In order to best accommodate individual needs, Dr. Joyce Aycock offers both the full traditional tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck techniques for her patients. Both tummy tuck techniques address common abdominal contour problems and create a smoother, flatter waistline by focusing on specific areas. Here are the differences between these two abdominoplasty techniques and who might be a candidate for each approach.
Traditional Tummy Tuck Surgery
A traditional tummy tuck is appropriate for individuals with the following problems:
- Weak or separated abdominal muscles
- Persistent abdominal fat
- Loose skin in the upper and lower abdomen
During the procedure, your surgeon will surgically correct each of these issues in turn. The surgical incisions will be carefully and strategically placed so that the resulting scars will be hidden by most clothing. The abdominal muscles will be tightened and sewn back together where necessary. Stubborn fat will be extracted with liposuction techniques. Finally, excess skin will be removed, and the remaining tissues will be pulled tight before closing the incisions.
Who is a Candidate for a Full Tummy Tuck?
Most people who are interested in tummy tuck surgery are candidates for a full tummy tuck. Candidates may be men or women who would like to improve their abdominal contours by correcting loose skin, abdominal fat, and weak or separated stomach muscles, especially when these problems present in both the upper and lower abdomen. As with all body contouring surgeries, candidates should have good physical health, not smoke, and have a stable body weight.
Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery
Not everyone who is interested in tummy tuck surgery needs a full traditional tummy tuck. For some individuals, a mini tummy tuck can produce excellent results. The mini tummy tuck is appropriate for individuals with the following problems:
- Weak or separated abdominal muscles
- Persistent abdominal fat
- Minimal loose skin, or loose skin only in the lower abdomen
During the procedure, your surgeon will correct these abdominal issues with a more minimal approach than is used during a full tummy tuck. The surgical incisions are hidden beneath clothing lines and are typically smaller, similar to a C-section. The abdominal muscles will be tightened and sewn together if necessary, and persistent abdominal fat will be removed using liposuction. Typically, there is little to no skin excision with a mini tummy tuck, but minimal loose skin in the lower abdomen may be trimmed away before closing the incisions.
Who is a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Mini tummy tuck candidates may be men or women who would like to improve their abdominal contours by correcting weak or separated stomach muscles and persistent fat, sometimes accompanied by minimal loose skin isolated to the lower abdomen. For this and all other body contouring surgeries, candidates should be in good physical health, not smoke, and have a stable body weight.
Header | Full Tummy Tuck | Mini Tummy Tuck |
|---|---|---|
Corrects weakened/separated stomach muscles | Yes | Yes |
Eliminates persistent abdominal fat | Yes | Yes |
Removes loose skin | Yes (upper and lower abdomen) | None or minimal (lower abdomen only) |
Scarring | Longer | Shorter (like a C-section scar) |
Recovery | Usually 2 weeks, with 6 weeks off of strenuous exercise | Less than 2 weeks, still with 6 weeks off of strenuous exercise |
As you discuss your concerns with Dr. Aycock, she will recommend the best approach for your individual needs. Whichever abdominoplasty technique is chosen, you will be given the best care to ensure high-quality, long-lasting results. Whether you get a full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck, after your surgery and recovery you can look forward to enjoying a smoother, flatter, and firmer waistline.
To learn more about these tummy tuck surgical techniques and which one may be right for you, schedule your consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joyce Aycock. Contact us online or call 720-634-7400 to request your appointment today.