Will I Be Happy with Mini Tummy Tuck Results?
A mini tummy tuck can absolutely yield a satisfying outcome in the right patient. There are many anatomic considerations to take into account to determine whether a mini tummy may be the best options for you, and only 5% of potential patients are great candidates. The key to getting a great result and being happy with your tummy tuck results is to have realistic expectations going into your procedure during the planning stages. One way to do this is to communicate closely with Dr. Brown during your tummy tuck consultation so that he can steer you in the right direction regarding a mini vs. full tummy tuck and other surgical techniques and options.
To help you better understand both the benefits and limitations of a mini tummy tuck, take a look at this quick guide prior to your consultation.
What’s Different about a Mini Tummy Tuck?
The main difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck is that the mini procedure focuses only on removal of a portion of the loose skin in the lower abdomen, below the belly button and leaves your belly button in place. In contrast, a full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen and typically repositions the belly button. Thus, a mini tummy can yield a smaller incision and shorter recovery time than its full counterpart. However, the mini tummy tuck is limited in the area that it can treat.
A good candidate for either a mini or full tummy tuck will be in good overall physical and mental health and will be at a stable, healthy weight prior to their procedure.
Who’s a Good Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck can be ideal in specific instances, where there is minimal lax skin in the area below the belly button that needs to be addressed in order to achieve the desired result.
You could be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck if:
- You have loose skin and excess fat confined just to the lower abdominal area.
- You have mild to moderate muscle laxity or separation in the lower abdomen.
- You are already very close to your ideal body weight.
- You have realistic expectations for your mini tummy tuck results.
Who Might See Better Results with a Full Tummy Tuck?
In some cases, Dr. Brown may recommend a full tummy tuck instead of a partial tummy tuck.
You could be a better candidate for a full tummy tuck if:
- You have loose skin and excess fatty tissue in both the upper and lower abdomen as well as possibly a bulging lower abdomen that you wish to address.
- You have more severe abdominal muscle laxity or separation (diastasis recti).
- You have experienced significant changes to your abdominal area, such as having had multiple pregnancies or significant weight fluctuations or a hernia.
Mini vs. Full Abdominoplasty: Which Is Right for Me?
Still not quite sure if you could see the best results from a mini or full tummy tuck? Don’t worry – that’s where your consultation with Dr. Brown comes in. During this time, he will closely listen to your concerns, trouble spots and expectations for your final outcome, as well as perform a physical examination. Using this information and over 20 years of surgical experience, Dr. Brown will offer his professional recommendations for the details of your tummy tuck procedure, helping you make an informed decision about which surgical technique you’d like to choose and which will yield the optimal result for you!To schedule your consultation with Dr. Brown, please call our office at 619-461-1500 or get in touch with us online.
