What is the Difference Between a Mini and a Full Tummy Tuck

Please explain the difference and can mini be done if only a little skin or would it be best to float belly button and reatatch it or endoscopy?

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by New York6667

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Tummy Tuck

The mini usually only is for tissue below the navel, the full is for tissue up to the xiphoid process.

MINI TUMMY TUCK vs FULL TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)

Typically, a mini tummy tuck does not correct skin laxity and abdominal wall weakness above the belly button regions whereas full tummy tuck tightens the full abdominal wall and removes excess skin above and below the belly button. The full tummy tuck requires an incision around the umbilicus (belly button) whereas in the mini tummy tuck there is no belly button circumferential incision.

Mini vs full tummy tuck

A "mini" tummy tuck only addresses skin laxity below the belly button. It is sometimes useful if a patient only has a minor degree of skin laxity below the belly button. The muscles below the belly button can also be tightened if indicated. One can tighten the skin above the belly button with a mini-tuck if you release the belly button from the fascia and allow it to move down. The problem with this is that in most people the result will look abnormal as the... more

Difference Between Mini and Full Tummy Tuck

The difference between a full and mini tummy tuck is not related to how long the scar is. This is a common misconception. While the mini tummy tuck scar is often shorter, it is not always the case. The real difference is the areas that they address. A mini tummy tuck only tightens the skin below the belly button while a full tummy tuck tightens the skin of the entire (upper and lower) abdomen. A mini tummy tuck can tighten the muscle below the belly button but... more

Mini vs. full tummy tuck

A mini tummy tuck is one that only tightens the skin below the belly button. Because the belly button "tethers" the skin to the underlying tummy "wall" (muscles adn fascia), no amount of pulling down on the skin will tighten the skin above the belly button if it is left attached. In a full tummy tuck, the belly button is released from the surrounding skin and the skin freed up to the ribcage so that the entire tummy skin can be tightened. When the skin... more

A full tummy tuck versus a mini tummy tuck

A mini tummy tuck addresses the excess skin and muscle laxity that exists in the lower half of the abdomen whereas a full tummy tuck addresses the excess skin and lax and separated muscles both above and below the belly button and involves detaching then reattaching the belly button to the skin. Most patients are better candidates for full tummy tucks. Those with very localized laxity of skin and muscle below the umbilicus may just need a mini tummy tuck. There is, of course, a... more

Mini vs Full tummy Tuck........

To explain it very simply...... a Mini Tummy Tuck tightens only the skin below the belly button. A Full Tummy Tuck tightens the skin both above as well as below the belly button. Either technique can result in a scar from hip to hip or longer. But, only a Mini tummy tuck can leave a short scar.

Full tummy tuck vs. Mini TT

A full tummy tuck involves repositioning of the belly button and tightening the area between the abdominal muscles that gets widened after pregnancy. It corrects the excess skin both above and below the belly button. A mini TT does not address the skin laxity above the belly button or the separation of the abdominal muscles. I also perform liposuction of the flanks in conjuction with both procedures. The floating belly button can be done with either technique it depends on how much tissue... more

Mini Tummy Tuck or a Full Tummy Tuck

Dear New York6667: I have included a web link and a video that discuss the differences between full and mini tummy tucks. Click "more" to see them. A mini tummy tuck works well if you like the appearance of your abdomen above the belly button, but not below it. If you cover the area below the belly button and you like the appearance, a mini may be just what the doctor ordered. If you still need to suck it in or there is loose skin above the belly button, a full tummy tuck... more

Joseph Mele, MD

4 reviews

Walnut Creek Plastic Surgeon

www.DrMele.com

Depends on what y ou have

If you have little or no extra skin, a mini is fine. If you have had kids or had any sort of large weight loss , a regular tummy tuck is needed. With a standard tummy tuck all of the skin between the pubis and belly button is excised. The muscles are tightened and the belly button is inset via a new incision. Come on in and we will tell you which is best for you. Trust an experienced board certified plastic surgeon for the best advice

Mini vs. full tummy tuck

The difference is in amount of skin that is undermined and subsequently pulled down. In full tummy tuck the skin is freed up upto the ribcage from the pubic area - that allows more skin to be removed. In a mini tummy tuck the skin is freed only upto the level of the belly button. That allows less kin removal (but recovery will be quicker). Dividing the belly button stalk (and allowing it to float) allows more skin to be removed, but nowhere close enough to that of a full tummy tuck... more