Mini vs. Full Tummy Tuck
Conveniently Located to Serve Dallas and Fort Worth
The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure used to remove excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area while tightening the underlying muscles. At the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, both mini and full tummy tucks are performed by highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rai.
What’s the Difference Between Mini and Full Tummy Tucks?
A mini abdominoplasty targets a smaller area of the abdomen and, therefore, involves a much smaller incision. Mini tummy tucks address issues only in your lower abdominal region. Dr. Rai will tighten lower abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and tissue from the area below your navel.
In comparison, a full abdominoplasty treats your entire abdominal area, both above and below your belly button. Full tummy tucks provide the most dramatic results and are more effective at eliminating stretch marks, but the incision is longer than that of a mini tummy tuck.
Which One Am I a Better Candidate For?
Mini tummy tucks are generally used for patients with minimal to moderate loose skin and fatty tissue to be removed. Full tummy tucks are typically recommended for patients who have a substantial amount of tissue that needs to be excised. During your initial consultation with Dr. Rai, he will determine which procedure you qualify for based on your symptoms and aesthetic objectives.
The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure
If approved for a mini abdominoplasty, your procedure will take place in our AAAASF-accredited surgical suite. After the administration of anesthesia, Dr. Rai will make the smaller mini tummy tuck incision just above the pubic area. He then excises redundant skin and some fat tissue, as well as tightens the abdominal muscles with dissolvable sutures. The incision is then closed. The whole process typically takes 1 to 2 hours (compared to 2 to 4 hours for a full tummy tuck procedure).
Read Dr. Rai’s blogs about Tummy Tucks and Abdominoplasty.
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How Do the Recovery Times Compare?
Recovery from mini tummy tuck surgery is generally faster — with most patients returning to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks — as it involves less tissue manipulation and a smaller incision. In contrast, a full tummy tuck requires a longer recovery time (often about 4 to 6 weeks) due to the more extensive muscle repair and larger area of skin removal.
Key Advantages of a Mini Tummy Tuck
- Ideal for less severe symptoms
- Less disruption to daily routine
- Shorter surgery time
- Faster recovery
- Smaller scar
Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Cost Less Than a Full Tummy Tuck?
The cost of a mini tummy tuck is usually lower since the procedure is generally less involved. However, the price of a tummy tuck heavily depends on several other factors, such as body type, the degree of tissue removal and adjustment, and other patient-specific details.
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If you want more information about the mini or full tummy tuck in Dallas, TX, contact the Cosmetic Surgical Center today. Dr. Rai can help you get the sculpted body you have always desired.
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