How do the costs and results of a floating abdominoplasty compare to a traditional TT?

The floating umbilicus technique has been around a while but has enjoyed recent resurgence in popularity.  The problem is that if you don’t like the floating tummy tuck and want to convert it to a full tummy tuck, it becomes risky in trying to preserve the circulation to the umbilicus.  Therefore I advise against it.

The floating abdominoplasty is reserved for individuals that don't need a lot of skin removed. The procedure is essentially liposuction with tightening of any separation of muscles. The belly button is not relocated. There is not the long scar associated with the traditional tummy tuck. To be certain if this procedure is right for you would require a consultation.

These procedures take about the same length of time form and carry about the same risks and postoperative care. Therefore, my practice, the costs are similar.

Hello. Great question. However, prices vary by surgeon. An in person examination is needed to determine whether you are a good candidate for a standard tummy tuck or a floating tummy tuck. Please visit a board certified plastic surgeon for a detailed surgical plan to achieve your desired results.

Thanks for your inquiry, an abdominal float is technique used to address the muscle repair when there is not much skin above the umbilicus or if a patient has a high belly button.

If you don't have much excess skin of your lower abdomen but need abdominal muscle wall tightening, then an umbilical float may be an option for you.This works best in patients with a higher location of their belly button to start. There are no scars around the belly button, but the position will be slightly lower on the abdomen once the surgery is complete. Consult with a few plastic surgeons in person to see if this is an option for you.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

This is a great operation for the right patient.   This operation is for the patient with Abdominal wall muscle laxity, some loose skin - but not enough to remove all the skin from the top of the umbilicus to the pubic area.   Liposuction is often a part of the procedure.   The results are excellent.  The belly button is lowered slightly , the scar could be short or longer if there is extra skin to remove.

Without reiterating what the previous surgeons have said with respect to the difference between these two procedures, I will point out that it would help to post photos and your height, weight, age, etc. so that we can give you a more honest evaluation of what would potentially work best for you.If you can provide that information, we can give you more much helpful information.Warmest regards,-Gregory A Buford MD FACS PCEOBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

HI, An umbilical float TT is not a bad procedure for a woman who has loose skin above the belly button, but not enough skin below to do a full TT. The detachment of the belly button should not bring it down too low,\; If it does, that means you were a candidate for a full TT to begin with. Scars are less in length than a full TT, and more like those of a mini TT.Costs vary from region to region, but I usually charge less for this procedure than a full TT because the nature of the operations implies that there is less tissue overall to remove and therefore, less time to do the procedure. You should consult with  Board certified PS's in your area and get some opinions.Good Luck!Dr. Christine Rodgers

Generally this is not a great surgical maneuver. It lowers the belly button and in a normal body type a lower lying belly button is an aged look. As far as cost it doesn’t change it. It’s also not usually something chosen by the patient.Best