Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Tyler, Texas: Types & Procedures

1. Mini Tummy Tuck (Partial Abdominoplasty)

Target Area: Lower abdomen below the belly button

Best For: Patients with minimal skin laxity or a stubborn lower belly "pooch"

A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive option for Tyler, TX patients who need minor corrections. This procedure addresses only the area below the belly button, making it ideal for those with good upper abdominal tone but excess skin or fat in the lower abdomen.

The Procedure: Dr. Henderson makes a small incision along the bikini line, removes excess skin and fat, and may tighten the lower abdominal muscles. The belly button is not repositioned. Sometimes combined with liposuction for optimal results.

Recovery: Faster than a full tummy tuck, typically 1-2 weeks. The scar is smaller and easily hidden beneath underwear or swimwear.

2. Standard/Full Tummy Tuck (Traditional Abdominoplasty)

Target Area: Lower and middle abdomen

Best For: Patients with moderate to significant loose skin, excess fat, and muscle laxity

The most commonly performed tummy tuck procedure in Tyler, Texas, the standard abdominoplasty addresses both skin excess and muscle weakness throughout the entire abdominal region.

The Procedure: A horizontal incision is made from hip to hip along the bikini line, and a second incision around the belly button. Dr. Henderson removes excess skin and fat, repairs and tightens separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), and repositions the navel for a natural appearance.

Recovery: Most patients return to light activities within 2-3 weeks and full activities within 4-6 weeks. The scar can be hidden below the bikini line.

Results: Dramatically flatter abdomen, restored muscle tone, and improved body contour.

3. Extended Tummy Tuck

Target Area: Abdomen, hips, flanks, and lower back

Best For: Massive weight loss patients or those with significant excess skin extending to the sides and back

An extended tummy tuck goes beyond the traditional procedure by addressing excess skin and fat that extends around the hips and into the lower back area, creating a more comprehensive body contouring result.

The Procedure: The incision extends further around the sides past the hips. Dr. Henderson removes substantial amounts of skin and fat, tightens abdominal muscles, and repositions the belly button. This is often the procedure of choice for post-bariatric surgery patients.

Recovery: 4-6 weeks for return to normal activities. This more extensive procedure requires careful monitoring and may involve an overnight hospital stay.

Additional Care: Drainage tubes are placed for several days to remove excess fluid. Compression garments are worn for several weeks.

4. Panniculectomy

Target Area: Lower abdomen (pannus)

Best For: Patients with a large hanging apron of skin after massive weight loss

A panniculectomy focuses specifically on removing the pannus—the apron of excess skin and fat that hangs over the lower abdomen. Unlike other tummy tucks, this procedure prioritizes functional improvement over aesthetic enhancement.

The Procedure: Removes excess skin and underlying fatty tissue from the lower abdomen. The belly button is typically not repositioned, and abdominal muscles are not tightened unless medically necessary.

Benefits: Improves mobility, reduces skin irritation and infections, relieves back pain, and enhances quality of life for Tyler, TX patients who have experienced massive weight loss.

Insurance Note: In some cases, panniculectomy may be partially covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary due to functional impairment or recurrent infections.

5. Reverse Tummy Tuck (Inverted Tummy Tuck)

Target Area: Upper abdomen above the belly button

Best For: Patients with firm lower abdomens but loose skin in the upper torso

The reverse or inverted tummy tuck is a unique procedure that targets the upper abdomen—an area not addressed by traditional tummy tucks. This is particularly beneficial for patients who have good lower abdominal tone but sagging skin above the belly button.

The Procedure: Dr. Henderson makes an incision beneath the breasts, removes excess skin and fat from the upper abdomen, and lifts the skin upward. The incision is strategically placed in the natural crease under the breasts, where the scar will be well-concealed.

Combination Options: Often performed with breast lift or breast augmentation for complete upper body contouring. Can also be combined with a traditional tummy tuck for a "circumferential" approach.

Note: This procedure does not typically include muscle tightening or belly button repositioning.

6. Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck

Target Area: Entire abdomen with both vertical and horizontal excess skin

Best For: Massive weight loss patients with significant skin excess in multiple directions

The Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck is the most extensive abdominoplasty option, designed for Tyler, Texas patients who have lost 100+ pounds and have large amounts of loose skin both horizontally and vertically.

The Procedure: Creates both a horizontal incision (hip to hip) and a vertical incision (from the chest to the pubic area), forming an inverted "T" or fleur-de-lis pattern. This allows Dr. Henderson to remove maximum skin excess, tighten muscles comprehensively, and create dramatic body contouring results.

Recovery: Longer recovery period of 6-8 weeks due to the extensive nature of the surgery. Most patients stay overnight for monitoring.

Results: Transformational improvements for patients who have achieved massive weight loss. While scarring is more extensive, the functional and aesthetic benefits are life-changing.