Tummy Tuck vs. Mini Tummy Tuck for a Slimmer, Toned Abdomen

One of the most difficult areas for a person to lose weight is around their stomach. Diet and exercise may not be enough for a person to get the results they want. Or if they are able to lose weight, they might have loose skin around their stomach that prevents them from having the tight, flat look they want.

Tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks are designed to step in where diet and exercise cannot. Patients often wonder whether they need a full tummy tuck or if a mini tummy tuck is all that is required, so it is important to understand the differences.

Full Tummy Tuck Versus Mini Tummy Tuck

In a mini tummy tuck, the skin under the belly button would be loosened or freed up, and then pulled down and trimmed. A scar may be visible below the bikini line. In a mini tummy tuck, incisions are shorter.

With a complete tummy tuck, there may be a scar above the bikini line, and there may be a scar around a person’s belly button. A good cosmetic surgeon will work hard to leave their patient with a natural looking belly button after the procedure. The majority of the scarring may be hidden inside the belly button to minimize its visibility.

Tightening Muscles during a Tummy Tuck

After pregnancy, some women are left with an abdominal wall fascia that has become stretched. Their rectus muscles may become separated. As a result, when the woman stands, her stomach protrudes outward. This is because the abdominal wall no longer supports her bowels in the same way it did before pregnancy. For this reason, during a lot of complete tummy tucks, the muscles and fascia may be tightened before the skin is tightened.

Tummy Tucks and Fat Reduction

There is a difference of opinion among surgeons regarding whether or not liposuction should be performed at the same time a tummy tuck procedure is done. Some fat in the lower part of the tummy is automatically removed during the tummy tuck procedure.

However, fat in the mid and upper parts of the stomach would need to be removed through liposuction. Some physicians prefer to encourage their patients to have liposuction done a few months before the tummy tuck so that they can have the best outcome.

Contact Us

If you are unsure about what procedure is right for you, contact the John Bull Center for Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Medispa today to schedule a consultation and talk with a member of our staff.