When it comes to body contouring, patients often ask for a “mini” tummy tuck rather than a “full” tummy tuck, typically hoping for a smaller procedure, quicker recovery, or reduced cost. However, the choice between these procedures is not simply a matter of preference but rather depends on a patient’s anatomy and desired results. Here’s how we guide patients in understanding the difference.
Both a mini and full tummy tuck involve an incision along the lower abdomen, usually stretching from hip to hip and hidden by underwear or swimwear. Through this incision, we lift the skin and fat off the abdominal muscles to access the area needing contouring. For a full tummy tuck, we make an additional incision around the navel to allow dissection all the way up to the rib cage. This broader access enables us to address laxity throughout the upper and lower abdomen, including any separation in the abdominal muscles, or “rectus diastasis,” by tightening them along the midline.
