Tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks are both common procedures for individuals looking to tighten and contour their abdominal muscles, but what exactly separates one from the other? The main difference between these two is that a full tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the entire abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck only removes excess skin and fat from below the belly button. Both are excellent options for someone looking to tighten their abdominal area, especially the areas that have been resistant to diet and exercise!
While both are good options it’s important to consider who the ideal candidate is for either option, as some may benefit from a mini tummy tuck than a full, and vice versa. If you are considering a tummy tuck, but still unsure about the ins and outs of it all, read on to learn more and to see if this is the right fit for you!
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks have been around for almost 200 years, but did not become a way to solely tighten the abdomen while preserving the belly button until the 70s and 80s. This set in motion the tummy tuck that we know of today.
A Full Tummy Tuck Step By Step
A tummy tuck is considered a major surgery performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon to remove excess skin and tissue on the entire abdominal area. Patients are under general anesthesia, and the surgeon will create an incision from hip to hip, between the public hairline and belly button. In addition, the surgeon will also make a vertical incision by the belly button.
From here, the skin and fat layer are lifted to expose the abdominal muscles, and the muscles are pulled and connected together with sutures. Then the layer of skin, and fat, is pulled downwards, past the pubic bone, where the extra skin hanging below is removed.
For a full tummy tuck, the belly button is often impacted due to the skin being tightened, and removed. The surgeon will create an opening on the abdomen for the “new” belly button which is put into place with sutures.
Following the closing of each incision, the surgeon will place drainage tubes, to prevent fluid retention, below the bikini line.
The duration of a full tummy tuck surgery can range from 1 – 3 hours depending on the amount of the abdominal area that is worked on, and if the patient undergoes additional body procedures.
Recovery Time for a Full Tummy Tuck
Following a full tummy tuck, patients can expect their recovery timeline to last anywhere from 6-8 weeks. During this time it is normal to experience swelling and soreness during the first days following the procedure. While soreness should decrease, and can be managed with over the counter pain relievers, swelling may linger for 2-3 months. In some cases, surgeons will provide a compression wrap for their patients for better healing.
While patients are in the recovery period, your surgeon will most likely advise you to avoid any strenuous activities during that 6-8 week mark. But, they may suggest light walking as it can help with blood circulation and prevention of blood clots.
In addition to being mindful of activities and movements during the healing period, it is also important to stay hydrated and enjoy a nutrient dense diet as these things can also aid in the healing process.
During the recovery period of a full tummy tuck, if patients notice a worsening of pain or swelling, it is crucial to connect the surgeon’s office immediately.
After the healing process is up, a full tummy tuck will typically last a lifetime for each patient, as long as they maintain a healthy lifestyle and do not gain a significant amount of weight.
Who is An Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
The ideal candidate for a full tummy tuck procedure is someone who is facing excess skin or fat in their abdominal region, above and below the belly button. Usually this is experienced by women following pregnancy who are unable to get rid of any stubborn belly fat. The same goes for someone who may have undergone weight loss, but still has extra, saggy skin in their abdominal region. In addition to excess skin, there can also be stretch marks, which a tummy tuck can also help to remove if they are in the right location.
Schedule a consultation with a trusted board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your aesthetic goals and see if a tummy tuck is the right option for you to remove stubborn belly fat and stretch marks.
Risks with Tummy Tuck Surgery
As with any major surgery, there are always risks patients should consider. With a fully tummy tuck, surgery risks are extremely rare and unlikely to occur when performed with a skilled, knowledgeable, and board-certified surgeon. Some risks to be aware when considering a full tummy tuck include:
- Infection
- Pulmonary complications
- Seroma, or fluid accumulation
- Complications from anesthesia
- Extreme scarring
Many of these risks can be avoided not only when this surgery is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, but also if the patient is in good overall health before the procedure. A knowledgeable, and ethical, surgeon will review your previous and current medical conditions to determine if you can withstand this procedure.
Full tummy tucks are typically not advised for patients who have high blood pressure, diabetes, bleeding disorder, or heart disease.
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck differs from a full tummy tuck as the former focuses on removing the excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen, or below the belly button. Mini tummy tucks are also considered major surgery, as patients will be under anesthesia during the entire procedure. The surgery itself is similar to a full tummy tuck with a few slight differences, like how much skin is removed and if the belly button is impacted.
A Mini Tummy Tuck Step By Step
A board certified surgeon will make a horizontal incision slightly above the public bone, and will first repair any muscle issues if needed, or requested, but this is not always included. From here, they will then pull the skin between the belly button and pubic bone downard, past the pubic bone and trim off the remaining skin. The incision will be closed with sutures.
The belly button is not impacted, nor needs to be “re-created” during a mini tummy tuck surgery.
The duration of a mini tummy tuck procedure can last anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on how much skin is removed, and if liposuction or additional surgeries are performed, like a “mommy makeover.”
Recovery Time for a Mini Tummy Tuck
After a patient undergoes a mini tummy tuck, they can expect the recovery time to last 6 weeks to 3 months for a full recovery. Similar to a full tummy tuck, patients who get a mini tummy tuck will most likely experience bruising, swelling, and soreness, which can be treated with over the counter pain medication. The surgeon may also wrap the abdomen with a compression garment to promote optimal healing and recovery.
In the same way walking can be helping during the recovery process for a full tummy tuck, the same goes for a mini tummy tuck. Light walking aids in blood circulation and reduces any chance of a blood clot.
