People who go through significant weight loss or pregnancy often complain about their abdominal skin not springing back to its previous form. They also may experience the weakening or separation of abdominal muscles that give the tummy an additional bulge. Usually, two options are put forward by Plastic Surgeons in such scenarios; full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck. But which one to choose?
Dive into this blog to know in detail the difference between mini and full tummy tuck in Dubai.
What is a Full Tummy Tuck?
A full tummy tuck is a transformative cosmetic surgery that reshapes the entire abdominal region by removing excess skin and fat, and readjusting the internal muscles. It is more extensive than the mini tummy tuck and addresses the aesthetic issues above and below the navel area.
A full tummy tuck, also known as a standard tummy tuck, may also involve the repositioning of the belly button to locate it at a more optimal position in accordance with the changes made.
Expected Results
A standard tummy tuck can provide the following cosmetic and health benefits to the patients:
- Tighten the loose skin
- Reduce fat pockets through liposuction or direct excision
- Improve the appearance of stretch marks
- Strengthen core abdominal muscles
- Remove extra, sagging skin from the whole abdomen
- Make you look slimmer
- Treat incidental hernia
- Treat or help with urinary incontinence
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck tightens the skin and reduces fat in the area between the belly button and the pubic region. It is limited in its scope as it does not correct the separated abdominals in the upper or middle region of the abdomen.
It is a less invasive form of the full mini tummy tuck. It targets only the lower abdominal region to contour it and improve its aesthetic appearance. It is suitable for those who are within their recommended weight ranges and do not require considerable readjusting.
Expected Results
Mini tummy tuck produces the following desirable results:
- Gives you a flat lower stomach
- Removes excess lower abdominal skin
- Results in shorter scars compared to a full tummy tuck
- Entails a shorter recovery period
Procedure for Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck requires a long incision that goes from hip to hip – just above the pubic area. The cut is usually longer than the one made during a mini tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck also involves making a circular incision around the belly button to detach it from the surrounding tissue. In this way, Plastic Surgeons can relocate it later.
Once the incisions are made, the skin is pulled and lifted to expose the underlying structures. Here, abdominal muscles are tightened and sutured together. Liposuction may also be performed to suction the fat cells out and thus tone the area. Finally, the extra skin is trimmed and the incisions are closed.
Procedure for Mini Tummy Tuck
During a mini tummy tuck, a small U shaped incision is made close to the bikini line that is normally under 20 cm in length. The skin is then separated up to the belly button level. The muscles are tightened through folding and placement of midline sutures, and stubborn fat is extracted through liposuction.
The issues of the middle and upper stomach area are not addressed as the incision is limited. Finally, the abdominal skin is tightened and excess tissue is removed. Eventually, Plastic Surgeons close the incisions with sutures.
Which One to Choose?
A full tummy tuck is appropriate for those who are experiencing significant lax skin and fat deposits in the whole abdominal region. This option can be considered if dieting or exercising is not helping you shed the bulge.
You are an ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you don’t need that much correction and your excess skin is largely concentrated in the lower abdominal area. It also suits you if your rectus muscles are in good shape and you have a healthy weight.
Want to Know More?
If you are interested in knowing more about full or mini tummy tucks in Dubai, feel free to contact the Al Shunnar patient care team. Our coordinators will readily schedule a personal consultation session for you with one of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons
