For the majority of patients, if a tummy tuck is desired, a full traditional tummy tuck will be the recommended procedure. At the same time, there are certain patients who may qualify for a mini tuck, and for that reason, it’s important to know the difference between the two procedures.
Below, we’ll go over how full tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks are alike and different so that you can better understand these procedures and make plans for your surgery.
Mini Tummy Tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck
What Is a Full Tummy Tuck?
A full tummy tuck — also known as a classic tummy tuck or a traditional tummy tuck — is a procedure that primarily aims to reduce the amount of excess skin on the abdomen. The procedure is usually recommended for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight and have stretched out skin on the abdomen. It may also be recommended for mothers who are done having children as they may have stretched skin on the abdomen as well.
In addition to reducing excess skin, the procedure also adjusts the position of the naval, tightens the abdominal muscles, and smooths the abdomen overall. Liposuction is often combined with a full tummy tuck in order to remove small pockets of stubborn fat as well.
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is a variation of the classic or full tummy tuck. This procedure primarily takes care of excess skin on the lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the lower abdomen as well. It is not help much with looseness or excess skin on the upper abdomen or muscle repair on the upper abdomen. With a mini tummy tuck, the belly button will not be relocated either.
The truth is that mini tummy tucks may be generally overused. That’s because not many individuals actually qualify for this procedure. Most people who need a tummy tuck and tightening of the lower abdominal muscles also need tightening of the upper abdomen. Only tightening the lower abdomen with a mini tuck, therefore, can result in undesirable results.
With that said, a very few number of patients will be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. You’ll need to speak with Dr. Lahar at your consultation appointment about your candidacy to see if you are one of these individuals.
What Happens During the Tummy Tuck Procedure?
The majority of tummy tuck patients are put completely to sleep with general anesthesia prior to surgery. Just above the pubic area, Dr. Lahar will then make a horizontal incision. The skin will then be lifted to expose the abdominal muscles, which will be tightened. The excess skin will be pulled down, and the incision will be closed.
In the case of a full tummy tuck, an incision will also be made around the belly button. As the skin is pulled down over the abdominal muscles, a new hole for the belly button will be made, and the still-attached belly button will be poked through this hole and closed together.
Now, let’s take a look at how to prepare for both types of procedures and what to expect during recovery.
Full and Mini Tummy Tuck Before and After
Before any type of tummy tuck, patients must meet one-on-one with Dr. Lahar to discuss the nuances of their surgery. You must be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck.
This means that you must be in good overall physical health, have realistic expectations about your surgery, be a non-smoker, and be free of any serious illnesses or diseases that may hinder your ability to undergo surgery or recover fully.
After your tummy tuck, you will need to wear a compression garment and bandages for some time. Drainage tubes may be used for a short time as well. It will take about a week to ten days to get back on your feet and back to work and some of your regular activities. It will take more like six weeks to resume exercise and several months to a year to see your complete tummy tuck results.
FAQ: Beverly Hills Mini Tummy Tucks and Full Tummy Tucks
How much is a mini tummy tuck compared to a full tummy tuck?
The cost of mini tummy tuck procedures depends on where they are performed, the nuances of the surgery, and whether or not other procedures will be combined with the mini tummy tuck. Generally speaking, a mini tummy tuck will cost less than a full tummy tuck, but this isn’t always the case. Mini tummy tucks overall usually cost around $5000 to $7000 or more.
Can you combine other procedures with a tummy tuck?
Absolutely. Most commonly, tummy tuck surgery is combined with liposuction to remove unwanted fat from the abdomen. But tummy tucks can also be combined with breast surgeries such as breast augmentation, fat transfer breast augmentation, or a breast lift. Or, you might consider a Brazilian butt lift.
Will I have a mini tummy tuck scar?
Yes. All tummy tuck surgeries will result in a scar. In fact, a mini tummy tuck doesn’t necessarily have a smaller scar than a classic tummy tuck. The good news is that tummy tuck scars are generally well hidden below the hip bones so that you can’t see them when wearing most underwear or bathing suit bottoms.
Who Is a Good Mini Tummy Tuck Candidate?
Very few patients will actually be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. That’s because this procedure primarily takes care of excess loose skin and loosened abdominal muscles below the belly button, and this is not a common situation to present with.
Schedule a Beverly Hills, CA Tummy Tuck Consultation
A tummy tuck can help get rid of excess skin caused by pregnancy, extreme weight loss, or aging. This procedure — whether performed as a mini tummy tuck or a traditional full tummy tuck — can do amazing things for both your physique and your self-esteem.
To learn more about Beverly Hills tummy tucks and to find out whether you qualify as a mini or full tummy tuck candidate, contact us today and book a consultation appointment with Dr. Nicholas Lahar, MD.
References
https://www.isaps.org/procedures/body/mini-abdominoplasty/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892
https://www.healthline.com/health/cosmetic-surgery/mini-tummy-tuck
