Whether from pregnancy or after a significant weight loss, excess skin and fat, as well as stretched abdominal muscle can make it difficult to achieve a flat, toned tummy with diet and exercise alone. In this case, many consider a tummy tuck. But, in order to achieve your goals, will you need a traditional tummy tuck, or will a mini tummy tuck provide the results you are looking for? Let’s take a closer look at what the difference is and what may make you a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck.
Full Tummy Tuck vs. Mini Tummy Tuck
What is the difference between a traditional, or full, tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck? A traditional tummy tuck involves a much larger incision across the bikini line in order to be able to remove excess skin and fat pockets while also repairing the abdominal muscles that were stretched during pregnancy or weight gain. It allows the surgeon to address areas of the abdomen both above and below the belly button.
In contrast, a mini tummy tuck involves a much smaller incision along your bikini line and is only designed to address and tighten skin below the belly button. A mini tummy tuck does not allow for any muscle repair or loose skin removal above the belly button.
Ideal Candidates for a Mini Tummy Tuck
An ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck is someone with a small area below the belly button they are looking to address, such as a small pooch of excess skin. For example, if you had a c-section and are not happy with the resulting scar, a mini tummy tuck can address that. To achieve benefits from a mini tummy tuck, you will need to have toned upper abdominal skin and muscle, be relatively fit, and at your ideal body weight, otherwise you are unlikely to achieve the body contouring results you want and instead, will want to opt for a traditional tummy tuck.
If you are unsure whether a traditional or mini tummy tuck is right for you, Dr. Campanile and his team can help evaluate your current abdominal condition and create a unique plan that best fits your current situation and your desired results. To learn more, call 303-345-7476 today to schedule a consultation.
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Author: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francesco Campanile is a cosmetic surgeon in Denver who is focused on body contouring and breast enhancement. Time and time again, the women and men who choose Dr. Campanile say that they’ve found “the whole package” – a doctor who cares deeply about the quality of their results and has the skill to achieve excellence.
