There are quite a few cosmetic surgical procedures which remove excess bulge around the abdominal area and tighten up excess skin. Such surgical procedures are becoming increasingly popular, especially in women post pregnancy. Getting rid of excess fat especially in the abdominal area is quite difficult, especially the sagging and flabby skin despite a balanced diet and regular exercise. Mini tummy tuck and tummy tuck are two increasingly popular cosmetic surgeries that aim at reducing excess abdominal fat and flatten out the abdomen, especially after delivery of a baby in females. However, both these two surgeries are quite different. To know about the differences between these two surgeries, go through the following array of the article.
Mini Tummy Tuck Versus Tummy Tuck: Basic Differences
A mini tummy tuck is not as invasive when compared to a tummy tuck. The main focus of a mini tummy tuck is on the skin between pubic bone and belly button. However, tummy tuck surgery works by tightening the muscles of the abdomen and removing any excess flab or skin from the mid and low abdomen.
Mini Tummy Tuck Versus Tummy Tuck : Differences Based On The Procedure
A mini tummy tuck refers to a surgery done to tighten up the muscles. It can be performed by using an endoscope under either local or general anesthesia. Here, a small incision is made by the surgeon, above pubic bone so as to remove excess fat. Liposuction may be used to help shape the area, by your surgeon. The muscles of the abdomen are made tight and the loose skin is stretched over the incision with any excess skin removed. It takes between 1-2 hours for the procedure to complete.
A tummy tuck on the other hand is done to cover up the muscle separation below and above the belly button and also take care of any loose skin around the belly.
Additionally, it also removes any stretch marks if present especially in females who have just delivered a baby. During the procedure, the surgeon the navel is separated from the tissues and the abdominal wall. The muscles underneath is then tightened. The abdominal flap is then stretched down and any excess tissue if present is taken out. In some cases, liposuction is also performed along with the procedure and it takes anywhere between 1-5 hours to get completed. Patients undergoing this procedure usually have to spend a night or two in the hospital afterwards.
Mini Tummy Tuck Versus Tummy Tuck : Differences Based On Suitability:
Mini tummy tuck is best suited for individuals with minimal sagging in the area around the navel and pubic bone. However, tummy tuck is best suited for individuals who have overstretching of the muscles and skin like after multiple pregnancies or being overweight or obese.
It must be informed that none of the procedure is suitable for individuals who aim to get pregnant again or who are still losing their weight.
Mini Tummy Tuck Versus Tummy Tuck : Differences Based On Risks Involved:
Some of the risks or side effects of mini tummy tuck procedure include discomfort, swelling, and numbness. This procedure also carries risks of numbness that lasts long, bleeding and infection.
In case of tummy tuck procedure, the patient may have risk or side effects of pain and swelling, with soreness lasting for several weeks. Apart from this, patients also experience bruising, numbness, and an overall sense of constant fatigue. Some of the potential complications of a tummy tuck are bleeding under the skin flap, infection, and in some cases also blood clots. It must be noted that individuals with circulation problems, diabetes mellitus, heart, lung or liver conditions are at increased risk for complications due to a tummy tuck surgery.
Mini Tummy Tuck Versus Tummy Tuck : Differences Based On Recovery:
Mini tummy tuck usually takes a recovery time of 1-3 weeks, and patients should expect to decrease their activity during that time.
However, recovery time for tummy tuck, may take 4 weeks or more. You may have to be away from work for about 4 weeks and must limit your physical exercise for at least 6 weeks after you have undergone with the tummy tuck procedure.
Mini Tummy Tuck Versus Tummy Tuck : Differences Based On Cost:
Mini tummy tuck costs between $4000 and $5000, while the tummy tuck usually costs between $4000 and $ 20,000. The costs of a tummy tuck mainly varies a lot.
Mini Tummy Tuck Versus Tummy Tuck: Other Differences
Some other differences between mini tummy tuck and tummy tuck are:
- Mini tummy tuck procedure is done usually under local or general anesthesia. However, tummy tuck is always done under general anesthesia.
- Mini tummy tuck is not an inpatient procedure, while the tummy tuck is an inpatient procedure.
Conclusion:
Though we know about the differences between the two cosmetic procedures, it is essential for you to know that neither the mini tummy tuck, nor the tummy tuck procedures are designed as a weight loss treatment. Though both of these procedures can improve your self-esteem and self confidence by removing excess fat and loose skin and getting rid of any protrusion of the stomach, it is always essential for you to discuss with your doctor, about which procedure would suit you the best.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2021). Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2021). Liposuction. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction
Also Read:
- Loose Skin After Weight Loss: Non-Surgical & Surgical Ways To Tighten Excess Skin
- Belly Fat Exercises: Abdominal Crunches To Trim Belly Fat
- What Causes Hip Fat & Natural Ways to Reduce Fat Around Hips
- 7 Exercises to Get Rid of Fat on the Back of Neck
- Causes & Natural Remedies for Excess Belly Fat in Females
- Worst and Best Foods for Belly Fat
