Struggling with stubborn abdominal fat, damaged abdominal muscles, and loose skin is challenging, but undergoing a tummy tuck might be the solution you are looking for. Two procedure options target different areas of the abdomen for distinct concerns. However, this may leave you wondering if a full or mini tummy tuck is best for you, which depends on a few factors.

Most importantly, your ideal treatment areas for a tummy tuck will influence which procedure is best. For example, a full tummy tuck targets the entire abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck explicitly focuses on areas below the belly button. Contact us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Troy Pittman to learn more about the differences between a full and mini tummy tuck to determine which procedure is best for you.

Differences Between a Full and Mini Tummy Tuck

Though many people seek a tummy tuck for a slimmer and firmer abdomen, numerous patients are unaware of the difference between a full and mini tummy tuck. Both procedures remove excess abdominal fat and skin but a full tummy tuck goes beyond cosmetic improvements to include more physical enhancements.

A full abdominoplasty removes extra skin and fat from the entire abdomen while strengthening abdominal muscles that are weak or separated. In addition, the procedure could reposition the belly button in a natural-looking location after moving the remaining skin.

A mini tummy tuck targets the abdomen below the belly button with loose skin and extra fat. The procedure does not correct damaged muscles above the belly button but may do so below it. After a mini tummy tuck, the recovery is notably shorter than it is for the entire procedure but the results are more targeted.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Full or Mini Tummy Tuck

Since a full tummy tuck improves the abdomen more extensively than a mini procedure, patients with more drastic necessary changes may benefit more from this option. For example, individuals with weak or separated abdominal muscles, which is a common occurrence after pregnancy, significantly benefit from a full tummy tuck. Further, individuals with excess skin on their entire abdomen may want a complete procedure for more evenly distributed and natural-looking results.

In addition, individuals whose belly buttons have shifted due to skin laxity may benefit more from this procedure. However, patients need to consider that scarring may be more prominent and recovery is more extensive after a full tummy tuck.

A mini tummy tuck is for individuals with loose skin and excess fat explicitly below the belly button. Those with muscle weakness only in the lower abdomen are ideal candidates for the procedure. An additional benefit of a mini tummy tuck is the possible removal of stretch marks on the lower abdomen after removing loose, excess skin.

Reach Out to See if A Full or Mini Tummy Tuck is Best for You

Choosing whether a full or mini tummy tuck is best for you depends on which area of your abdomen struggles with loose skin, excess fat, and muscle separation. If only your lower abdomen is affected, a mini tummy tuck is the best procedure for you. Conversely, if your entire abdomen requires surgical repairs, a full tummy tuck is the best choice.

Many women find that a full tummy tuck is the right choice for abdominal repairs after muscle and skin changes during pregnancy, potentially as part of a mommy makeover package. However, it is vital to consider the different recovery lengths and surgical risks before deciding on a procedure. Schedule a consultation to discuss the differences between a full and mini procedure and determine what is best for you.