There is often confusion between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
The key difference? A mini tummy tuck specifically addresses excess abdominal skin below the belly button, whereas a full tummy tuck addresses skin across the entire abdomen and repairs the abdominal muscles that may be spread apart. If you’re wondering whether this procedure is right for you, keep reading to learn more.
What Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Treat?
A mini tummy tuck focuses solely on the lower abdomen, making it ideal for patients with:
- Excess skin below the belly button (often due to pregnancy and/or weight fluctuations)
- Stretch marks in the lower abdomen
- A C-section scar “overhang” that creates a contour irregularity
- Good overall skin quality, with no excess skin above the belly button
Since this procedure does not address abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti) or excess skin above the belly button, patients with concerns beyond the lower abdomen may need to consider a full tummy tuck instead.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
When patients reach out to our office here at Peak Plastic Surgery Center in Denver, CO, our surgical coordinator will ask a few key questions to help determine if a patient may be a good candidate for a mini abdominoplasty.
1. Where Is Your Excess Skin Located?
- If the majority of excess skin is in the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck may be the best option.
- If you have loose skin across the entire abdomen, a full tummy tuck may be more appropriate.
2. Have You Had a C-Section?
- Many women develop a stubborn skin “overhang” above their C-section scar, which is caused by scar tissue tethering the skin to the abdominal wall.
- A mini tummy tuck not only removes this excess skin, but also removes the entire C-section scar resulting in an improved overall lower abdominal contour with a smoother appearance.
3. Have You Recently Had a Baby?
- If you’ve recently given birth, we typically recommend waiting a minimum of 6 months before undergoing surgery.
- This allows time for the abdominal skin to retract and abdominal muscles to retract into their final position post-pregnancy.
4. Do You Have Abdominal Muscle Separation Causing Abdominal Distention?
- Diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) is common after pregnancy.
- If muscle separation is significant enough that a repair is necessary, a full tummy tuck under general anesthesia may be required.
- If no muscle repair is needed and the excess abdominal skin is located in the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck may give similar overall results to a full tummy tuck.
Can a Mini Tummy Tuck Be Combined with Other Procedures?
Yes! Many patients choose to enhance their results by combining a mini tummy tuck with VASER liposuction.
- VASER liposuction significantly improves the contour in the areas of the body being treated, including the abdomen, improving overall results.
- This combination procedure is done while the patient is awake, reducing downtime and overall risk.
Can I Have a Full Tummy Tuck Later?
Absolutely! A mini tummy tuck does not prevent you from having a full tummy tuck in the future. Some patients choose to start with a mini procedure and later decide to undergo a full abdominoplasty due to changes in weight, skin elasticity, or personal goals.
While I always aim to achieve optimal results in one surgery, patient needs and circumstances can evolve over time.
What’s the Next Step?
If you’re considering a mini tummy tuck, the best way to determine if it’s right for you is to schedule a consultation.
- Preoperative phone consultation – Speak with our surgical coordinator to discuss your concerns.
- In-person consultation – Meet with me to assess your skin, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan.
If you have excess skin below the belly button, and want a flatter, more defined lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck may be the perfect solution for you!
Ready to take the next step?
Contact Peak Plastic Surgery today to learn more and schedule your consultation!