What is the Difference Between a Mini and a Full Tummy Tuck?

Posted on March 16, 2015 by: Dr. Ronald DeMars

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It seems that a large number of ladies wanting a tummy tuck after having  babies come to the office with questions about the difference between a so-called Mini Tummy Tuck or a Full Standard Tummy Tuck and are hoping for an improved tummy with as “little surgery as possible”.

In general, the goal of an Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a TT or Tummy Tuck, is a flatter, tighter, and younger abdominal appearance done by taking away damaged skin and extra fat, as well as tightening the six-pack (rectus abdominus) muscles.  It is typically done in an outpatient setting with a general anesthetic so the patient is fully asleep.

The Mini tightens only that skin below the belly button and removes about 1/3 – 1/2 of the lower skin and fat and does not usually involve tightening the muscles that have been damaged or stretched apart by the baby.  It is a scar about 1  1/2 times as long as a C-section scar and placed low enough to hide under swim wear.

The Full Tummy Tuck is a slightly longer scar, also very low, and this allows the surgeon to tighten all of the abdominal skin from ribs to pubis as well as remove the fat attached to the loose skin and also repair the muscle separation from ribs to pubis. It is far more complete and the best choice for the majority of women after babies. All the skin and fat below the belly button is removed in the Full Tummy Tuck and a much more complete correction of the problems can be done.

While this information is helpful in learning the main difference, it’s hard to know if a Mini or Full Tummy Tuck is the best option for you without visiting Dr. DeMars at his office in Portland for a consultation, where he can discuss your goals and help evaluate the best options to help you reach them. Each patient is unique and we like to give you the full attention and information that you deserve.