Full vs. Mini Tummy Tuck

If you are considering undergoing a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure, you may have come across a lot of information or success stories about Mini Tummy Tucks. While a miniature version of a surgery typically sounds like the better option, a mini may or may not be right for you. How do you know if it is? This depends mainly on your current shape, as well as your desired results.

What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?

In a mini tummy tuck, one small incision is made below the bikini line, where it will be invisible even while wearing a bikini. Skin is pulled down in order to flatten the lower abdomen and smooth it out. Any excess skin is then trimmed, lower muscle tightened, and the incision is closed leaving you with a flat, firm lower tummy. This procedure is ideal for women who are at a healthy body weight and just would like to get rid of some extra pooch or sagging skin in the lower abdomen.

A full tummy tuck usually requires two incisions – one below the bikini line, and one near the navel. The procedure is performed the same, pulling down the skin in both areas to flatten the abdomen. This is in order to also flatten the abdomen above the belly button as well as below. Although it involves more flattening, it is still ideal for people at or very near to a healthy body weight. If you continue to lose significant weight after a tummy tuck, you will get sagging skin again, so it is best to wait until you are at your ideal weight. A full tummy tuck is best for people who have lost a significant amount of weight, or have gone through multiple pregnancies.

If you’re still not sure which procedure would be best for you, do some research! Look online for people who have undergone one of them and compare their before pictures to your body right now.  Then, talk with your doctor to find out which surgery they would recommend. You can get a flat, firm stomach with either – just find out which will be best for you!

-blog post courtesy of advice media

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