Full or Mini Tummy Tuck<\/p>\n
One of the most common questions I get from patients who are seeing me for a tummy tuck is, \u201cAm I a candidate for a mini tummy tuck?\u201d Basically the difference between the two surgeries has to do with the incision, the belly button, and the amount of dissection. In a traditional tummy tuck, the incision typically goes from hip to hip, the cut out is carried above the bellybutton (which remains attached to the muscles like a mushroom), the muscles are tightened from the xyphoid (which is at the bottom of the breast bone) to the pubis, and the extra skin and fat is removed. A new opening for the bellybutton is made and it is then pulled through. Liposuction<\/a> to thin out the upper abdominal is not commonly done as it may interfere with the blood supply to the skin. While producing the best result for many patients, it is a big operation, requires 7 to 14 days of drains, and will take 3 to 4 weeks to fully recover. This operation is best used in patients who have excess skin and or bulging above and below their belly buttons.<\/p>\n In a mini tummy tuck the incision can usually be placed lower and the incision is shorter than a traditional tummy tuck. Also the dissection only goes up to the belly button. The muscles may or may not be tightened but excess skin is removed. The ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck is someone whose bulge is only in their lower belly with a mild to moderate amount of loose skin. Drains are still used but typically for 5-7 days. An abdominal binder is still worn for 4 weeks and exercise and strenuous activity may begin at 4 weeks. <\/p>\n