Are you considering getting a tummy tuck but unsure which option will give you the best results? This blog discusses the pros and cons of the mini and full tummy tucks to help you decide which is right for you.
What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Many people struggle with unwanted fat, especially in the abdominal region. Even if you eat a good diet of healthy foods and exercise regularly, stubborn pockets of fat can stay in the stomach, making it hard to get your body in the shape you want.
Major weight loss, especially triggered by modern medicines that help people lose weight quickly, as well as pregnancy can impact the way the abdomen looks. Excess skin is prone to sagging and fat pockets in the hips and flanks can be resistant to diet and exercise. Tummy tuck surgery can provide a solution by removing excess fat and skin, leaving you with a flatter, more contoured abdomen. There are a few options of tummy tucks to choose from, each with different benefits and catering to the needs of various patients.
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck may be a good option if your excess fat and skin lie mainly in the lower abdominal region. This procedure targets the area below the belly button. Your surgeon will make an incision above the pubic area so they can access your lower abdomen. The excess skin will be lifted during surgery to tighten the abdominal wall. After this, the abdominal skin is tightened and draped over the area for a smooth, contoured appearance. Any excess skin will be removed.
What Is a Full Tummy Tuck?
A full tummy tuck is also known as traditional tummy tuck surgery. With a full tummy tuck, the area between the ribs down to the pubic region is addressed. Your surgeon will make an incision in the bikini line, extending from one hip bone to the other. Excess fat and skin in the abdominal region are removed, the abdominal muscles are tightened, and the belly button is reconstructed. The belly button is moved and recreated to best suit your new stomach contours. Often, stretch marks on the stomach can be removed when the excess skin is trimmed. A full tummy tuck leaves patients with a flatter, smoother waist and more sculpted abdominal contours.
Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Tummy Tuck: Pros & Cons
Each type of tummy tuck can be the right choice, depending on the patient’s needs and goals. The mini and full tummy tuck may be combined with liposuction to remove more fat than a tummy tuck alone could.
During a consultation with Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, we can help determine which tummy tuck would work best for you. For any tummy tuck procedure, we recommend that you be near your goal weight and aren’t planning on having future pregnancies.
Who Is a Good Mini Tummy Tuck Candidate?
The mini tummy tuck can be ideal for people who want to remove fat and skin below the belly button. A mini tummy tuck uses less invasive techniques than the traditional tummy tuck, which may be appealing to some patients. However, keep in mind that a mini tummy tuck cannot provide as extensive correction as a full tummy tuck.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Full Tummy Tuck?
Good candidates for a full tummy tuck are people with excess abdominal skin, stubborn pockets of fat in the stomach, and separated abdominal muscles. For many patients, a mini tummy tuck doesn’t address enough of the stomach to provide them with the flat and sculpted contours they desire. On the other hand, a full tummy tuck addresses a larger area—from the ribs to the pubic area—allowing for optimal results.
Want to Know More About Tummy Tuck Surgery in Houston and Lake Jackson, TX?
To learn more about your tummy tuck options in the Houston or Lake Jackson areas, call (281) 645-0355 (Houston office) or (979) 217-2382 (Lake Jackson office) or fill out our online contact form today to request your consultation.