What Is The Difference Between a Full & Mini Tummy Tuck?
The world of cosmetic surgery is always evolving. Over the years, even as many new procedures and surgical methods have been developed and popularized, some tried and true favorites have remained in the fold. Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) has remained consistently in-demand with cosmetic surgery patients for decades. Still, despite this ongoing popularity, there are many things that patients may not know about tummy tuck. The different ways a tummy tuck can be performed based on the preferences and needs of each individual patient is something we have to regularly educate patients about. That’s why our board-certified plastic surgeons wanted to discuss the difference between full and mini tummy tucks.
The Full Tummy Tuck
| Also known as a traditional tummy tuck, the full tummy tuck is the most commonly performed variety of this procedure. This body contouring surgery is designed to give the abdomen a smoother contour by removing excess skin and tissue from the abdomen and repairing the muscles in this area that can cause a stomach “pooch.” Although not every patient will need muscle repair, this is a common aesthetic imperfection that can result from pregnancy, significant weight fluctuation, or natural aging.
The Mini Tummy Tuck We also perform mini tummy tuck procedures, sometimes referred to as a partial tummy tuck. During the surgery, we make a smaller incision closer to the pubic area. Doing so allows us to specifically focus on rejuvenating the area below the belly button. We may recommend a mini tummy tuck to patients who experience some minor degree of a belly pooch, but do not have considerable loose or excess skin. Because the procedure is less invasive than a full tummy tuck and the incision made is shorter, less downtime for recovery will be needed following a mini tummy tuck. It’s common for patients who undergo a mini tummy tuck to combine their surgery with liposuction to more effectively refine the contours of their torso. Determining which variety of tummy tuck surgery is the right choice for your needs is a personal decision that cannot be made without first consulting with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. During tummy tuck consultation appointments, we will thoroughly discuss each patient’s medical history, their aesthetic goals, and their post-surgery expectations to fully determine the right tummy tuck path for them. We have been performing tummy tuck surgery for many years and are still amazed at the positive impact this procedure can have on our patients. If you think that you might be a good candidate for a tummy tuck and would like to learn more, we highly recommend making a consultation appointment with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your options. For more information or to schedule your consultation today, please contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery at one of our Atlanta, Midtown, Cumming, or Canton area locations. And follow along with us on Facebook and Twitter for additional plastic surgery tips, news, photos, and much more. |
