Understanding a Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is also known as a mini-abdominoplasty. A mini tummy tuck is designed to remove or reduce loose skin and stretch marks in the lower abdomen. It includes half the scar (about the same as a typical c-section) that a full tummy tuck does, and does not include relocating the belly button. It is also possible to tighten up the lower abdominal muscles during this procedure, which is a common problem for patients who have had pregnancies that effected their abdominal musculature and skin. This is one of the possible components of the “mommy makeover”. The results of a mini tummy tuck are not as dramatic as that of a full tummy tuck.
Candidates for a mini tummy tuck are many fewer than that of a full tummy tuck, because they must have isolated lower abdominal skin issues for it to make sense to do the procedure. Many plastic surgeons do very few mini tummy tucks in comparison to the full tummy tucks because they feel that recovery is essentially the same, and the difference in scarring is rarely enough to justify the reduced results that the mini tummy tuck allow, in essence, half the scar for a quarter of the results.
Full abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” requires an incision from hip to hip, low on the abdomen. It requires an incision around the belly button, which is easily hidden in the folds when the belly button is relocated.
Patients, for whom a mini tummy tuck is suitable, often make this an important part of a mommy makeover to repair the effects of pregnancy on their bodies. It is attractive for the reduced scar size, and can be combined with liposuction and/or breast augmentation. Other less invasive procedures can also be used to reduce the effects of pregnancies.
Some men can also benefit from this procedure, and it is often combined with liposuction to help them get better abdominal muscle definition.
The best way to make an informed decision as to whether or not to get a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck is to find a board certified plastic surgeon who has done many tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks and make an appointment to discuss the processes, and the pros and cons. A good plastic surgeon can pull on her long experience at performing a procedure to help a patient understand what the final result will be, and if the procedure is likely to be worth the results.
Contact Dr. Emily Pollard of Pollard Plastic Surgery to make an appointment for a consultation regarding a mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck, the full differences, options and benefits to see if the procedure is right for you.
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