What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Many people are familiar with tummy tuck surgery, but not as many are aware of the different types of tummy tucks, such as the mini tummy tuck. This blog discusses what the mini tummy tuck procedure entails and compares the differences between a mini and full tummy tuck.
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Getting the Abdominal Contours You Desire
For many people, the stomach is an area of insecurity due to stubborn pockets of excess fat, excess skin, or weakened abdominal muscles. It can be especially difficult to get the smooth, flat, and toned stomach you desire through diet and exercise alone. In many cases, if there is excess skin or separated abdominal muscles, these conditions can only be addressed with surgery. Fortunately, tummy tuck surgery can combat excess fat and skin and tighten the abdominal muscles, giving patients transformative results.
While a traditional tummy tuck—also called a full tummy tuck—can often provide patients’ desired results, some people may be ideal candidates for the mini tummy tuck technique. As the name suggests, the mini tummy tuck treats a smaller area of the abdomen than a traditional tummy tuck. However, the mini tummy tuck approach can be more suitable for patients with stubborn fat and excess skin only in the lower stomach region.
Not all patients are candidates for a mini tummy tuck, but those who are can enjoy benefits such as a shorter scar and potentially less recovery time. When deciding which procedure is right for you, it’s important to know your areas of concern and what you want to achieve with your surgery.
Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery
The mini tummy tuck procedure treats the lower abdomen, from the area below the belly button to just above the pubic region. During a consultation, your surgeon will help determine if you are a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. If you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, a customized treatment plan will be created for your surgery.
During your mini tummy tuck procedure, you’ll be given anesthesia to make you comfortable. Your surgeon will make an incision above the pubic area; the length of this incision will vary from patient to patient, depending on individual needs, but it is generally a shorter incision than what is used for a full tummy tuck. This incision allows the surgeon to remove stubborn fat and trim excess skin. Some patients may choose to add liposuction to their mini tummy tuck to remove more fat and achieve their optimal results. The underlying lower abdominal muscles may also be tightened if needed.
Once the desired adjustments have been made, the skin will be redraped over the abdomen and tightened, and any excess skin will be removed to eliminate sagging. Your surgeon will close the incision and bandage the area to keep it protected. Patients will be instructed to wear a compression garment over the lower abdomen for a certain period of time during recovery.
When patients fully recover, they can enjoy their new smooth and toned abdominal contours. The mini tummy tuck can give patients smoother skin, tightened muscles, and less fat in the lower abdominal area.
Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck
When people learn that mini tummy tucks are an option, they often want to know how this procedure compares to the full tummy tuck and why one may be better than the other. At the end of the day, the best procedure for each individual will depend on their areas of concern and body goals.
Candidates
Some people may be candidates for both a full and mini tummy tuck, while others may only be candidates for one procedure over the other. For both procedures, candidates will need to be in good physical health, non-smokers or willing to quit, and have realistic expectations for surgery.
Ideal candidates for a full tummy tuck are typically people who:
- Have significant sagging skin in the abdominal area
- Have stubborn fat throughout the stomach region (under the breasts to above the pubic region)
- Have diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles)
Mini tummy tuck candidates are usually people who:
- Only have skin laxity below the belly button
- Have stubborn fat below the belly button (sometimes called an abdominal pooch)
- Have loose abdominal muscles in the lower stomach
Recovery
Given the names of the procedures, many people believe that a mini tummy tuck will have a shorter recovery period compared to a full tummy tuck. This may be true in some cases, especially if a patient chooses to get a mini tummy tuck without tightening the muscles. However, for the most part, both procedures involve the same steps, with the exception that the full tummy tuck encompasses a larger treatment area. Mini tummy tuck patients may be able to resume certain activities sooner than full tummy tuck patients during recovery since they receive less extensive correction to the abdominal area. Other than that, many patients of both types of tummy tucks may experience a similar length recovery.
Results
Your tummy tuck results will vary depending on the type of procedure you choose. The full tummy tuck will make corrections and adjustments to the entire stomach region, while the mini tummy tuck will only address the lower stomach. Additionally, the full tummy tuck typically involves repositioning the belly button to complement the rest of the abdominal contouring. Mini tummy tuck surgery does not typically involve adjustments to the belly button.
Want to Know More About Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery in Ladera Ranch, CA?
For those interested in getting a mini tummy tuck, scheduling a consultation can be a great way to determine if this procedure suits your needs. Dr. Allen Doezie performs both mini and full tummy tucks in Ladera Ranch, CA. The staff at Mission Plastic Surgery and Dr. Doezie love helping patients get their dream results and feel confident in their bodies.
During a tummy tuck consultation at Mission Plastic Surgery, patients will meet with Dr. Doezie and discuss their medical history, areas of concern, and desired results. Dr. Doezie will examine the patient’s abdominal region and determine if they are a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery and if a mini or full tummy tuck will best suit the patient’s aesthetic vision.
To learn more about mini tummy tucks, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Doezie, call (949) 481-9850 or fill out our online contact form.