So, what's a mini tummy tuck and who can have one...how does a "mini" tummy tuck differ from a regular tummy tuck....what's so "mini" about a mini tummy tuck? Well, these are all good questions that I am asked quite frequently and I will provide the answers below.
*Actual patient of Dr. Thornton who underwent a mini tummy tuck
For starters, one needs to understand the overall objective in performing a tummy tuck in the first place? The majority of patients seeking a tummy tuck procedure do so for three major reasons: to eliminate lower abdominal stretch marks, to eliminate lower abdominal loose and saggy skin, and to correct an abdominal wall weakness. Furthermore, one also needs to understand that every woman is different and presents with varying degrees of stretch marks, loose skin, and abdominal wall weakness following pregnancy and/or massive weight loss. These differences are based upon a woman's muscle tone, body fat, skin elasticity, and genetic factors....that's why some women "bounce back" to their pre-pregnancy bodies following pregnancy while others do not.
There are varying degrees of a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure and this determination is based solely upon the amount of loose skin, underlying fat, stretch marks, abdominal scars, and the laxity of the underlying abdominal muscles. For patients whose underlying abdominal muscles have moderate to severe weakness and have a moderate to large amount of loose skin, a standard abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedure is usually performed. During a standard abdominoplasty procedure, the excess skin below the belly button is removed and the muscles are tightened both above and below the belly button to provide full correction of the abdominal wall weakness. The scar is usually wide (front hip bone to front hip bone) and the recovery time typically lasts several weeks.
In contrast, individuals with a minimal amount of loose skin, stretch marks, and abdominal wall weakness may benefit from a "mini" tummy tuck as the additional surgical dissection is unnecessary. During a mini tummy tuck, however, usually only the muscles below the belly button are tightened and only a minimal amount of skin is removed, although the surgery is tailored for each individual patient. The scar is smaller and the recovery time is much shorter as compared to a full tummy tuck...that's what makes the mini tummy tuck so "mini"...it is basically a smaller version of a regular tummy tuck. Also, I don't remove or manipulate the belly button, thus concealing any obvious evidence of surgery. Lastly, it is extremely important to realize that patients who are deemed acceptable candidates for a mini tummy tuck (rather than a full tummy tuck) occur less than 10% of my patients seeking an abdominoplasty....so, it is not for everyone!
Serving mini tummy tuck clients from the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex:
Arlington, TX. Fort Worth, TX. Dallas, TX. Kennedale, TX. Alvarado, TX. Grand Prairie, TX. Burleson, TX. Corsicana, TX. Ennis, TX. Midlothian, TX. Waxahachie, TX. Waco, TX. Duncanville, TX. DeSoto, TX. Colleyville, TX. Southlake, TX. Grapevine, TX. North Richland Hills, TX. Cedar Hill, TX. Plano,TX. and Tyler, TX.
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