Also known as mini abdominoplasty, this surgery is common after pregnancy, weight changes and aging. It corrects flaccidity of the abdominal skin the difference from abdominoplasty is that it is designed for cases that are not too severe.
Both mini tummy tuck and regular (full) tummy tuck surgeries offer significant benefits for individuals seeking to improve the appearance of their abdomen. Here are the benefits of each, including a comparison of the two procedures:
Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck:
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Less Invasive Procedure:
- Smaller Incision: A mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision compared to a full tummy tuck, typically just above the pubic area.
- Reduced Scarring: The smaller incision results in less scarring, which can be more easily concealed by underwear or swimwear.
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Shorter Recovery Time:
- Quicker Recovery: Recovery time is generally shorter with a mini tummy tuck, allowing patients to return to their normal activities more quickly.
- Less Discomfort: The less invasive nature of the procedure usually means less postoperative discomfort and a faster healing process.
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Targeted Improvement:
- Focus on Lower Abdomen: A mini tummy tuck specifically targets the lower abdomen below the navel, making it ideal for individuals with mild to moderate sagging or excess skin in that area.
- Tightening of Lower Abdominal Muscles: The procedure can tighten the lower abdominal muscles, improving the contour and firmness of the lower stomach.
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Cost-Effective:
- Lower Cost: Because the procedure is less extensive, it often costs less than a full tummy tuck, making it a more affordable option for many patients.
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Quicker Procedure:
- Shorter Surgery Time: The mini tummy tuck is a quicker procedure, typically taking about 1-2 hours, which can reduce the time spent under anesthesia and associated risks.
Benefits of a Regular (Full) Tummy Tuck:
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Comprehensive Abdominal Improvement:
- Extensive Correction: A full tummy tuck addresses both the upper and lower abdomen, providing a more comprehensive improvement in abdominal contour.
- Removal of Excess Skin: The procedure removes a significant amount of excess skin and fat, making it suitable for individuals with more pronounced sagging and skin laxity.
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Muscle Repair:
- Tightening of Abdominal Muscles: A full tummy tuck repairs and tightens the abdominal muscles, which can be particularly beneficial for women who have experienced muscle separation (diastasis recti) after pregnancy.
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Dramatic Results:
- Significant Transformation: The results of a full tummy tuck can be more dramatic and noticeable, providing a flatter and more toned abdomen.
- Improved Waistline: The procedure can enhance the overall waistline, creating a more defined and aesthetically pleasing silhouette.
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Addressing Higher Areas:
- Correction of Upper Abdomen: A full tummy tuck also addresses the upper abdomen, providing a smoother and more even appearance across the entire abdominal area.
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Long-Lasting Results:
- Sustained Improvements: With proper care and maintenance, the results of a full tummy tuck can be long-lasting, helping patients maintain a more youthful and toned abdomen for years.
Comparison:
- Incision and Scarring: Mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision and less scarring compared to a full tummy tuck.
- Recovery Time: Mini tummy tuck typically has a shorter recovery period and less postoperative discomfort.
- Scope of Improvement: Full tummy tuck provides more comprehensive results, addressing both the upper and lower abdomen and repairing abdominal muscles.
- Cost: Mini tummy tuck is generally less expensive due to its less extensive nature.
- Ideal Candidates: Mini tummy tuck is suitable for individuals with minor to moderate sagging and excess skin in the lower abdomen, while a full tummy tuck is ideal for those with more significant skin laxity and muscle separation.
Choosing between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck depends on the individual’s specific needs, goals, and the extent of correction required. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon can help determine the most appropriate procedure based on personal circumstances and desired outcomes.
It is performed with blockage and sedation. The surgeon will perform an incision above the pubis from side to side of the hip, the excess skin and abdominal fat is removed, the incisions are closed and the navel replaced 2 or 3 centimeters downwards according to its prior position. Accurate information of the procedure and the results that you can expect will be provided in the medical consultation.
This procedure is performed under a short stay (not spending the night at the hospital). After the surgery, there may be placed dressings and a sash designed to decrease the natural inflammation of the procedure, drains remain 3 to 5 days. You can return to your activities approximately after three weeks up to a month after the surgery, the results are immediately noticeable. The scar can be covered by the bikini line and its evolution depends on the post-operative care and genetics of the patient it, generally it becomes almost imperceptible after a year later.