Body Procedures

The Main Differences Between a Full VS Mini Tummy Tuck

Learn More About Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

Full Vs. Mini Tummy Tuck

While diet and exercise can help people shed excess pounds, any remaining loose or stretched skin on the abdomen can be incredibly frustrating to deal with on your own. Whether due to pregnancy, aging, or significant weight loss, excess skin is often a source of embarrassment and the only reliable way to remove it is through cosmetic surgery. Luckily, abdominoplasty procedures are designed to target these specific issues. Partial abdominoplasty, which is also known as a mini tummy tuck, or full abdominoplasty, referred to as a full tummy tuck, can effectively smooth and tighten the midsection, reduce excess fat and tighten separated muscles. Determining your best treatment options begins with learning about the distinctions between both abdominoplasty procedures.
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Length Of The Incision

One of the most significant differences between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck is the length of the incision. During a full abdominoplasty, an incision is made from hip to hip, while a partial abdominoplasty requires a shorter incision due to the smaller amount of tissue removal. While the obvious advantage of a smaller incision is a smaller scar, a longer incision enables the surgeon to have greater access during the procedure and dramatically revise a tummy that presents with significant excess skin.

Level Of Correction

Another important distinction between the two procedures is the level of correction that is possible with each surgery. Because a full tummy tuck allows for repair of the abdominal muscles above and below the umbilicus, and will tighten skin from the pubis up to the ribs, the results can be much more dramatic than those achieved with a mini tummy tuck. Those who have concerns with the appearance of their tummy above and below the belly button will not usually be satisfied with a mini abdominoplasty. Conversely, the mini tummy tuck is more suitable for patients whose primary concern is the lower abdomen and minor skin excess as corrections are only made below the navel through this procedure.

The Navel

A mini tummy tuck does not necessitate the navel’s reconstruction because it only removes a small portion of lower abdominal tissue to tighten that area. A full tummy tuck involves separation and redraping of the skin overlying the umbilicus. A new belly button will be created for you and this involves a small scar which is typically hidden inside. As a result, while a scar surrounding the navel may be apparent after a full abdominoplasty, there is no risk of this scarring after a mini abdominoplasty.

Length Of Surgery And Recovery

Due to the more complex nature of the full tummy tuck, both the surgery and recovery time will be longer than that required for a mini tummy tuck. In many cases, patients are able to return to work within a week of a partial abdominoplasty, while a full abdominoplasty requires at least ten days to recover. In addition, individuals who undergo a mini tummy tuck are often able to reintroduce moderate exercise earlier than after a full abdominoplasty.

The increased muscle tightening which usually accompanies a full tummy tuck means that feeling tight for a time post operatively is normal, though temporary. Regardless of which procedure you choose to undergo, it is important to allow your body time to heal and only resume strenuous activities once your surgeon has cleared you to do so.

To learn more about mini and full tummy tuck procedures and determine which one is best for you, please contact our clinic to schedule a consultation with Dr. Craft.

Dr. Craft - Plastic Surgeon Miami

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Contact Dr. Craft and the enhancement team in Miami today, to book your consultation and become one step closer to achieving the look you’ve always wanted!

Use our online contact form or call our office (305) 535-3550

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