshaping the body. However, not all fat is created equally, and the presence of visceral fat can significantly impact the results of body contouring surgery. I frequently encounter requests to perform liposuction on individuals with significant amounts of visceral fat. I must explain to these patients that surgical intervention is not a viable option for treating such fat deposits. Understanding the anatomic location and health implications of visceral fat, its limitations in optimizing the results of surgical procedures, and how to reduce it is essential for both patients and surgeons alike.

Visceral Fat

What is visceral fat? Fat in the human body is classified into two main types: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat.

Subcutaneous fat is the soft, pinchable fat that lies just beneath the skin. This is the type of fat that can be effectively targeted and removed through liposuction.
Visceral fat, on the other hand, is stored deep within the abdominal cavity, surrounding internal organs such as the liver, intestines, and pancreas. Unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat cannot be removed through liposuction due to the high risk of perforating the gastrointestinal tract or damaging solid organs.

Why Is Visceral Fat a Concern for Body Contouring Surgery?

Patients seeking body contouring procedures, such as liposuction or abdominoplasty, often expect dramatic results. However, the presence of excessive visceral fat can limit these outcomes for several key reasons:

Inability to Remove Visceral Fat with Liposuction: Liposuction exclusively targets subcutaneous fat, as it involves suctioning fat cells from directly beneath the skin. Visceral fat, which is located inside the abdominal cavity, is inaccessible to liposuction techniques. No surgical method can safely remove visceral fat directly, meaning that patients with a high volume of visceral fat will not achieve the slimmed-down look they desire after surgery.
Impact on Abdominal Contouring: Patients with excessive visceral fat will still have a convex abdominal shape after liposuction. This is because the fat pushing outward from inside the abdominal cavity remains unchanged. While liposuction can remove superficial fat and improve body contour, it does not address the deep-seated fat responsible for a bloated midsection.
Increased Surgical Risks: Excess visceral fat is associated with a range of health risks, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. From a surgical standpoint, patients with excessive visceral fat may face increased risks of complications such as poor wound healing, infections, and prolonged recovery times.
Affects Muscle Tightening Procedures: In cases of tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), surgeons not only remove excess skin but also tighten the abdominal muscles to enhance contouring. However, significant visceral fat can put pressure on these muscles, making it more difficult to achieve optimal tightening and a flat abdominal profile. This means that even with muscle repair, the desired abdominal flattening may not be fully realized.

How to Reduce Visceral Fat Before Surgery

Because visceral fat cannot be removed surgically, patients must take steps to reduce it through lifestyle modifications. Some effective ways to reduce visceral fat include:

Adopt a Healthy Diet: Focus on a high-protein, low-carb, and fiber-rich diet to promote fat loss. Avoiding processed foods, excess sugar, and trans fats can help reduce visceral fat content over time.
Exercise Regularly: Engaging in cardiovascular exercises, such as running, cycling, or swimming, helps burn visceral fat more effectively than spot-reducing techniques.
Strength Training: Incorporating weightlifting or resistance training into your routine can boost metabolism and promote overall fat loss.
Manage Stress and Sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep are linked to increased visceral fat accumulation. Practicing stress-reduction techniques and maintaining proper sleep hygiene are vital in promoting fat loss.
Medical Interventions: For some individuals, GLP-1 agonists (such as Mounjaro or Ozempic) or other medically supervised weight-loss treatments may be recommended to help reduce visceral fat before undergoing surgery.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Liposuction?

The best candidates for liposuction are those who:

Have realistic expectations about what liposuction can and cannot achieve.
Are at or near their ideal body weight with minimal visceral fat.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise.
Have good skin elasticity, which allows for better contouring post-surgery.

Final Thoughts

Liposuction is a powerful tool for refining body shape, but it is not a solution for deep, visceral fat. Patients must understand that visceral fat reduction requires lifestyle changes, and achieving an optimal body contour involves a combination of surgery and personal health management. By taking proactive steps to lower visceral fat before surgery, patients can improve both their surgical results and their overall health. If you’d like to learn more, do not hesitate to reach out to my Dallas Plastic Surgery office (Dr. Sam Jejurikar) at 214-827-2814.

Becoming a mother is a transformative experience, but the journey can take a toll on your body. Many women find that even with dedicated exercise and healthy eating, certain post-pregnancy changes to their body remain difficult to address. This is where a Mommy Makeover can help. Combining procedures tailored to restore a woman’s pre-pregnancy body—or enhance it further—a Mommy Makeover is one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeries today. With Dr. Sam Jejurikar, a highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, you can achieve stunning, natural-looking results.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy Makeover is a customizable combination of procedures designed to address the physical changes caused by pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. The most common areas of focus include the abdomen, breasts, and body contour. However, the specific procedures included depend on each patient’s unique goals.

