If you’re looking into a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) at our Louisville or Lexington, KY, plastic surgery practice locations, you’ve likely come across the mini tummy tuck, a less intensive variation of the procedure, but a mini tummy tuck can come with regrets. The surgery is intriguing to many people because it requires less recovery time. Actress Jessica Simpson recently revealed she had a mini tummy tuck herself but later opted for a second surgery for a full abdominoplasty. She’s not alone; a mini tummy tuck often isn’t quite enough, especially for women who have had multiple children.
Why is a full tummy tuck usually a better choice, and when is a mini abdominoplasty worth it? Let’s take a closer look in this blog post.
How is a mini tummy tuck different from a full tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is a less extensive version of a standard or full tummy tuck. It achieves a similar goal of tightening lax skin on the abdomen to achieve a flatter, firmer appearance. However, it differs from a full tummy tuck in a few ways:
- Shorter incision: The mini tummy tuck incision is a few inches shorter, though it’s placed in the same very low location on the abdomen.
- Smaller treatment area: The surgery only addresses skin and fat below the navel.
- Less muscle repair: It only tightens or repairs muscles in the lower abdomen.
- Reduced recovery time: Recovery time may be slightly shorter because the corrections made are less extensive.
With both variations, I can use SAFELipo® to reduce fat deposits further and create more attractive contours.
Who is a candidate for a mini tummy tuck?
Mini tummy tucks are most appropriate for people who are generally in their ideal shape but have minor excess skin and fat on the lower abdomen only. This is most common after pregnancy or weight loss. (Learn more about the role weight plays in our previous blog post.)
Though the surgery certainly offers benefits for the right candidate, it’s worth noting that few people are ideal candidates for mini tummy tucks. For most people considering abdominal skin surgery, it’s more worthwhile to opt for a full abdominoplasty.
What are the benefits of a full tummy tuck?
A standard tummy tuck addresses loose skin on the entire abdomen and tightens muscles more comprehensively, which is especially beneficial for people who have had multiple pregnancies, such as Simpson.
Though the more intensive recovery may seem like a drawback for some, advanced surgical techniques make the recovery quicker and easier. I perform an innovative drainless tummy tuck approach that speeds recuperation and improves comfort after any tummy tuck variation.
What if I’m not sure which surgery is right for me?
The best way to determine the right tummy tuck approach for you is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in abdominoplasty. A great surgeon will listen closely to your concerns, goals, and priorities and will make thoughtful recommendations for the most beneficial procedure for you.
To see examples of the results you can expect from each tummy tuck approach, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery to see photos of real tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck patients.
If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck options in the Louisville or Lexington, KY, areas, please contact us online or call (502) 899-9979.
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