Patients who do undergo a mini tummy tuck can expect to return to usual exercise around the 6 week mark, but of course, with clearance from their surgeon first! Ultimately, it is important to avoid putting tension or stress on the abdomen during the recovery process.
Once healing is complete, patients will see their final results from a mini tummy tuck, which can be permanent with a healthy lifestyle!
Ideal Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
The ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck is a patient who has a little amount of excess skin below the belly button. This can be from pregnancy, weight loss, or just diet and exercise resistant fat. Usually patients who have less body fat or facing extreme diastasis recti are also ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck.
A consultation with a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to determine if a mini or full tummy tuck is better for the patient based on the current amount of excess skin on their abdomen.
Risks with Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery
Risks are possible, but not too common with mini tummy tuck surgeries when performed by a board-certified surgeon. Risks to consider when looking into a mini tummy tuck include:
- Fluid retention
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
If patients find that they are experiencing further complications following a mini tummy tuck procedure, it is important to contact their surgeon as soon as possible, or 911 in an emergency.
Are Tummy Tucks a Weight Loss Solution?
While mini and full tummy tucks do remove excess skin and fat on the stomach, they are not considered a weight loss solution. Rather, it works best for patients who have already met their ideal weight, and are needing removal of excess or stubborn skin.
If patients are wanting a tummy tuck, but have yet to reach their goal, lifestyle changes and weight loss injections, like Ozempic, can be helpful in the process.
Non-Surgical Tummy Tuck Alternatives
If you are looking for ways to remove stubborn skin or fat, but not ready to go under the knife, there are tummy tuck alternatives to keep in mind, such as:
- Diet changes by focusing on whole foods and eliminating processed foods and sugars
- Exercise
- Morpheus8
- Weight loss injections like Ozempic
Tummy Tuck & Mini Tummy Tuck FAQs
How Do I Know if I Need a Full Tummy Tuck or Mini Tummy Tuck?
Making the decision to go undergo a full or mini tummy tuck is entirely up to you, and if you have specific aesthetic goals. Both procedures are common for patients who have previously lost a fair amount of weight or were recently pregnant.
A good determining factor if you should go for a full or mini tummy tuck is to see where most of the excess skin or fat is on your abdomen. If it lands just below your belly button, then you most likely would be an ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck. But, if you find that excess skin and fat lingers throughout your entire abdomen, then a full tummy tuck would be the better option of the two.
Again, an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to provide a full assessment and steer you in the right direction!
Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Cheaper Than a Tummy Tuck?
Since a mini tummy tuck focuses on a smaller section of the abdomen, rather than the whole like a full tummy tuck, they are usually less expensive than a full tummy tuck. But, some patients will request further procedures while under anesthesia, such as a breast lift or liposuction. Any additional procedures with a tummy tuck will obviously increase the price you pay in office.
The actual price of a mini tummy tuck can range from $4,000 – $5,000, while a full tummy tuck can range from $8,000 – $12,000. However, this will depend on the surgeon and location of the facility, among other factors. To get a more accurate price estimate for your surgery, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Does Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck or Mini Tummy Tuck?
Typically a mini or full tummy tuck is not covered by insurance as they are usually considered an elective surgery. But, it does not hurt to connect with your insurance company to see what your options are regarding potential coverage with a tummy tuck. One reason insurance may cover this procedure is if the loose skin impacts day to day activities.
How Many Sizes Do You Go Down After a Tummy Tuck?
After a tummy tuck procedure, patients can on average do down at least 1 – 3 pant sizes. With a mini tummy tuck, patients may go down a size or 2. Going down a pant size after either a full or mini tummy tuck can vary based on how much skin is removed and if additional procedures are included during the surgery.
What Other Procedures Can You Do With a Full and Mini Tummy Tuck?
Some patients who undergo a mini or full tummy tuck may also opt to undergo additional procedures while under anesthesia. Two common procedures surgeons can perform in addition to a mini or full tummy tuck include liposuction, fat grafting, or a breast augmentation. During your consultation with your surgeon, you can share what your goals are, and they can provide you with additional procedure suggestions and what is realistic to achieve from surgery.
What if I Get Pregnant Following a Full or Mini Tummy Tuck?
Many surgeons advised any tummy tuck surgery to be performed following all completed pregnancies. While pregnancy can still occur after a mini or full tummy tuck, it will stretch the skin once more that may put the patient back in the same spot regarding loose and excess skin. But, a tummy tuck, full or mini, can be performed once again following pregnancy. If a patient does not want to undergo an additional tummy tuck following their pregnancy, then liposuction is still an excellent choice to treat excess skin.
How Do I Find the Right Surgeon For a Full or Mini Tummy Tuck?
When the time comes to connect with a plastic surgeon for a mini or full tummy tuck, it is important to do your research and homework! Some practical and helpful tips for finding the right surgeon for a full or mini tummy tuck include:
- Find a board-certified plastic surgeon
- Look at before and after images available on their website or in office
- Read reviews from real patients
- Don’t bargain shop, as tummy tucks are investments and a botched procedure at a discounted price may mean another revision with more money spent
- Get second opinions from board certified plastic surgeons if you’re still unsure
Tummy Tuck Options in Nashville, TN, With Garza Plastic Surgery
Maybe you are ready to take the next step in meeting your aesthetic goals with the help of a mini or full tummy tuck. The board-certified surgeons at Garza Plastic Surgery in Nashville, TN, are here to help you reach those goals and available to answer any questions you may have! Learn more about Dr. Garza and schedule an in person consultation all on our website. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you wherever you land on this journey!
