Should I get a Mini or a Full Tummy Tuck

If you’re looking for a way to tighten and smooth your abdominal area, a tummy tuck may be the answer for you. Even with a healthy diet and exercise, many people struggle with a little excess bulge or loose, flabby skin in their midsection. This is especially the case for those who have lost a dramatic amount of weight or mom’s who have had babies. Tummy tucks in Manhattan are available as a mini or full surgical procedure. Dr. B. Aviva Preminger, one of the most highly sought after plastic surgeons in NYC, would like to discuss the difference between the two so that you can make the most informed decision regarding your body.

How they are alike

The overall goals of any type of tummy tuck are to tighten abdominal muscles that have separated due to pregnancy, smooth loose, saggy skin that has been stretched out from pregnancy or weight loss, and get rid of excess pockets of fat. Keep in mind, however, that a tummy tuck is ideal for those who are close to their ideal body weight. If you are concerned with removing a significant amount of fat, you may want to discuss liposuction options with your plastic surgeon in NYC. 

How they are different

The three main differences between a mini and a full tummy tuck are:

• Length of incisions needed to complete the surgery
• The size of the area being operated on
• Recovery length

Let’s explore these points in more depth.

Incision Length

With a full tummy tuck, it requires a longer incision to be made. The incision usually runs hip to hip along the bikini line so that it can be concealed, allowing you to wear a bathing suit without the scar being noticeable. A full tummy tuck usually involves another incision that is made around the belly button, which helps correct skin laxity issues on both the upper and lower abdomen. The belly button incision can easily be hidden within the belly button itself, so you won’t have to worry about any obvious scars at that surgical site either.

During a mini tummy tuck, a much smaller incision is needed just above the groin. Therefore, the scar resulting from a mini tummy tuck is much less noticeable and easily hidden. However, with any plastic surgery that you choose, you can minimize your risk of scaring by ensuring that you choose only a board-certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan that is highly skilled and qualified to perform the procedure at hand. Avoid opting for discount deals for any plastic surgery procedure.

Size of Area

It is natural to want to choose the tummy tuck option that produces the least noticeable scars, but in reality, the best option to choose is the one that fits your individual needs. Since a mini tummy tuck allows only for a short incision, your Manhattan board-certified plastic surgeon is limited on the amount she can work with, which means only the abdominal area below the belly button will be altered. If, however, your individual needs require work to be done above the belly button, then a full tummy tuck may be a better idea for you. You and your plastic surgeon Dr. Preminger can discuss your individual needs to determine which tummy tuck in Manhattan is best for you.

Amount of Recovery Time

Full abdominoplasty or tummy tucks require a more extensive recovery period usually lasting about two to three weeks on bed rest, with a full recovery by two months. With a partial abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck, you should expect to be back at work within a week, and full recovery lasts about three to four weeks.

A surgical drain is usually needed following a full tummy tuck, which is needed to collect excess fluid created during your recovery period. Some patients find the drains to be a bit bothersome, although it is typically necessary to aid in the healing process. Mini tummy tucks typically do not require surgical drains.

Tummy Tuck Surgery in Manhattan

If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck surgery in NYC, please contact the office of Preminger Plastic Surgery by calling (212) 706-1900 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Preminger’s boutique plastic surgery practice is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.