Full Or Mini Tummy Tuck: Which Should I Get?

Tummy tucks are one of the most commonly performed plastic surgeries every year, and with good reason! Its an excellent way to take care of excess skin and fat around your middle that diet and exercise arent affecting. Whether youve got a pouchy stomach from pregnancy, weight loss, or hereditary factors, dieting and working out wont always fix it. A tummy tuck is one way to reward yourself for your hard work.

There are two different types of tummy tucks you can chose from: a full tuck and a mini-tuck. Both procedures fulfill a specific set of needs, and your surgeon will help you select the one that is best for you. But here are a few things you should keep in mind, so you can make an informed choice:

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck will tighten your abdomen from the pubic bone to the bottom of your ribcage. The surgeon will tighten your abdominal muscles, if necessary, and remove any excess skin and fat. This procedure involves a larger incision that will run from hip to hip just above the pubic bone, and sometimes involves a second incision around the belly button.

A full tummy tuck is an excellent option for women who have had multiple pregnancies and suffer from muscle separation. The procedure will sometimes have a longer recovery than a mini-tuck, but it has significantly more dramatic results. Many patients combine a full tummy tuck with other procedures to comprise a Mommy Makeover, which is a personalized combination of procedures designed to give you back your pre-pregnancy body. Tummy tucks easily combine with liposuction, breast lists and breast augmentations, depending on your needs.

Mini-Tuck

A mini-tuck addresses excess skin and fat on just the lower abdomen, from the navel to the pubic bone. People who get a mini-tuck are less likely to need tightening of their abdominal muscles, so if your muscles are in good shape and you just have a lower ab pouch, this is a great option for you.

The incision is smaller than the one with a full tuck. It is located in the same spot, but doesnt go hip to hip, and generally doesnt require a second incision around the belly button. The location of the belly button isnt changed, though the tightening of the skin below the navel may give it a slit appearance.

Mini-tucks are popular among women who have had one pregnancy, and among people who have genetic or gravity-related excess skin around the lower abs. Patients who are seeking a tummy tuck because of weight loss will benefit from both types of surgery, depending on the individual situation.

A mini-tuck can also be combined with other procedures like liposuction or breast lifts in a Mommy Makeover.

So Which Is Right For Me?

It depends! Would your silhouette be improved by having a flatter lower tummy, or a flatter abdomen from the ribs to the pubic bone? Have you had multiple pregnancies, or lost significant amounts of weight? Did you suffer from muscle separation during your pregnancies? All of these issues will factor into what procedure is best for you. The more dramatic results you want, the more likely youll be best served by a full tummy tuck. If youre in great shape but just need a little firming of the abdomen, a mini-tuck is probably your best option. If you want a shorter recovery and a smaller incision, ask about the mini-tuck.

Selecting a Board Certified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure is the best way to ensure you get the procedure thats right for you. Board Certified surgeons have extra training, are held to a higher standard of ethics, and use the safest facilities. Their extra training means that they can use their knowledge to help point you in the right direction. You can rest assured that your surgeon wont recommend a surgery that you dont need, and will use the best and safest facilities and techniques to give you the best results.

Call our offices at (703) 574-2588 for more information about the tummy tuck, or to schedule a consultation with our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. View our tummy tuck photo gallery to see some great results!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini-tuck?

A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen from the pubic bone to the ribcage, tightens the abdominal muscles if needed, and involves a longer hip-to-hip incision plus a second incision around the belly button. A mini-tuck only addresses the lower abdomen with a smaller incision and generally does not require muscle repair.

Who is the ideal candidate for a full tummy tuck?

A full tummy tuck is best suited for women who have had multiple pregnancies, particularly those who experienced muscle separation, and for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin throughout the entire abdominal area. It delivers the most dramatic improvement in overall abdominal contour.

Who is the ideal candidate for a mini-tuck?

A mini-tuck is ideal for patients whose muscles are in good shape but who have a small pouch of excess skin or fat in the lower abdomen. It is popular among women who have had one pregnancy, people with gravity-related or hereditary lower abdominal skin, and those who want a shorter recovery and smaller incision.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

Yes. Both full and mini tummy tucks combine easily with liposuction, breast lifts, and breast augmentations as part of a mommy makeover. Combining procedures in a single surgery reduces total recovery time and cost compared to having each procedure performed separately at different times.

How do I choose between a full tummy tuck and a mini-tuck?

The right choice depends on the extent of your concerns, whether you have muscle separation, how many pregnancies you have had, and how dramatic a result you want. Your surgeon will assess your anatomy during a consultation and recommend the procedure that will most effectively achieve your specific goals.