Difference between a Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck

“I’m trying to lose this little sagging pouch on my stomach, but it just won’t go away.” It sounds like you are a perfect candidate for a tummy tuck. Many people struggle with a certain amount of loose skin and excess fat around the stomach area. This issue is very common, so many procedures have been developed to help solve the problem. Two of those approaches are a tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck.

Tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck – what is the difference?

To decide which of these procedures is better, you need to know what they both do.
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure which treats the loose skin in all regions of the abdomen. During the process, abdominal muscles can also be tightened, and the skin reattached. On the other hand, a mini tummy tuck treats only the skin below the belly button. The muscles can also be tightened during the mini tummy tuck procedure, so the main difference between these two is on the scale of the operation, i.e., less is done during a mini tummy tuck.

Who is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck?

Since this is a smaller operation, it requires far less downtime than a regular tummy tuck. You are a good candidate if you

have a small amount of excess skin,
if you want to get pregnant in the future (since a mini tummy tuck can be redone, while a normal one cannot),
it has been at least six months since the birth of a child
if you do not smoke.

Who is a good candidate for a standard, full-size tummy tuck?

A regular tummy tuck is a serious procedure. You should be completely healthy, at a stable weight and a non-smoker to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck and have,

a lot of excess skin (from a massive weight loss, for example),
very loose abdominal muscles or
muscles and skin stretched out from pregnancy.

What happens during tummy tuck surgery?

Procedures for a tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck are similar. The difference is in the size of the incision and the scale of the operation. The procedure is done under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions around the hips, the pubic area, and the belly button. They separate the skin from the muscles, tighten the muscles, remove excess skin, and attach the remaining skin.

Is recovery from a mini tummy tuck faster?

Yes, a mini tummy tuck is performed with smaller incisions and only in the lower part of the abdomen. So it takes far less time to recover.

What is the recovery process from a tummy tuck?

If you think you are a better candidate for a regular tummy tuck, there are some things you should prepare for. The recovery from a tummy tuck is a long one, and a full recovery can last up to a year. You can expect to return to your normal activities in the first month, depending on what they are. For activities which require upper body strength, you have to wait for at least a month, maybe even more. For simple walking and sedentary activities, you should wait for at least two weeks and then consult your doctor. You can expect swelling to last for about six weeks. During that time, you will also wear an abdominal binder which will support your abdomen during healing and prevent fluid build up.
We explained what tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck are. We also saw who good candidates and what areas are treated. We also described the recovery process. This information can help you weigh your options and decide what is best for you.
If your problem area does not need a lot of work because you have little excess skin, then a mini tummy tuck is a better procedure for you. You will also be on your feet quickly and resume your daily tasks. This is also a better option if you are planning to repeat the tummy tuck somewhere in the future.

Is a tummy tuck for you?

Wether to have a tummy tuck or not is a decision not to be taken lightly. It is highly recommended that consult Dr Filipe for an assessment to get a complete picture of what can be achieved from tummy tuck surgery and what to expect after tummy tuck surgery.