One of the most common questions we get asked in regards to tummy tucks is, do I need a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck? The answer to this question is, it depends. Whether you require a full tummy tuck versus a mini tummy tuck depends on your body, your desired results and other factors. Throughout this article, we will give you everything you need to know about tummy tucks to help you decide if you need a full or mini tummy tuck.
What Is A Full Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the stomach area. A full tummy tuck is used when the patient requires a significant amount of skin or fat to be removed and targets the whole of the stomach.
What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck?
The main difference between a full and mini tummy tuck is the area of the stomach that is targeted. A mini tummy tuck (or mini abdominoplasty) is a less invasive procedure that involves removing excess fat and skin around the stomach region, but unlike a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck only focuses on the lower abdomen.
What Does A Tummy Tuck Consultation Look Like?
Whether you’re having a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck, the process at UK Aesthetics is similar, both beginning with an initial consultation. During a tummy tuck consultation (whether full or mini tummy tuck), your surgeon will discuss your expectations for the surgery, what your lifestyle is like, why you are having the surgery and also the potential risks associated with the procedure.
Your surgeon will discuss whether your tummy tuck procedure needs to be combined with our forms of surgery. For example, a mini tummy tuck might be combined with liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits. Again, this will all be discussed in detail during the consultation.
What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck Designed To Do?
If you are wondering whether you need a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck, consider your desired results and current circumstances. As discussed, both options are designed to remove excess fat and skin around the abdominal area to improve the aesthetic appearance.
Given that a mini tummy tuck is a smaller surgery, they are popular for people who are at a healthy weight and only need a small amount of fat removed, possibly after childbirth or extreme weight loss. Full tummy tucks are designed for people who have a greater amount of excess fat.
Both procedures are designed to achieve a more youthful look and a better body contour.
Tummy Tuck Operation Versus Mini Tummy Tuck Operation
The length of the procedure will depend on how much excess skin needs to be removed. Given that a mini tummy tuck targets a smaller area than a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck operation can be performed quicker than a full tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck can take up to 5 hours, while a mini tummy tuck can be performed in 1 and a half hours.
Another difference between a tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck is the size of the incision. A mini tummy tuck requires a smaller incision, which can result in a quicker recovery time and a smaller scar when compared to a full abdominoplasty.
Many people are interested in the cost of a full tummy tuck versus a mini tummy tuck. As you’d expect given the smaller nature of the procedure, a mini tummy tuck is cheaper than a full tummy tuck, but the price of each procedure varies greatly from one operation to the next.
If you want a deeper understanding of the difference between full and mini tummy tucks, check out our case studies:
Is A Full Tummy Tuck Riskier Than A Mini Tummy Tuck?
A full tummy tuck is generally considered riskier than a mini tummy tuck. As already mentioned, key differences between full and mini tummy tucks include the size of the area that is being operated on and the amount of fat being removed. Full tummy tucks remove more fat and require larger incisions. It’s also common for a full tummy tuck to require repositioning of the belly button.
In terms of recovery, both procedures will require you to spend some time in the hospital after the operation. A mini tummy tuck may only require you to stay in the hospital for a few hours, while a full tummy tuck usually leads to at least one night.
For both procedures, it is important to arrange for someone to pick you up, as you will be unable to drive for around a week, although this will differ depending on personal circumstances.
Final Thoughts
For people who feel they are at a healthy weight but are uncomfortable about excess skin or fat around their lower stomach, a mini tummy tuck would be a good option. If you’re looking for a significant amount of fat to be removed, a full tummy tuck may be the right solution. However, if you are still unsure about the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck, feel free to get in touch with us today.