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Tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is one of the most transformative and effective plastic surgery procedures available for women and men. Not only can patients experience physical improvements to the look of their midsection, but there are also functional and psychological benefits to this procedure.
Not only are the core muscles tightened and strengthened, but the thinner and more contoured appearance of the belly and waist helps women and men feel more confident about how they look and feel.
While it is often the most beneficial, a full tummy tuck is not always recommended. Instead, some patients require only minimal correction to the abdomen.
For these patients, a mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty) can offer the results they desire with a few added benefits.
What Is the Difference Between a Full Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck?
While it may seem easy to simply say that a mini tummy tuck is a “miniature” version of a full tummy tuck, that is not quite the truth.
Both procedures help correct cosmetic concerns in the belly (excess fat, loose abdominal muscles, and sagging skin) that are caused by age, lifestyle, and life events. However, each procedure addresses these concerns in different areas of the abdomen.
A full tummy tuck procedure helps to remove pockets of fat and correct sagging skin and loose muscles in the entire abdominal area, both below and above the navel and from hip bone to hip bone. Additionally, the belly button can be repositioned to a higher, more natural level, and a full tummy tuck can help correct diastasis recti (which is the separation of abdominal muscles that often happens with pregnancy and childbirth).
Conversely, a mini tummy tuck addresses concerns in the lower abdomen (below the belly button).
Because of this, a mini tummy tuck is recommended for women and men who experience mild to moderate concerns and frustrations in the central, lower midsection.
What Are the Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck can help patients, especially women, who are frustrated with a pooch in the lower belly. This procedure can help you look and feel better, and it can allow you to wear the clothes you’ve always wanted to wear but never could fit comfortably in.
Additional benefits of a mini tummy tuck include requiring a smaller incision (a few inches in length as opposed to an incision that stretches from hip to hip) and a shorter recovery period. Generally, patients are fully recovered from their mini tummy tuck within two to four weeks.
It is important to note that not every patient is a candidate for mini tummy tuck surgery. At your consultation, one of our board-certified cosmetic surgeons will evaluate your condition to determine which abdominoplasty procedure is right for you.
While many patients want a mini tummy tuck (opposed to the full), it is not worth substituting the quality of your results for a less-invasive procedure. Your particular concerns will be considered so that you can achieve the body contouring results you’ve been looking for.
Can a Mini Tummy Tuck Be Combined With Other Procedures?
The short answer to this is YES!
Though a mini tummy tuck can be performed as a standalone procedure and offer fantastic results to women and men of all ages, many patients choose to combine their mini tummy tuck with liposuction to achieve a thinner and more sculpted appearance.
One of the best parts about liposuction surgery is that it can be used on virtually any part of the body to eliminate pockets of subcutaneous fat. Along with your mini tummy tuck, liposuction can help you achieve a contoured body that you can feel proud of.
Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery in Manhattan and Westchester
You can learn more about mini tummy tuck surgery and any of the other body procedures we offer in New York City by calling 212-830-6830 or contacting us online — select either the Manhattan office or the Westchester office.