Mini Tummy Tucks

 When I consult with new patients about their tummy appearance, they're usually hoping to hear that simply liposuction or even a "mini” tummy tuck, with shorter scar, will solve their problem and that a full tummy tuck will be unnecessary. Sadly, this is most frequently a false hope and a full tummy tuck (full abdominoplasty) is the only reasonable way to achieve their desired amount of improvement.

 

So, what exactly is a "mini” tummy tuck, and when is it an appropriate choice? The recognized plastic surgical term for a mini tummy tuck is "partial abdominoplasty," which, as the term implies, is a less involved version of the "full" procedure. That is, indeed, the case, and the main differences can be listed as follows:

 

 When a "mini” tummy tuck is performed, its lower incision is placed in exactly the same position as the one used for a "full” tummy tuck, but it does not extend out to the hip areas as in a "full” tummy tuck. The "mini" therefore creates a much shorter scar. Also, unlike a "full” tummy tuck, the upper incision of a "mini" stays well below the belly button instead of above it. This means the belly button does not require repositioning when a "mini" is performed, and hence the belly button does not carry the risk of visible scar around it, as is occasionally seen after a "full” tummy tuck. These differences between "full" and "mini" scars are depicted in the following photographs, with the typical scar of a full tummy tuck shown on the left and the scar of a mini tummy tuck shown below:

 

 A "full” tummy tuck has the ability to tighten tummy skin from the level of the ribs, above, to the pubis, below. The same cannot be claimed for a "mini” tummy tuck which can only tighten the lower tummy, starting just above the belly button and down to the pubis. If loose skin above the level of the navel must be tightened, a "full” tummy tuck is required. If the loose skin is confined to the area below the navel, a "mini" may be a reasonable option.

 

 A "full” tummy tuck tightens the "abs" from the ribs, above, to the pubis, below. With a "mini” tummy tuck, only the segment of muscle below the level of the belly button gets tightened. As a consequence, the "mini" is only appropriate when the muscles of the upper part of the tummy are already in fairly good "shape." If that's not the case, a "full” tummy tuck is likely required.

 

 During a "full” tummy tuck, there is a very large shift of skin, in the tightening process, requiring the surgical maneuver of "floating" the navel and relocating it, to maintain its normal position in the "new" overlying skin. This, as was mentioned above, introduces a risk that the resulting scar around the perimeter of the belly button may turn out to be visible and distracting. On the other hand, when a "mini” tummy tuck is performed, no incision is made around the navel, and hence, no belly button scar. The belly button is, however, pulled down in the direction of the pubis, and it may be changed to more of a "slit-like” appearance in the process.

 

 A "full” tummy tuck requires about two hours of surgical time. The "mini" is performed in about an hour and a half. The recovery room time is the same for each.

 

Resumption of normal activities after a "mini” tummy tuck is sooner than after a "full” tummy tuck. These patients are often ready to resume work or moderate activities after about one week of healing. Strenuous exertion, as with a "full” tummy tuck, should be avoided for six weeks.

 

 Naturally since a "mini” tummy tuck is less extensive surgery than a "full” tummy tuck, its cost is likewise less. In fact, the current cost for a mini tummy tuck is roughly 2/3 that for a full tummy tuck.

 

Just as for the "full” tummy tuck, our national plastic surgery organization (ASPS) has provided the public with an extremely informative animated video, showing the steps of this procedure. It's well worth the few minutes required to watch it.  

 Aside from the above-listed differences between the two, the "mini” tummy tuck shares most of its features with those of a "full” tummy tuck. This additional information is discussed in the section devoted to the "full” tummy tuck, which should also be reviewed for a better understanding.