Comparing the Full and Mini Tummy Tuck
July 16, 2014

Patients have two options when it comes to their tummy tuck procedure — the full version and the mini version, both of which produce excellent results.

Patients often choose a tummy tuck procedure to obtain a flat abdominal area that they struggle to achieve through diet and exercise. During this procedure, which is formally known as abdominoplasty, loose tissue is removed and muscles are tightened. Every patient has two options to consider when opting for this procedure: the mini and the full tummy tuck. Both procedures address problematic areas and provide similar results, so choosing which to pursue depends on the patient’s individual situation. It’s always our goal to provide each patient with the knowledge she or he needs to make an informed decision that best fits her or his needs.

A full tuck completely addresses the abdominal area, and dramatic results are seen throughout the stomach area. A mini tuck, on the other hand, is appropriate for those patients whose “trouble area” is much smaller and limited just to the area directly above the pubic area.

Just as its name implies, a mini tummy tuck is less invasive than the full version. Fewer incisions are made, and in some cases, just one incision is necessary. A full tuck, on the other hand, requires multiple incisions, including one around the belly button. With the mini version of the procedure, one small incision at the bikini line will often grant sufficient access to the treatment area. Because the procedure is less invasive, recovery time for a mini tuck is shorter as well.

Patients may choose to combine either a full or mini tummy tuck with other cosmetic surgery procedures. Liposuction, which involves the removal of excess fat using suction power, is often incorporated into the process to achieve the absolute best results. The two procedures, when combined, are known as lipoabdominoplasty.