Tummy Tuck vs Mini Tummy Tuck: Which Surgery is Right for You?

Mini Tummy Tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck: Which Is Right for Me?

An abdominoplasty also known as a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that can tighten the abdominal wall, remove loose skin and fat on the abdomen. Each patient will decide which tummy tuck procedure will help them achieve their body goals.

After pregnancy or significant weight loss, some may research tummy tuck surgeries and find it difficult to choose between a full and a mini tummy tuck. Both procedures can offer results that are sometimes unachievable through exercise alone.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini or partial tummy tuck is the less invasive of the two options and is often paired with abdominal liposuction. This procedure works best for those who only have excess loose skin below the belly button. For those who have loose skin and stretch marks above the belly button, this may not be the right tummy tuck procedure as it will not correct that area.

The recovery time for the mini tuck is shorter than a full tummy tuck.

Mini tummy tuck procedures are best if you:

are in good health

mostly have skin issues in lower abdominal area

have good muscle tone/definition

are at your ideal weight/BMI

want a shorter scar

have a small or insignificant space between rectus muscles (diastasis recti)

Full Tummy Tuck

For those who need more repair to their abdominal walls and have loose skin, fat and stretch marks above the belly button, a full tummy tuck may be the right option for you. During a full tummy tuck, abdominal muscles are tightened, excess skin is removed, and liposuction is performed to the flank areas. The belly button can also be repaired, which may require repositioning and total reconstruction. The results are a more snatched and contoured appearance.

Recovery is longer than a mini tuck and the scar can be longer depending on the amount of excess fat and skin removed during surgery.

Full tummy tuck procedures are best if you:

are in good health

have skin issues in upper and lower abdominal area

have damaged abdominal muscles

have significant space between rectus muscles (diastasis recti)

have fat deposits around abdomen

After surgery

Surgery results vary. All patients are required to follow aftercare instructions provided by the surgeon and to avoid significant weight gain as it may alter the results.