Full vs. Mini Tummy Tuck: What’s the Difference?

Are you uncomfortable with the appearance of your abdomen? Many people consider it one of their top concerns. However, your healthy lifestyle may not get rid of that loose skin or “pooch” of abdominal fat. A tummy tuck can give you a tighter, flatter stomach and improved contours. Not everyone needs a full tummy tuck, however. A mini tummy tuck may also meet your needs. 

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Do you have loose skin, stubborn fat, and stretch marks around your abdomen? These can be caused by pregnancy, weight changes, or other factors. A tummy tuck is a solution to the most common concerns about the abdominal area. This procedure uses an incision as low on your abdomen as possible to remove excess skin and fat. A tummy tuck may also tighten separated abdominal muscles, which are especially common during pregnancy.  Tummy Tuck Plymouth Meeting

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Full vs. Mini Tummy Tuck: What’s the Difference?

Not everyone needs a full tummy tuck to achieve their goals. A mini tummy tuck is a smaller version of the procedure with smaller incisions and less recovery time. While these procedures tackle the same problem area, they address different issues.  A mini tummy tuck usually targets the area under the belly button. Even people who are at or near their goal weight can still have a “pooch” of skin and fat in the abdominal area that makes them self-conscious. Diet and exercise will often fail to address this issue, but a mini tummy tuck is ideal for flattening and tightening this area.  On the other hand, a full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen. It uses a larger incision, allowing Dr. Brenman to repair separated abdominal muscles and remove loose skin. A tummy tuck is the ideal option for those who want to address these muscles as well as sagging skin and stretch marks. A tummy tuck is a customized procedure, so some will require smaller incisions than others. 

What is Recovery Like After a Tummy Tuck?

You can expect some soreness or swelling after your tummy tuck. A compression garment may be used to protect and support the area. Limit your activities, especially any kind of lifting, for the first week. Most people with low-activity jobs can return to work in two to three weeks. You can usually return to your exercise routine and other activities after four to six weeks. Recovery time for a mini tummy tuck is shorter, with most people needing about one week off work and about four weeks to recover fully. 

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Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Good candidates for a tummy tuck are healthy non-smokers with reasonable expectations. Candidates usually have sagging skin, stubborn fat, and stretch marks in the abdominal area they want to address. Candidates for a mini facelift do not have any sagging skin or separated abdominal muscles.   
This visit was a pleasure! Dr. Brenman thoroughly explained my options and did seem rushed. He answered all my questions and made me comfortable with making my decision. Gina was friendly and helpful in facilitating scheduling etc. I feel confident in my choice.
Happy Patient

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Want to learn more about IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)? You can schedule a consultation at The Pennsylvania Centre for Plastic Surgery with Dr. Scott Brenman in Philadelphia and Plymouth Meeting, PA. Please call (267) 687-2180 to schedule a convenient appointment with us in the near future.

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