Whats the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tt?

Most patients benefit from a full tummy tuck- tightening the muscles  with redraping and resecting all the excess skin and tissue.  To do a full abdominoplasty the incision goes hip to hip and there is an incision around the belly button.A mini tummy tuck is for patients with a little to moderate excess skin just below the umbilicus with good muscle tone.  The incision length is still longer than most c- sections.

A full tummy tuck is most common and addresses the entire abdomen.A mini tummy tuck by definition treats below the belly button but some physicians also describe small skin removal as a mini tummy tuck so it gets confusing.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Thank you for your question.  Of course, an exam would be needed to make a final determination.  It looks like you would be a good candidate for a traditional tummy tuck.  At that time, the rectus muscles can be sewn back together, (plicated).  Mini tummy tucks are usually reserved for those with extra skin between the umbilicus and pubis.  The loose skin is trimmed off.  These patients are usually quite thin.  Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  Together you will come up with a plan.

First, please see the attached video to help to better understand the anatomy involved.Next, the aware that the vast majority of patients benefit much more from a full tummy tuck.A mini tuckcan only address the lower half of the abdomen. It does not address the separation of muscles above the abdomen, loose skin above the abdomen, and generally has results which are much less dramatic. That is not to say that it is appropriate in some patients. However, this can only be determined by a board certified plastic surgeon. I would recommend you have and in person sit down with a board certified plastic surgeon and he or she can very personally explain to the difference and describe whether or not this is an appropriate option for you. Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

A mini just removes a small amount of skin below the belly button and minimal muscle tightening.  A full tummy tuck removes a lot more skin and tightens the muscles along the entire abdominal wall.Good luck!

Thank you for your question.  In a nutshell, the tummy tuck procedure is more commonly performed and is what most patients qualify for.  This procedure removes loose, saggy skin from the abdominal region, leaving a scar from hip to hip.  The mini tummy tuck is used for only a very select group of patients who present a slight "bump" below the belly button.  The scar is much shorter and only the lower part of the abdominal wall below the belly button is tightened in comparison to the full tummy tuck which includes a full abdominal wall plication.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Great question.  In patients with excess skin and skin laxity both above and below and umbilicus (belly button) as well as significant outpouching of the stomach due to muscle separation (common after child-bearing), a full tummy tuck is generally the procedure of choice.  In a full tummy tuck, the incision typically stretches completely across from hip to hip and a new belly button is created.  In the situation where the patient has only excess skin predominantly below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may be appropriate.  The incision is generally shorter (does not stretch all the way to the hips) and you keep your same belly button.  Although the muscle can be "tightened" in both operations, it may more effectively be accomplished with the full tummy tuck.  Hope this helps and good luck!

Thanks for your question. A mini tummy tuck removes a smaller portion of the skin. This
procedure is best for individuals with a small amount of belly fat that
won’t be reduced by diet and exercise.
The standard tummy tuck is ideal for both men and women who are in
good physical health but have a mediocre amount of loose skin in the
abdominal area. This form of a tummy tuck is suitable for patients who
have lost a significant amount of weight, or are women who have excess
fat and/or weak muscles after pregnancy.
The extended tummy tuck is best for patients with a large amount of
loose skin on their abdomen, hips, and along the sides of their lower
back.

A min tuck or mini abdominoplasty is for the person who has a bulge or separation of the muscle only from the belly button down. The person may have unwanted fat and that can be treated with liposuction. the scar is short and only a small amout of skin is removed. the belly button is not changed. The muscles are tightened below th belly button. In contrast, a full abdominoplasty involves removing a larger amount of skin from the belly button down and usally hip to hip scar if needed. the muscle is repaired both above and below the belly button. the skin is pulled down from abve the belly button to the pubic area and a new opening is made for the belly button. I do liposuction also but not as much as with the mini so the skin is not damaged. they are very different procedures. Choosing the right one depends on your body shape and your goals. consult with Board Certified Plasric Surgeon who is comfortable with both.

Be careful as sometimes these terms can mean different things. They may relate to the size of the incision and/or the areas of the abdomen that will be treated. It is best to discuss your expectations and the plan with your plastic surgeon.