Tummy Tuck

When Is A Mini Tummy Tuck Worth It?

While tummy tucks offer significant improvements for those with lax midsection skin, many people are intrigued by the mini tummy tuck variation offered at my practices serving Midvale and Salt Lake City. This approach can involve less recovery time and smaller incisions—but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone.

When is this modified procedure worth it, and when is a full tummy tuck a better approach? This blog post will discuss the differences in these procedures and who may be a strong candidate for each.

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

Full tummy tucks differ from mini tummy tucks in a few key ways.

• Corrections: A mini tummy tuck only addresses concerns below the bellybutton, whereas a full tummy tuck tightens skin on the entire abdomen.
• Incisions: Mini tummy tuck incisions are smaller than full tummy tuck incisions, though they’re both located low on the abdomen and can be easily hidden even under bikini bottoms. A full tummy tuck also involves an incision around the belly button, which is not necessary with a mini tummy tuck.
• Recovery: Mini tummy tuck recovery is typically shorter than full tummy tuck recovery.

Who is a candidate for a mini tummy tuck?

An ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck is someone whose primary concern is sagging skin or protrusion of the lower abdomen. If you’re happy with the way most of your abdomen looks but are bothered by sagging or a “pooch” below your belly button, this may be a strong option for you.

Ideal candidates should be at or near their ideal weight and in good general health. It’s wise to wait until you’re finished having children, as pregnancy can stretch the skin and alter your long-term results.

Are there other tummy tuck variations?

Yes. For those looking for more corrections than those offered by a full tummy tuck, I perform both extended tummy tucks and belt lipectomies, or lower body lifts.

An extended tummy tuck tightens loose skin on the hips and flanks as well as the abdomen. This procedure is common among people who have experienced major weight loss. The incision extends the traditional tummy tuck incision beyond the hips to the lower back.

A belt lipectomy, or lower body lift, brings the incision 360 degrees around the body, allowing for skin tightening around the entire trunk.

It’s common for people choosing these approaches to combine them with other lifting procedures, such a breast lift or facelift.

How can I decide which procedure is right for me?

The best way to decide is to visit my practice for a consultation. Using my many years of training and experience, I’ll be able to recommend the right approach for you after an in-person exam and thorough discussion about your goals.

To see examples of the results you can expect from various tummy tuck variations, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.

If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation at my practices in Midvale and Salt Lake City, please contact us online or call (801) 937-9650.