Sitting down with first-time patients to talk about how their stomach and abdominal area appears, most tend to hope they will hear that liposuction or possibly a mini-tummy tuck will answer their needs. Wishing for a mini-tummy tuck is justified, as it is not as extensive. Often, Kole Plastic Surgery must share with patients that the traditional full tummy tuck, medically known as Full Abdominoplasty, is the only responsible, honest, ethical and realistic method to accomplish their hope of bettering the ab area.
A mini-tummy tuck is an available procedure and well-suited option in certain situations. Termed Partial Abdominoplasty, a mini-tummy tuck is less extensive and there are specific differences. Dr. Kole is expert trained and experienced in performing both procedures, as well as, knowing which one is appropriate for you. Some of the major differences between a full tummy tuck and a mini-tummy tuck lie in the following areas:
- Incision and scars are longer with a full tummy tuck
- More stretched skin is removed with a full tummy tuck
- Muscle tightening and repositioning is only below the belly button in a mini tuck
- Removal and replacement of the belly button is done in a full tummy tuck
- Length of surgery is longer in a full tummy tuck
- Post-op healing and recovery time is longer in a full tummy tuck
- Surgical time under anesthesia is longer in a full tummy tuck
- Cost factors: a full tummy tuck is more expensive
Tighter Muscles
A traditional tummy tuck covers it all. Your muscles are brought together from just above your ribs all the way down to the pubic line, close to where the incision is made, your entire abdominal front section. For mini-tummy tuck tightening your muscles that rest below the navel are brought together. This means that the muscles above your navel are in good shape and haven’t lost their tone.
Firmer, Tighter and Smoother Skin,
When skin is loose and stretched below your belly button but not above then a mini-tummy tuck is what takes care of that problem. It is necessary, though, that the skin needing to be tightened is found to be only in the area below the belly button. If not then the mini-tummy tuck is not a good option. When the loose and stretched skin is found to be throughout your full frontal area then a full tummy tuck is the suitable procedure.
My Belly Button Really Gets Removed from the abdominal skin
Yes. During a full tummy tuck your belly button is carefully excised from the abdominal skin and remains attached to your body. Once your extra skin and fat is cut and you are sutured, your belly button is expertly repositioned to the place that is now in proportion and exactly where it should be, then sutured into place. It doesn’t look funny or change in appearance. Your belly button is not removed during a mini-tummy tuck.
Surgery time for a mini tuck is approximately two hours while a full tuck is about three to four hours. Recovery time is the same. After surgery, patients are up and about quicker with a mini tuck, due to its’ less invasive nature. The costs do vary, as well. A more in-depth amount of information will be given during your consultation and once Dr. Kole determines which tummy tuck is best suitable for you. Differences between these two tummy tucks are what would be expected based on their names and they are both in demand at all times. Loose, stretched skin, muscles and stubborn fat pockets respond extremely well to abdominal enhancement surgery. End results are flattering, whichever tummy tuck is best for you.
Please contact The Kole Plastic Surgery Center Center at 215-315-7655 to schedule your complimentary consultation with Kole Plastic Surgery. Our Office and Licensed Ambulatory and Surgical Center is conveniently located at: [primary_address] Southampton, PA, [primary_state] [primary_postal]
