Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Blog

I am often asked how do I determine what patient is a candidate for Mini Tummy Tuck as opposed to a Full Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty. In examining a patient several factors are assessed to make this choice.

What is the laxity of the abdominal muscles and where is it located? If it occurs primarily in the lower abdomen below the umbilicus, then a Mini Tummy Tuck may be considered. If muscle tone is poor for the entire abdomen then a Full Tummy Tuck is usually indicated.

Where are the areas of fat and loose skin located? If these are just in the lower abdomen, then again the mini tummy tuck might be chosen. A Full Tummy Tuck requires repositioning of the umbilicus but allows tightening of the skin in the upper abdomen. In the typical Full Tummy Tuck most or all of the skin between the pubic area and the umbilicus is removed. Because of this the scar will be longer than in a Mini Tummy Tuck. However with proper planning, I am able to locate the scar within a typical two piece bathing line.

Liposuction is usually done with both procedures where indicated to define the waist and remove upper abdominal and anterior hip roll fat.