Mini Tummy Tucks vs. Full Tummy Tucks

What do tummy tucks achieve?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is used to achieve a flatter, more toned, firmer abdomen with less frontal protrusion and tighter skin.

What is a mini-tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck, also known as a partial abdominoplasty, uses a short incision on the middle part lower part of the abdomen to remove loose, sagging, excess skin and achieve tightening. A mini tuck uses a much shorter incision and is much less invasive than a full abdominoplasty. A mini tummy tuck leaves the navel intact, has a shorter recovery time and can be done as an outpatient procedure.

Are you a candidate for a mini tummy tuck?

• you do not smoke and are in generally good health
• you are at a stable weight and not too far from your ideal body weight (within 10%)
• you have excess, lax or sagging abdominal skin
• you would like to have a tighter smoother abdomen and have realistic expectations

How long does it take to heal from a mini-tummy tuck?

1-3 weeks. Commonly, you may return to work in one week.

Can my mini-tummy tuck be done at the same time as my laser liposculpting?

At MilfordMD Surgery & Laser Center, we often find the laser liposculpting alone gives enough tightening so that a tummy tuck is not necessary. A tummy tuck can be performed at the same time if it is clear that it will be needed.

What is a full traditional tummy tuck (traditional abdominoplasty)?

A full abdominoplasty may be necessary for those who are not within 10% of their ideal body weight, have a great deal of loose skin and need extensive abdominal muscle tightening. In a full tummy tuck an incision is made around the navel as well as in the lower abdomen. The navel is repositioned higher and typically abdominal muscles are pulled together with inner sutures. The recovery time is longer for a full tummy tuck.

Will I still need to exercise and diet?

Tummy tucks are not a substitute for exercise and a weight maintenance program.

Will tummy tucks help stretch marks?

Tummy tucks can’t help stretch marks very much. They can help some and treatment with Thermage may result in additional improvement.

What about pregnancy or weight loss programs?

If you are planning substantial weight loss or pregnancy you should consider waiting on considering a tummy tuck.

Note: MilfordMD Surgery & Laser Center offers out patient procedures including mini tummy tucks. Patients who are after bariatric surgery and have extensive amounts of loose skin would require in-patient traditional abdominal surgery.