A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a transformative surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat and, in most cases, restores weak or separated muscles. As a result this procedure creates a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. It is performed to improve the appearance and shape of the abdomen. The different types of this procedure include Extended Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery. The difference between Extended vs. Mini Tummy Tuck surgery enables you to choose the right treatment for you. Your expert cosmetic surgeon will examine you and ask for details about your health and why you want this procedure. After that, he will suggest the best course of treatment options.
These surgical procedures recontour and reshape the midsection of patients who have developed loose or saggy skin and a weakened abdominal wall. There are many reasons that make people choose tummy tuck, such as age, weight fluctuation, and pregnancy, resulting in separated abdominal muscles, stretched skin, and unresponsive fat deposits. Let’s find out more about Extended vs. Mini Tummy Tuck.
Procedure
Tummy tuck procedure is performed under general anesthesia in the hospital or an outpatient surgery. It usually takes two to three hours but time can vary, depending on each individual case. There are different methods of tummy tuck surgery, depending on your goals and the extent of change you want.
During the typical tummy tuck, your surgeon makes an incision in your skin of the abdomen area, usually between the pubic hair and your belly button, in a horizontal oval or elliptical shape. Pulling down the upper abdomen skin. Remove the excess skin. Make an opening and move your belly button in position. Insert drainage tubes if needed to drain excess fluid. Your surgeon closes the incision site with stitches and covers it with a bandage. During the procedure, you might be given antibiotics to prevent infection.
Extended vs. Mini Tummy Tuck surgery
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck surgical procedure is a less invasive surgery method. This procedure exclusively targets the area of lower abdomen only below the naval. This procedure is really effective for people with sagging and loose skin as well as fat that is accumulated in the lower abdomen area. However, it doesn’t involve repositioning the navel or making significant changes to the upper abdomen.
Benefits of Mini Tummy Tuck
Short recovery time: Mini tummy tuck is performed for less correction of the lower abdominal area so the recovery time for is greatly reduced. A mini tummy tuck will enable patients to get to work after a week of procedure.
Smaller incisions: The incision made during a mini tummy tuck is shorter to access your lower abdominal region, leaving a small scarring procedure. These smaller scars are easy to hide.
Enhanced figure: In mini tummy tuck patients will have a tighter waistline after the complete healing. So, with less excess skin and fat your slimmer figure gives you great confidence.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended tummy tuck is significantly more comprehensive and invasive. It’s an effective procedure if you have a lot of excess skin and fat above and below the navel. Also if you have fat or skin and separated abdominal muscles across your entire abdomen, this procedure can get rid of that. The surgery takes longer and requires large incisions. It also involves repositioning of the navel in some cases.
Benefits of Extended Tummy Tuck
Firmer abdomen: The removal of excess fat and skin will give you a flatter and more toned abdominal area. Your waistline also looks slimmer.
Improved posture: By tightening of weak abdominal muscles, you may notice better posture and reduced strain on your lower back.
Muscle repair: Extended tummy tuck repair stretched or separated abdominal muscles. Therefore, this aspect is particularly beneficial for individuals who have undergone pregnancy, as it helps restore the abdominal area integrity and appearance.
Difference between the Extended vs. Mini Tummy Tuck
There are some differences in these two procedures, such as:
Muscle tightening
In extended tummy tuck, you will get extensive muscle repair across the entire abdomen. But in mini tummy tuck there is only limited muscle tightening mostly focused on the lower belly.
Incisions
In mini tummy tuck, surgeons make a smaller horizontal incision in the lower abdomen. But in an extended tummy tuck long incision is made that is typically from hip to hip.
Recovery time
The recovery time in mini tummy tuck is generally shorter as compared to extended tummy tuck. Because it takes 1-2 weeks for light activity and 4-6 weeks for full recovery. In extended tummy tuck there is a longer recovery time usually requiring 4-6 weeks for light activity and 8-12 weeks for full recovery.
Invasion
Mini tummy tuck is a less invasive method with less risks and complications. But extended tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure as it involves risks and complications.
Candidates
Extended tummy tuck is perefct for patients who have significantly excess skin often post weight loss. But mini tummy tuck is helpful for the people who bring up specific issues and have minor skin and fat mainly in the lower abdomen region.
Cost
Mini tummy tuck is lower in cost as compared to extended tummy tuck that is high in cost due to its complexity.
Final Thoughts
A tummy tuck surgery is for the people with abdomen issues like extra fat, loose skin, or weak muscles. You have to consider all the factors and methods if you are thinking of a tummy tuck surgery. You need a consultation of a board-certified surgeon for tummy tuck surgery. With proper guidance and planning of a qualified surgeon a criteria of tummy tuck procedure can be a step towards a more comfortable as well as confident you.