Full Tummy Tuck vs. Mini Tummy Tuck: Which One Do You Need?

A tummy tuck is the most frequent surgery performed to change the appearance of the abdomen. This procedure is very popular for women who are recovering from pregnancy and for people who are feeling restricted in their movements due to excess skin and tissue. Tummy Tucks should be considered as a last resort if exercising and diet don’t have the desired effect.

Tummy tucks are a pretty straightforward procedure: your surgeon will remove excess skin, tissue, and fat from the midsection. However, choosing between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck can sometimes be difficult. To know the right decision for your condition, you should consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 

What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck? 

A mini tummy tuck is an operation that only targets excess skin and tissue in the lower abdomen. This procedure involves a four to eight-inch incision along the bikini line. Stubborn fat can be removed with liposuction at this point in the procedure. The mini tummy tuck will not provide as drastic of a change in the body and might be more appropriate for people who are already at their ideal weight and have overall good health.

However, some people might prefer smaller incisions and shorter recovery times. This procedure is often more cost-effective than a full tummy tuck as well. Because the procedure only impacts the lower abdomen, tightening muscles to make it look toned and flat is only possible in some cases.

Who Are The Top Candidates For This Procedure? 

A mini tummy tuck is considered the better option for those concerned about the area below the belly button. The patient should be in good health and within their ideal weight range. 

What Is Full Tummy Tuck? 

A full tummy tuck, on the other hand, is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat in both the lower and the upper abdomen. In addition, both the muscles in each region are repaired. You will have a very drastic change in your abdomen area. The full tummy tuck is the complete package as the muscles will be tightened, which will give the patient a flat and toned abdomen.

However, this comes with more drawbacks, including a larger incision and longer recovery time. Instead of just four to eight inches of incision, the patient will receive a “full bikini line incision.” This procedure is also costlier than getting a Mini Tummy Tuck. The recovery time can be as little as two to three weeks, but full healing can take about a year.

Who Should Undergo A Full Tummy Tuck? 

A full tummy tuck is recommended for people with loose abdominal muscles or who have a large amount of excess abdominal skin in both the upper and lower abdominal area. This is also recommended for people who are not thinking of having another child, as the procedure affects pregnancy.

Consult Your Doctor 

In the end, each patient has different needs, and only an experienced doctor can determine the right tummy tuck procedure for you. One of the doctors to consider when near North Carolina is Dr. Brian S. Coan. Dr. Coan finished medical school at the University of Chicago-Pritzker and Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Brian S. Coan is also a member of the Fellow of the American College of Surgeons or FACS.

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