A mini tummy tuck can sound attractive as it nicely re-contours the lower abdomen and costs less. The downtime and recovery time are shorter than that of the full tummy tuck, too. However, the procedure has limitations, and not everyone is a candidate for it.
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck (or a mini abdominoplasty) is a light version of the popular surgical procedure known as tummy tuck that addresses the concerns in the abdominal area, specifically in the lower abdomen. The procedure is for patients who require minor contouring, such as removing excess skin and a little lift. As a result, the lower abdomen becomes flatter and tighter.
The surgery also helps women that do not want to deal with the unpleasant looking C-section scar. During the procedure, the skin with the old scar is taken out, and the new scar will be placed lower so that it can be easily hidden underneath the underwear or swimwear.
Related Video: How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
Mini vs Full Tummy Tuck
While a full tummy tuck dramatically changes the abdomen, including repairing the 6-pack muscles, the mini procedure targets a relatively small area. It helps getting rid of 1-3 inches of excess skin in the lower abdomen and slightly lifts the area. The navel isn’t moved in patients of the mini abdominoplasty, so the area above it isn’t going to be changed either.
The recovery period is another consideration when choosing between a mini and a full tummy tuck. The healing process will take about a week after a mini tummy tuck and about a month after a full tummy tuck. Plus, when it comes to a mini tummy tuck, the downtime is shorter because the procedure is easier to perform and the addressed area is smaller.
Last but not least, the cost of a mini tummy tuck is significantly less. To get a quote based on your individual needs and expectations, schedule a free online consultation with our triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Angelina Postoev.
Who Is a Candidate for the Procedure?
To understand why a mini tummy tuck isn’t for everybody, check out these requirements for the procedure:
- good overall health with some concerns in regards to the physical appearance of the lower abdomen area;
- little excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen area;
- realistic goals that align with the patient’s anatomy.
In other words, it’s important to be realistic: if a patient has too much excess skin and/or excess fat, or if the rectus muscles need to be addressed, a full tummy tuck may be a better solution. There are other scenarios when patients might need a liposuction before considering a tummy tuck. To understand if a mini or a full tummy tuck may be an option for you, or to learn more about tummy tuck and other cosmetic procedures, make an appointment with Dr. Angelina Postoev of SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics today.
Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer full and mini tummy tucks to patients in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Buckhead, and other surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia.
