What is a tummy tuck and why might you need one?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon. During the surgery, the physician removes excess fat and skin within the abdomen. They also suture the abdominal muscles together, creating a firm abdominal wall. Your doctor may also perform liposuction to remove more fat and further slim down the waistline. The results include a stronger abdominal wall and a more defined midsection.
The purpose of a tummy tuck is to remove loose skin and fat deposits in the tummy region. A tummy tuck would be well-suited for someone who has lost or gained excess weight or who has had multiple pregnancies. In these instances, excess skin and fat may persist despite diet and exercise.
Mini tummy tucks vs. full – what’s the difference and which one should you get?
Both a mini and fully tummy tuck can remove excess fat and skin from pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and normal aging. Mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck procedures differ, however. A mini tummy tuck surgery is a simpler procedure.
In a mini tummy tuck, the surgeon only removes excess fat and skin that is below the navel. Therefore, the navel remains unaffected. This differs from a full tummy tuck, where the surgeon removes fat and skin above in the upper abdomen, thus involving the navel and altering its position. A mini tummy tuck also has smaller incisions than a full tummy tuck.
The cost of a mini tummy tuck vs. full
The cost of a mini tummy tuck average around $4,000-$5,00. A full tummy tuck can cost $6,000 or more.
When to consider getting a mini tummy tuck vs. full
Which tummy tuck procedure you should get will depend on where your problem areas are. Your surgeon will perform a full consultation to discuss your medical history and goals to determine what is the best surgery for you.
Typically, a mini tummy tuck is appropriate for those with excess fat and skin mostly in the lower abdomen below the navel. You should consider a full tummy tuck if you have excess fat and skin above the navel in the upper abdomen.
How long does it take to recover from a mini tummy tuck vs. full
Recovery time will vary from person to person, however, recovery from a mini tummy tuck is usually faster than that of a full tummy tuck. This is because the surgery is less complex, and the surgeon does not tighten the abdominal muscles in a mini tummy tuck. Typically, patients can resume normal activities after roughly four weeks. Patients that undergo a full tummy tuck can usually resume normal activities after roughly six weeks.
Post-surgery, patients can expect to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling. Pain, swelling, and bruising of the midsection post-tummy tuck is normal. These effects should normally resolve within a few weeks.
Things to keep in mind before getting either procedure done
There are a few important things to consider prior to receiving a tummy tuck procedure. These include:
- finding out if you are pregnant before undergoing the procedure. You should never undergo these surgeries while pregnant.
- determining if you will be breastfeeding prior to the tummy tuck. Surgeons usually recommend that you wait three months after completion of breastfeeding before undergoing a tummy tuck. This is to ensure that you are at a stable weight prior to the procedure.
- trying natural ways to lose weight first, such as through diet and exercise, before a tummy tuck. These procedures have risks.
- understanding the risks associated with surgery. For example, a tummy tuck could lead to infection or bleeding complications after surgery.
To learn more about tummy tucks, visit our website to learn more about how Moon Aesthetics can help you achieve your cosmetic goals.
