If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight or have had children, you may be frustrated by the excess abdominal skin or a “belly bulge” that remains despite exercising regularly and eating right. A tummy tuck removes that extra, loose skin, creating a flatter tummy and contoured midsection.
You’ve probably seen the mini tummy tuck technique mentioned and wondered if you’d be a good candidate for the procedure. In this post, we’ll describe the difference between a tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck and explain how long you can expect the results to last for both procedures.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a popular body contouring procedure that removes excess skin and repairs and tightens abdominal muscles that separate during pregnancy. During the procedure, our board-certified plastic surgeons make a horizontal incision that extends from hip to hip just above the pubic area. Another incision is made around the bellybutton, which is repositioned after the surgeon removes excess skin.
The procedure is typically performed with liposuction to remove excess fat and create smoother contours. Additionally, women may want to include cosmetic breast surgery, such as breast augmentation or breast lift, as part of a Mommy Makeover.
How Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Different Than a Full Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck shares the same goal as a full tummy tuck—create a flatter, contoured abdomen and waist. The difference is that a mini tummy tuck is limited to the area below the bellybutton. That means the incision is much shorter than the one made during a traditional tummy tuck and the bellybutton remains in the same place.
That sounds great, of course. But to be honest, most patients considering an abdominoplasty need a full tummy tuck to achieve their goals. Like a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck can be combined with other body contouring and breast enhancement surgeries for a more dramatic physical transformation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
As mentioned earlier, people who can benefit from a mini tummy tuck have excess skin and fat that’s limited to the area below the bellybutton. A mini tummy tuck cannot correct muscle separation caused by diastasis recti, which results in a belly pooch.
How Long Do Mini and Full Tummy Tuck Results Last?
Both tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck procedures produce permanent results because they remove excess skin. Patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle can enjoy their new contours for years. Over time, the aging process causes the skin to lose its elasticity, potentially affecting how your abdomen looks.
Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Right for You?
If you’re looking for a body contouring specialist to perform a tummy tuck in Temecula or Newport Beach, request a consultation using the online form to meet with one of our plastic surgeons or call us at (949) 760-0600 to schedule an appointment.
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