Only about 20 percent of abdominoplasty patients make good candidates for a mini-tummy tuck. But this procedure has many benefits for the right people. Much misunderstood by the general public, the term “mini” does not mean the surgery leads to less optimum muscle tightening or skin removal than the regular method. In fact, the results are quite similar.
How does a full tummy tuck compare to a mini-tummy tuck? Who makes a good candidate for this procedure? We explore these questions and provide some answers, below. Of course, for the best idea of which method best suits your needs, seek a consultation with a Raleigh, NC board-certified plastic surgeon at Zenn Plastic Surgery.
What is a tummy tuck?
Before getting into the differences between types of tummy tucks and what a mini-tummy tuck offers, let’s first examine the overall expectations and benefits of abdominoplasty. When you talk to a plastic surgeon about this procedure, you likely seek a more attractive, streamlined and slimmer abdomen. Maybe you want your clothing to fit better, too. Overall, patients want to feel more comfortable in their body and confident in their appearance.
A tummy tuck can help you achieve these goals. As part of the procedure, your plastic surgeon tightens your abdominal muscles and eliminates sagging skin. After surgery and as swelling subsides, you will have a flatter midsection that appears more toned. You will also notice better results from healthy weight control and exercise.
Who makes a good candidate for an abdominoplasty?
Both men and women benefit from abdominoplasty, especially those who have experienced dramatic weight loss or pregnancy. An ideal candidate is a non-smoker in good health who maintains a healthy weight range. It is important to understand the procedure, what to expect during and after surgery and how your body will heal. You need to understand capabilities and limitations of your surgery, too.
Typical candidates include those for whom one or more of the following statements are true:
You have lost weight from diet and exercise but still have a protruding, untoned abdomen After pregnancy, you have sagging stretched skin and lax abdominal muscles After major weight loss, your skin hangs loosely around your mid-section You have always had a “pot belly,” despite being in good shape
Thanks to the skill and experience of your board-certified plastic surgeon, you can achieve a flatter and firmer abdomen. To better understand what to expect of the procedure, ask your plastic surgeon’s office to review some before-and-after pictures of past patients. You can also check these before-and-after images out on their website.
Types of Abdominoplasty Surgeries
There are several types of abdominoplasty surgeries. These include:
Classic tummy tuck Mini-tummy tuck Extended tummy tuck
Because no two patient bodies or surgical goals are exactly alike, abdominoplasty is a very individualized procedure. In a consultation appointment, your plastic surgeon provides a physical examination to determine whether the surgery may work for you. They also review your health, medical history and personal goals before discussing your options. For some, the best outcome can come from a classic procedure. Others will receive better results from a mini- or extended method.
Classic Tummy Tuck for the Upper and Lower Abdomen
For patients with excess skin or bulk above and below their belly button, a classic tummy tuck typically works best. This surgical correction improves the appearance of the full length of the abdominal wall. It typically requires a U-shaped or horizontal incision above the pubic mound, typically from one hip to the other. The resulting scar is still within the discreet area of a swimsuit bottom. To achieve the best results, this surgery sometimes involves a second incision around the navel.
Benefits of this method include:
Flatter abdomen Smoother appearance of the tummy Less visible stretch marks Greater comfort in clothing More flattering clothing fit
Mini-Tummy Tuck for Lower Belly Improvement
A mini-tummy tuck involves less extensive surgery, as its name implies. The primary focus of this procedure is on the protruding lower belly, loose skin and stretch marks beneath your belly button. For this technique, your plastic surgeon makes a single incision above the pubic mound that results in a thin linear scar six to eight inches long. Through this smaller opening, he tightens your loose muscles and removes excess skin.
Benefits of a mini-tummy tuck include:
Smoother, flatter abdomen Shorter surgery vs. full method Quicker recovery Thin, horizontal scar only six to eight inches in length Slimmer physique that looks better in swimsuits and clothing
Extended Tummy Tuck for the Full Abdomen and Flanks
For patients who have lost a lot of weight, this physical change leaves excess skin sagging or hanging around their whole mid-section. The same is true for many women after multiple pregnancies, along with significant muscle laxity in the abdomen. If these problems affect your appearance and self-confidence, an extended abdominoplasty may provide the best outcome.
With this method you can expect a longer incision. Still, most people can cover their scar with underwear, swimsuits or clothing. The scar typically becomes less visible over time and most people find their results are worth the scar.
Benefits of the extended method include:
Improved body shape Smoother, flatter abdomen Slimmer physique Better fit and comfort in clothing More visible results from physical exercise Schedule a Consultation with a Raleigh Plastic Surgery Expert
To learn whether one of these procedures will provide the results you seek, schedule a consultation with your Raleigh, NC plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael Zenn of Zenn Plastic Surgery. This consultation and review of our exceptional results shown in actual patients’ before-and-after pictures can provide many of the answers you seek.
Other procedures we sometimes perform in conjunction with an abdominoplasty include:
Facial fat graftingGynecomastiabreast reduction for men Liposuction Mommy makeover for women
