01 Apr Tummy Tuck vs. Mini Tummy Tuck
Whether or not you’re a better candidate for a full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck depends on the amount of excess skin and its laxity, your goals, and your future plans. A tummy tuck is a very popular procedure for both men and women at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, and it’s the most commonly included surgery as part of a mommy makeover. However, many patients aren’t aware that a mini tummy tuck is even a possibility—or what it entails. Let’s take a look at the two procedures so you can get an idea of which one might be for you. Keep in mind that nothing compares to a consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Shaun Parson when it comes to deciding on any surgical treatment.
Both a full tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck remove excess skin on the belly area. Excess skin can be caused by a big weight loss, a pregnancy, or simply aging because everyone produces different amounts of collagen and elastin (which is what helps skin “snap back” after it’s been stretched). Both of these surgeries also tighten the abdominal muscles, which is especially beneficial for women with muscle separation after a pregnancy. Diet and exercise alone cannot shrink excess skin or repair separated muscles—only a tummy tuck can do that. So, if these surgeries both do the same thing, what makes them different?
Best Tummy Tucks in Scottsdale
Every tummy tuck is personalized for the patient, so there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. A mini tummy tuck is less invasive. This surgery removes excess skin below the belly button and tightens the muscles in this area. The recovery is understandably shorter because it’s simply not as aggressive. A mini tuck might also mean that a new bellybutton doesn’t need to be created (which is very common with a full tummy tuck). For patients who only have loose skin in their lower belly area, a mini tummy tuck might be the right choice.
A full tummy tuck removes extra skin in both the lower and middle abdominal areas. Ab muscles are tightened and the remaining skin is re-attached. A full tummy tuck is more commonly paired with liposuction, but a patient might be a good candidate for liposuction for either type of tummy tuck. The recovery period for a full tummy tuck is longer, but most patients are back to the majority of their daily activities within one month after surgery.
Should I Wait for a Tummy Tuck?
Once excess skin is removed, it’s gone for good. However, skin is inherently stretchy and it’s certainly possible that the belly skin re-stretches. Some women wait until they’re sure they’ve finished having biological children to get a tummy tuck, and this can be a good idea, but it’s not a requirement. There are certainly many women who have had healthy pregnancies after a tummy tuck and there are also women who have had multiple tummy tucks after each pregnancy. You can decide along with your doctor whether you should wait or not.
It’s also important to keep in mind that you should reach your goal weight if you’re on a big weight loss journey before getting a tummy tuck. Whether you’re losing weight from weight loss surgery or the old-fashioned way, large amounts of weight dropped quickly can lead to loose skin. If you’re actively planning to lose a significant amount of weight in the near future, think about scheduling a tummy tuck as a reward when you achieve your goal weight.
Are Tummy Tucks Really for Everyone?
If you’re a healthy adult with excess tummy skin, you might be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. A lot of people think of it as a surgery for women, but that’s simply because postpartum women are especially prone to struggling with loose skin. Many men opt for a tummy tuck, especially after a big weight loss. The incision scars are hidden below the beltline, so you can wear a bikini or go topless without worrying about giving your secret away.
If you’d like to know more about tummy tuck options, schedule your consultation with Dr. Parson today. Call Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center at (480) 282-8386 and take the first step in seeing if a full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck is best for you.