When Is a Tummy Tuck a Mini Tuck?

Tummy tucks are still one of the most popular types of plastic surgery throughout the world but there are different operations aiming for different effects and if you don’t understand the difference between them it is hopeless to try to begin to understand these operations. There is the abdominoplasty, meaning the operation called the tummy tuck and then the newer scaled down version dubbed the mini tummy tuck – and these two operations really are quite different in nature.

This article explains the effects patients want from the mini tummy tuck, the general procedures surgeons use, and how this is different to the normal tummy tuck surgery. This will be a quick way to understand fundamental differences between these two popular types of plastic surgery.

A mini tummy tuck is felt to best slim the area between the navel and the pubic bone. The type of person who chooses to have it could be a mother who has had several pregnancies which have stretched the abdominal muscles, meaning it is very difficult to return to the pre-pregnancy shape by exercise and diet alone. Older patients might also choose this operation, to help aging tummy muscles return to a firmer contour, or those who find they have mild weight fluctuations. The operation in all cases aims to give a toned, taught tummy shape and involves great surgical skill for acceptable results.

The surgery generally involves an incision of around 10 to 15 centimetres length being performed horizontally on the skin above the bikini line. Then the surgeon cuts away excess skin and any unwanted adipose (fatty) tissue, perhaps also employing liposuction during the operation. Liposuction means a cannula is manipulated within the adipose tissues to loosen them before they are entirely removed by suction through the body of the cannula for disposal. Patients with damage to their abdominal muscles can have them strengthened with suturing techniques during the same operation, for example, ladies with damage through multiple childbirths. Although it still uses incisions and tissue removal, the operation is different to a full tummy tuck in many respects.

The incision made is generally smaller in length and the surgery does not routinely seek to reposition the navel. The art of navel repositioning again requires a great degree of skill for a favourable result, and this is one factor that shortens the operation time in comparison to the full tummy tuck. Whereas the full version can last more than 2 hours on the operating table, the mini tummy tuck can often be performed in around 60 minutes. However, going back to the effects, it is not suitable for those wishing to remove weight above the level of the navel.

There is something about the name mini tummy tuck that makes it sound a little less invasive than the full tummy tuck but in reality they are both really quite major surgical operations requiring a very skilled team and a good recovery plan. No surgery is ever guaranteed free from risk and this raises the education the surgical team offer to patients before surgery – it really should explain all the risks to allow them to make their informed choice. You can now understand the effects of the mini tummy tuck on the lower abdomen, the general principles of the operation, the basic differences between it and full tummy tucks and the fact it is unfortunately, a little shorter but never entirely risk free. For full details and medical advice patients must of course consult their doctors and/or surgical teams.

RS Brown is one of a dedicated team writing about plastic surgery people choose in the hope they will look younger and feel better about their bodies. The team examine the mini tummy tucks against the full tucks and provide timely information for those considering a clinic abroad.

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