subject: Understanding the Difference Between A Regular and Mini Tummy Tuck [print this page] Understanding the Difference Between A Regular and Mini Tummy Tuck
Most of us have heard the term 'tummy tuck' but only lately has the term 'mini tummy tuck' become more widely used. Just what is the difference between the two? Tummy tucks performed on smaller tummies? A smaller incision? Only slight tucking during surgery?The main difference between a mini and the regular variety is the area of the abdomen which is to be treated. A mini tummy tuck surgery entails work in the part of your abdomen from your navel to the center of your hip bone area.The tummy tuck (also called an abdominoplasty) and mini tummy tuck (a partial abdominoplasty) have quite a few similarities and a few differences. The most apparent difference is that since the area being covered is from the belly button to the bikini area, a small incision is necessary as opposed to a much larger one as in regular tummy tucks. Factors that do not differ between both types of surgeries are the health requirements in order to be considered a viable candidate for the procedure, pre-surgery preparation and the technique used by the doctor. The opening on your abdomen with the full abdominoplasty will be quite a bit larger, resulting in a much larger scar than as with a partial abdominoplasty.There are few more differences that are worthy of mention. The recovery time for the more major of the two will be five hours or more while patients of the mini surgery will usually only require two hours or even less. Another difference between the two is the use of an inserted drainage tube during the complete abdominoplasty (to be removed after the surgery).Both types of tummy tucks will use general anesthesia since they are both consider major abdominal surgeries.In two special circumstances tummy tuck surgery of either type is not recommended by doctors. If having children is in the cards either now or in the future you should wait to have the operation. Similarly, if you have plans to begin a long-term weight loss plan involving a significant amount of weight, you should have your surgery afterward.Not all things are created equal, and though the two types of abdominal surgery mentioned here are very similar there are still enough disparities between the two that you should know exactly which one will work best for your situation. An open and clear dialogue with your surgeon should be able to help you decide whether the tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck surgery is the most favorable choice.
