Mini Tummy Tuck VS. Full Tummy Tuck Surgery
Mini VS. Full Tummy Tuck Surgery
Acquiring a flat and flawless abdomen has turned into one of the basic criteria in fitness. In a number of cases, hard dieting and strenuous exercise can NOT bring about the desired results. In these cases, medical science comes to the rescue, and helps people achieve higher fitness by conducting cosmetic abdominoplasty also called tummy tuck.
Various factors such as aging, pregnancy, severe weight loss, etc. may lead patients to undergo tummy tuck surgery.
There are various types of abdominoplasty, but mini abdominoplasty, and full abdominoplasty (also known as traditional/classic abdominoplasty) are the two most common and well-known medical approaches. These two surgeries have significant differences that make each of them more suitable for certain patients.
In this article, we are going to explain the differences between these two cosmetic surgery methods, which will undoubtedly help you decide which treatment method is suitable for you.
For whom is a mini tummy tuck suitable for?
The mini abdominoplasty is most suitable for patients whose physical deformity is only limited to below their navel.
These individuals have loose skin or excess fat in the area below the navel, which adversely affects their physical appearance and fitness. The incision made in a mini tummy tuck procedure is much smaller than the incision made in a full abdominoplasty. In this method, the abdominal muscles may also be tightened.
A study of two groups, each including 15 people (one group undergoing mini abdominoplasty and the other group undergoing full abdominoplasty) indicated that patients who a underwent mini abdominoplasty were more satisfied with the wound healing process.
For more information on a mini tummy tuck procedure, read the relevant article.
The Advantages of Having a Mini Tummy Tuck
- Smaller scars
- Shorter recovery time
- Lower cost
The Disadvantages of Having a Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery:
- This method does NOT treat the upper abdominal area.
- Less body transformation in achieved when compared to a full abdominoplasty.
For whom is a full tummy tuck suitable for?
This medical approach is most suitable for patients who have loose skin & excess fat, as well as loose muscles in both the upper abdominal area and below the navel.
In such cases, it is better for patients to undergo a full tummy tuck method in order to get the excess fat and skin removed, as well as having the abdominal muscles tightened.
In this procedure, the location of the navel changes, and a new shape is created for it, which has a more aesthetic look. Furthermore, a full tummy tuck procedure may be combined with liposuction.
The incision made in this procedure is known as a full bikini incision, and is stretched close to the hip joint. The resulting scars will be hidden under the patient’s underwear.
To learn more about this method of surgery, read the article on full abdominoplasty.
The Advantages of Having a Full Tummy Tuck
- The excess skin above and below the navel is eliminated.
- The patient’s body undergoes a more full physical transformation.
- Issues with the navel are dramatically reduced.
The Disadvantages of Having a Full Abdominoplasty
- This method is followed by a longer recovery period, which can affect the patient’s routine daily activities.
- Wound healing takes longer, and seroma is more when compared with a full abdominoplasty.
- Higher cost
A Brief Overview of the Differences Between a Full Tummy Tuck and a Mini Tummy Tuck
Mini VS. Full Tummy Tuck Surgery
| Mini Abdominoplasty | Full Abdominoplasty | |
Objectives | Tightening the lower abdominal muscles, and remove excess fat and skin
| The muscles are tightened, excess fat and skin above and below the navel is removed, and a suitable location is made for the navel |
Suitable for | Patients who have problems only below their navel | Patients with loose skin, and muscle relaxation all over their abdominal area
|
Incision | An incision is made above the pubic bone. Excess fat is removed, muscles and skin are tightened
| The navel is separated from the rest of the tissue and abdomen wall, the underlying muscles are tightened, the skin is pulled down, and excess tissue & fat is removed
|
Duration of Surgery | Less than 2 hours | Between 1 to 5 hours |
The possibility of being combined with liposuction | Possible | NOT possible |
Type of anesthesia | General anesthesia (local anesthesia in some cases) | General anesthesia |
Recovery period | 1 to 3 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks |
Incisions made | A small incision | The incisions reach the femur bone from both sides |
Side effects and complications | Numbness, bleeding, infection, bruising, swelling | Infection, subcutaneous bleeding, formation of blood clots, bruising, swelling
|
Which is better? A full abdominoplasty or a mini abdominoplasty?
Despite the fact that these two methods are very different from each other, it is NOT possible to make a general decision regarding the advantages of one method over the other. In fact, based on your condition, each of these medical procedures can be the most suitable treatment for you.
Although a Mini Tummy Tuck seems to be a better choice due to the small incision made, and its shorter recovery period, only a handful of patients have all the criteria necessary for undergoing this method of surgery.
In case the proper surgery for your condition is a Full Tummy Tuck, and you have a full abdominoplasty instead, you will NOT achieve the expected results, and will need to have a second surgery.
The most important issue in deterfullng the appropriate type of surgery is consulting a skilled surgeon, who will suggest the most appropriate medical approach while taking into account the condition of your adipose tissue, skin, muscles, as well as how the adipose tissue has been distributed in your abdominal area.
Read Also:
The Difference Between an Abdominal Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck Surgery