Common components of a Mommy Makeover include:

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin, especially after multiple pregnancies. Dr. Jejurikar often incorporates multidirectional muscle tightening to achieve a flatter, firmer abdomen.
Breast Augmentation and/or Lift: Restores volume lost after breastfeeding and corrects sagging to create a youthful, lifted appearance.
Liposuction: Removes stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise, sculpting a more contoured silhouette.
Fat Transfer: Enhances curves, such as augmenting the buttocks or hips, using your own fat.

Additional procedures like labiaplasty or facial rejuvenation may also be included based on the patient’s preferences.

Dr. Sam Jejurikar: A Trusted Expert in Mommy Makeovers

Dr. Sam Jejurikar is a nationally recognized plastic surgeon known for his precision, artistry, and patient-centric approach. As a member of the prestigious Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute, Dr. Jejurikar combines advanced techniques with a personalized touch to deliver outstanding results.

Why choose Dr. Jejurikar for your Mommy Makeover?

Expertise in Complex Procedures:
Dr. Jejurikar has extensive experience in body contouring and breast surgery, two critical components of a Mommy Makeover. His expertise ensures optimal results tailored to each patient.
Focus on Natural Results:
With a keen eye for aesthetics, Dr. Jejurikar prioritizes creating natural, balanced results that enhance your body without appearing overdone.
Comprehensive Care:
From your initial consultation to post-surgical follow-ups, Dr. Jejurikar and his team are committed to providing compassionate, thorough care.
Cutting-Edge Techniques:
Dr. Jejurikar utilizes advanced surgical methods, such as VASER liposuction for enhanced fat removal and refined body contouring.

Benefits of a Mommy Makeover

A Mommy Makeover offers numerous physical and emotional benefits, including:

Restored Confidence: Regain your pre-pregnancy body—or an even better version of it—helping you feel confident and empowered.
Customizable Approach: Tailored to address your specific concerns, from sagging skin to stubborn fat.
One Surgery, Multiple Improvements: Combining procedures reduces overall recovery time compared to undergoing surgeries separately.
Long-Lasting Results: With a healthy lifestyle, the effects of a Mommy Makeover can be enjoyed for many years.

The Ideal Candidate for a Mommy Makeover

While every patient is unique, the ideal candidate for a Mommy Makeover typically:

Has completed their family or does not plan to have more children (additional pregnancies can reverse some of the procedure’s effects).
Maintains a stable weight and is close to their goal weight.
Is in good overall health with no medical conditions that could impair healing.
Has realistic expectations about the results.

Recovery and Results

The recovery process for a Mommy Makeover varies depending on the procedures included. Typically, patients can expect:

Initial Recovery: Most patients take 2-3 weeks off work and daily activities. You’ll need help with childcare and household responsibilities during this time.
Swelling and Bruising: These are common but subside significantly within the first few weeks.
Final Results: While initial results are noticeable soon after surgery, full results become apparent as swelling diminishes, usually around 3-6 months.

Dr. Jejurikar provides detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and maximize your results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does a Mommy Makeover cost?
A: Costs vary based on the procedures included. During your consultation with Dr. Jejurikar, you’ll receive a detailed quote tailored to your treatment plan.

Q: Can a Mommy Makeover address stretch marks?
A: While a Mommy Makeover isn’t designed to treat stretch marks specifically, a tummy tuck can remove skin affected by stretch marks in the lower abdomen. Stretch marks outside of this area may still remain.

Q: Can I combine a Mommy Makeover with other procedures?
A: Absolutely! Many patients add treatments like facial rejuvenation, labiaplasty, or fat transfer to complement their results.

Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Sam Jejurikar

A Mommy Makeover can help you reclaim your body and confidence, empowering you to feel like the best version of yourself. With Dr. Sam Jejurikar, you’re in expert hands every step of the way. From personalized consultations to transformative results, his dedication to excellence ensures your journey is as rewarding as your outcome.

If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule your consultation with Dr. Sam Jejurikar at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute. Contact us today to learn how a Mommy Makeover can transform your life!

Neurotoxins, including Botox, Dysport, and others, are some of the most popular and effective treatments for reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. These injectables work by temporarily relaxing targeted muscles, giving the skin a smoother, more youthful appearance. Let’s explore the key neurotoxins used in the U.S., their FDA-approved indications, off-label uses, and the pros and cons of each.

