Mini Tummy Tuck vs Traditional Tummy Tuck

How is a mini tummy tuck different from a full tummy tuck?

While more traditional tummy tucks address the belly button, lower and upper abdomen, the mini tummy tuck only tightens the lower abdomen. Upon healing from a full tuck, patients will have scarring around the belly button and an additional scar that extends across the lower abdomen, typically extending from hip to hip. A mini abdominoplasty results in a smaller scar only at the lower abdomen and no scar around the navel.

Although mini tucks can be an effective alternative for patients with skin laxity and stretch marks isolated to the lower abdomen, mini tummy tucks cannot correct the upper abdomen and belly button nor can it remove stretch marks present in the upper region of the stomach.

Mini Tummy Tuck Candidates

Ideal candidates for mini tummy tuck surgery are healthy, non-smokers who exhibit loose skin in the lower abdomen not treatable by liposuction alone. Pooching, skin laxity and stretch marks must be limited to the lower abdomen. If the patient exhibits these symptoms on the entire midsection, they may be better suited for a full tummy tuck.

To see if you are a mini tummy tuck candidate, call 423-648-4011 to schedule a complimentary consultation with our Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeons.