Today, let’s talk about one of the world’s most famous cosmetic procedures – a tummy tuck! Many people with stubborn abdominal fat, loose, wrinkly stomach skin, or a hanging belly opt for this procedure because it is so effective at giving back that youthful, contoured stomach line. Additionally, it can also repair separated abdominal muscles that can’t otherwise return to their original position!
However, not all tummy tucks are the same. There are three basic categories of a tummy tuck: the mini, the full, and the extended. For the sake of clarity, we’ll be focusing on the most common two tummy tucks: the mini and the full. So, what’s the difference between these two cosmetic procedures, and how do you know which is right for you? Keep reading to find out.
What’s the Difference?
Dr. William J. Vinyard, MD, FACS, has mastered both the full tummy tuck and the mini tummy tuck. However, there are quite a few differences between the two. For starters, the incision shape and size are determined based on the amount of excess skin you have on your abdomen. For example, patients with abundant loose skin may require a full tummy tuck (a technique where Dr. Vinyard places the incision along the lower abdomen from hip to hip, just above the pubic region).
On the other hand, when you have a smaller amount of fat and lax skin in your midsection, you may be better suited for a less invasive technique such as a mini-tummy tuck. This is because the surgical incision for a mini-tummy tuck is in the exact location but is not as wide as a full tummy tuck scar. In short, a full tummy tuck will remove and tighten more skin in a broader body region, whereas the mini tummy tuck will remove and tighten smaller amounts of skin and fat in the midsection.
Do Mini Tummy Tuck and Full Tummy Tuck Deliver the Same Results?
Regardless of how it is performed, all tummy tuck procedures at the Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery involve removing loose skin and fat reduction. While results vary from body to body based on age, condition, and other factors, both tummy tuck surgeries ultimately strive to achieve the same goal: YOUR goal. Based on what you want for your abdomen appearance and your body, Dr. Vinyard will help you determine whether a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck would be the best fit for your goals and anatomy.
Will I Need General Anesthesia for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
All tummy tucks at Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery are performed under general anesthesia and as an outpatient procedure. Remember, a mini tummy tuck is still a surgery and will require just as much medical care as a full tummy tuck. Nonetheless, a mini tummy tuck is less invasive than a full tummy tuck.
If I Don’t Want Scars, Can I Choose a Mini Tummy Tuck?
For all tummy tucks, Dr. Vinyard makes the thinnest incisions possible to limit visibility. He performs incisions in hidden areas (in the pubic region or belly button), so a swimsuit or underwear can conceal them. Additionally, it’s essential to follow your scar care instructions so your incision marks heal flat and blend into your natural skin after surgery. This means that you shouldn’t prefer one surgery over the other due to scarring, as Dr. Vinyard will deliver the same excellent results regardless of the procedure. Instead, it’s best to choose the right surgery for your goals and your body.
Under the skilled hand of Dr. Vinyard and his famous “invisible” scars, you won’t have to worry about whether a mini or a full will scar more or less. Instead, you can focus on which procedure is genuinely best for you.
What if I Have a Lot of Skin That Needs Removing?
As mentioned before, there are three main types of tummy tucks: full, mini, and extended. During your consultation, Dr. Vinyard will ask about your needs and intentions for cosmetic surgery. Then, he can decide which tummy tuck will give you the best results.
A full tummy tuck is good if you want to fix issues in the upper and lower abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck may be the best option if you only have concerns below your belly button, like a “pooch.” Finally, an extended tummy tuck is designed to improve the abdomen, hips, and upper thighs.
The best way to determine what tummy tuck is best for you is to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Vinyard. With his decades of experience and education, he knows precisely what type of tummy tuck will deliver the results perfect for your body, which has earned him the nickname, “The Makeover Master.” With a passion for cosmetic surgery and the art of beauty, he’ll be sure to give you a tummy tuck that will transform you in more ways than one!!
Book A Complimentary ConsultationAre you ready to find out whether a mini or full tummy tuck is right for you? Our team at VIPS prioritizes patient experience and results, and we want to help you find the best treatment for your body and aesthetic goals. In addition, we offer various financing options to help make things as convenient and hassle-free as possible. Book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Vinyard to discuss more of what we can do for you!
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