Tummy tuck surgery is a great way to slim and sculpt the midsection. However, the surgery requires substantial recovery time, so many patients are curious about less extensive alternatives such as a mini tummy tuck.
A mini tummy tuck is a specialized procedure that targets the area right below the bellybutton. While it has many unique benefits—including a shorter recovery time—this option isn’t always the best fit for all patients.
It’s important to know more about this procedure before deciding if it’s right for you. To help provide some of the information you need, I’ll answer some of the mini tummy tuck questions I hear from my Fort Worth patients.
What is a mini tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is a modified version of a traditional tummy tuck. It is used to tighten and tone sagging skin on the lower half of the abdomen. The surgery uses a small incision, similar to the kind used during a cesarian section. Because of the limited treatment area, the recovery period is a bit shorter than it is with a standard tummy tuck surgery.
How is a mini tummy tuck different from a full tummy tuck?
The main difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck is that a mini only addresses the area directly below the bellybutton. It is only used to remove excess skin and saggy tissue. It doesn’t involve any major muscle tightening.
A full tummy tuck, on the other hand, can treat the entire midsection at once. It requires a hip-to-hip incision to give the doctor access to the tissues and muscles underneath. A full tummy tuck can treat issues like a “belly bulge” caused by diastasis recti.
Who is an ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is a good option if you’re interested in a less extensive procedure, and you only want to treat the lower midsection. If you’re at a stable weight, have good skin elasticity, and struggle with a protruding lower belly, a mini tummy tuck might be for you.
However, it’s important to know that many patients have problem areas that go beyond “below the bellybutton.” Many have unwanted fat and sagging skin all over the midsection. If you want to treat a more substantial area or have a condition such as diastasis recti, a traditional tummy tuck can give you the results you’re seeking.
There are plenty of benefits from each type of tummy tuck. But no matter which kind of tummy tuck you prefer, always be sure to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Browse our tummy tuck before-and-after photos to see examples of real patient results. If you would like to learn more about mini tummy tucks or other plastic surgery procedures in Fort Worth, request a consultation online. You can also contact our practice office by phone at (817) 228-4315.
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