It’s often that you hear someone say, “I need a tummy tuck!” But, it’s not so often that you hear that there are two kinds! Well, we are here to tell you that you have options with tummy tucks or abdominoplasty, but choosing the right option for you takes research and consideration. For starters, you have two choices. There is a full- and a mini tummy tuck and both are viable options.
But how do you know what’s right for you?
For starters, let’s explain the tummy tuck procedure. It is a popular surgical option for those who have experienced significant weight loss or who have had children. And, both men and women are good candidates. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon typically removes excess fat or sagging skin from above and below the belly button and pulls the remaining skin and muscles tight, creating a flat abdomen with a new belly button. In some instances, the tummy tuck can be combined with breast augmentation or a breast lift in what is called a “mommy makeover.”
However, there are many different approaches to tummy tuck surgery, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all.
For some, a mini tummy tuck may be the best option. A mini tummy tuck focuses on tightening the area below the belly button. It can remove a C-section scar and a couple inches of skin for tightening. It’s a good choice for those who simply desire lower abdominal contour and do not need muscle tightening. An optimal candidate for the mini is someone who is in relatively good shape, and who doesn’t have a roll of skin that forms above the waist when he or she bends. However, for others, the full tummy tuck is a better option. For example, for women who no longer want to get pregnant, or who need significant muscle repair and tightening, the full tummy tuck may be the way to go.
But there are many factors to consider. So how do you decide?
Here’s a list of some of the Pro’s and Con’s of the Mini Vs. the Full Tummy Tuck:
Pros:
- The mini can replace a C-section scar with a lower, neater, and longer horizontal scar
- The recovery time in a mini is less than a full tummy tuck (one week vs. a month)
Cons:
- Most stretch marks remain with a mini, and muscle is not tightened in the mini tuck.
- Not every patient is a good candidate for a mini tuck and should be evaluated by a surgeon.
So, now that you have more information, we have one final piece of advice: the best way to decide if a mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck is right for you is to choose a plastic surgeon that has experience! The skill level of the surgeon should help determine your choice, not the other way around. At Cape and Islands Plastic Surgery, Drs. Loffredo and Jones have years of medical school, surgical residency, training, and practice! They have also been recognized for the past seven years as Top Plastic Surgeons. So call us today to schedule your consultation, and we will help you decide what’s the right choice for you!