How Neurotoxins Work

Neurotoxins are derived from botulinum toxin, a purified protein that blocks nerve signals to muscles. By inhibiting muscle contractions, neurotoxins effectively reduce dynamic wrinkles—lines that form due to repetitive facial movements.

FDA-Approved Neurotoxins in the U.S.

1. Botox Cosmetic (OnabotulinumtoxinA)

FDA-Approved Indications:
- Glabellar lines (frown lines between the brows)
- Crow’s feet (lines around the eyes)
- Forehead lines
- Axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating)
- Chronic migraines
- Overactive bladder
- Cervical dystonia (neck muscle spasms)
Off-Label Uses:
- Lip flip (upper lip enhancement)
- Gummy smile correction
- Jaw slimming (masseter muscle relaxation)
- Bunny lines (nose wrinkles)
- Neck bands (platysmal bands)
- Perioral lines (smoker’s lines)
Pros:
- Most studied and widely used neurotoxin.
- Predictable, reliable results.
- Versatile with a broad range of applications.
Cons:
- Slightly higher cost compared to competitors.
- Results can take 5-7 days to become noticeable.

2. Dysport (AbobotulinumtoxinA)

FDA-Approved Indications:
- Glabellar lines (frown lines)
- Cervical dystonia
Off-Label Uses:
- Similar to Botox, including crow’s feet, forehead lines, and masseter reduction.
Pros:
- Diffuses more readily, making it ideal for treating larger areas.
- Results may appear faster (within 2-3 days for some patients).
Cons:
- Diffusion can be a disadvantage in small, precise areas, potentially causing unintended muscle relaxation.
- Requires slightly more units than Botox for equivalent results.

3. Xeomin (IncobotulinumtoxinA)

FDA-Approved Indications:
- Glabellar lines
- Cervical dystonia
- Blepharospasm (eyelid spasms)
Off-Label Uses:
- Crow’s feet, forehead lines, and masseter reduction.
Pros:
- Contains no additives, reducing the risk of developing resistance or immunity over time.
- Results are comparable to Botox.
Cons:
- Effects may take slightly longer to set in (5-7 days).
- Some providers find it less versatile than Botox or Dysport.

4. Jeuveau (PrabotulinumtoxinA-xvfs)

FDA-Approved Indications:
- Glabellar lines
Off-Label Uses:
- Crow’s feet, forehead lines, and other facial wrinkles.
Pros:
- Marketed as a “modern” alternative to Botox with similar efficacy.
- Competitive pricing compared to Botox.
Cons:
- Limited FDA-approved uses compared to other neurotoxins.
- Less long-term data compared to Botox and Dysport.

5. Daxxify (DaxxibotulinumtoxinA-lanm)

FDA-Approved Indications:
- Glabellar lines
Off-Label Uses:
- Similar to Botox but not as widely adopted yet.
Pros:
- Longer duration of results—lasting up to 6 months, which is twice as long as other neurotoxins for many patients.
- Ideal for patients seeking fewer treatments per year.
Cons:
- Limited availability and higher cost.
- Newer product with less widespread use and clinical data.

Comparing Neurotoxins: Choosing the Right Option

Neurotoxin	Onset	Duration	Best For	Price Point
Botox	5-7 days	3-4 months	Precision and versatility	$$
Dysport	2-3 days	3-4 months	Larger areas with faster onset	$$
Xeomin	5-7 days	3-4 months	Patients prone to resistance	$$
Jeuveau	5-7 days	3-4 months	Cost-conscious patients	$
Daxxify	5-7 days	4-6 months	Long-lasting results	$$$

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Neurotoxins

Pros:

Quick, Non-Surgical: Minimal downtime and immediate return to daily activities.
Customizable Results: Treatments are tailored to each patient’s needs.
Preventative Benefits: Early use can prevent deeper wrinkles over time.

Cons:

Temporary Results: Maintenance treatments are required every 3-6 months.
Potential Side Effects: Includes bruising, swelling, or asymmetry if improperly administered.
Cost: Ongoing treatments can add up over time.

Conclusion: The Right Neurotoxin for You

Each neurotoxin offers unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your specific goals, treatment area, and preferences. It’s essential to consult with an experienced provider to determine the ideal option for your needs.

If you’re ready to explore neurotoxin treatments, schedule a consultation with our office today to learn more about how Botox, Dysport, and other options can help you achieve your aesthetic goals!

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Our Location Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute

9101 N. Central Expwy.
Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75231
Tel: 214-827-2814

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