When a patient wants a slimmer, more toned abdomen, they have options. Some patients choose to get a full tummy tuck, and others only get a mini tummy tuck. Although the names of these procedures are almost identical, they’re used to treat different problems. So which one is right for you?
The Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck procedure works best for minor pouching of the belly. Unlike a full tummy tuck, this procedure is designed mostly for muscle tightening, and for maximum results, it should be combined with other procedures. A mini tummy tuck is great for removing those last few pounds keeping you from the body of your dreams. The advantages of a mini tummy tuck come from it being less invasive than a regular tummy tuck procedure, requiring less recovery time and skin removal, and costing less to boot!
Related: What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
However, a mini tummy tuck does have its limitations, which is why most people opt to get a full tummy tuck when deciding between the tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck procedures. A mini tummy tuck limits the amount of weight removed, and focuses on the area right above the pubic region. This is great for getting over that finish line on your goal, but can’t get you all the way there. And while a mini tummy tuck can address stretch marks and blemishes on your belly, it won’t address them as effectively as a full tummy tuck will.
The Full Tummy Tuck
This procedure is designed to treat loose skin, excess fat and loose abdominal muscles. Unlike the mini tummy tuck, this procedure typically consists of skin and tissue removal and muscle repair. Since a large amount of skin is removed, a full tummy tuck has the potential to even eliminate stretch marks and give you a slimmer, toned abdomen.
Related: What You Need to Know About Abdominoplasty
Because this procedure focuses on repairing muscles and removing excess skin, patients often combine it with liposuction in order to remove the excess weight that keeps them from feeling like their best selves. The effects of the procedure are longer lasting and affect a larger portion of the abdomen, and the overall sculpting your abdomen goes through will be more noticeable. While cost and recovery time may be higher, the results are absolutely worth it if that’s what you’re looking for.
Related: What is a Tummy Tuck and How Does It Work?
Which One Is Right for Me?
After pregnancy or major weight loss, the muscles and skin within the belly can become stretched and loose. Unfortunately, these issues aren’t easily corrected with exercise or dieting, and in most cases, cosmetic surgery is the only effective option. A consultation with our team of specialists is the best way to determine how to move forward and choose the correct procedure for you.
Book Your Consultation
Both procedures can help improve the appearance of your midsection, but there are some important differences between the procedures. A full tummy tuck tends to produce more dramatic results, since a larger portion is worked on. With a mini tummy tuck procedure, there is less access to the components of the midsection that need to be changed.
The amount of correction available from each procedure is also different, and a traditional tummy tuck tends to be better for tightening loose muscles and skin. A mini tummy tuck can only tighten the skin and muscle within the lower belly. A traditional tummy tuck is also different because it involves the removal and/or relocation of the belly button.
If you want a slimmer, toned abdomen, talk to the team at the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery to see if a tummy tuck can benefit you. This procedure may be just what you’ve been looking for to get the body you’ve always wanted. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our office in Timonium.
