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Do I Need a Full Tummy Tuck or a Mini Tummy Tuck?

If you’ve recently given birth or lost a significant amount of weight, you might have damaged abdominal muscles and an accumulation of loose skin that can’t be corrected by diet and exercise. These issues can only be corrected through an abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck.

At Florida Plastic Surgery and Medspa, Dr. Kristopher Hamwi will help you determine if the best tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck in Sarasota will enhance your figure!

Tummy Tuck & Mini Tummy Tuck

Both tummy tucks and mini tummy tucks are body contouring procedures that aim to restore and contour the abdomen by removing excess skin and tightening abdominal muscles to help you achieve the sleeker, more toned midriff you desire.

Full tummy tucks address both the upper and lower abdomen. Mini tummy tucks specifically target the lower abdomen, between the belly button and pubic area.

With a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck, you can expect:

  • Sleeker, tighter, more contoured midsection
  • Excess skin removal
  • Improved abdominal tone
  • Abdominal diastasis correction
  • Renewed self-image and boosted self-confidence

Many patients combine liposuction with their procedure. Liposuction enhances the aesthetic impact of a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck by creating a slimmer, sleeker-looking abdomen.

Tummy Tuck Procedure Differences

Scar Length

A full tummy tuck requires a longer incision that usually spans from hip to hip along the bikini line. Typically, it requires a second incision around the belly button to address skin laxity.

With a much smaller incision of about 4-8 inches in the lower abdomen, mini tummy tucks are much less invasive than a full tummy tuck.

No matter which procedure you choose, Dr. Hamwi aims for minimal scarring.

Repaired Area

As a mini tummy tuck has a short incision, the area to be addressed is relatively small and will not reach above the belly button.

A full tummy tuck may be necessary if the belly button has shifted or is surrounded by loose or stretch-marked skin.

Recovery Time

Typically, a full tummy tuck has a more extended recovery period. Patients can expect at least 2-3 weeks of downtime and a recovery period of up to six months.

With a mini tummy tuck, most patients will experience one week of downtime and a 2-4 week recovery period.  

Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck or a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck candidates are men and women close to their target weight, looking to improve the appearance of their abdomen. Candidates should be:

  • In good physical health
  • Non-smokers
  • Finished with childbearing
  • Have excess abdominal skin
  • Maintain realistic expectations

As far as choosing the right procedure to align with your goals, you will need to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has proper training and your best interest in mind.

Dr. Kristopher Hamwi—Your Tummy Tuck Expert in Sarasota

With extensive training in many forms of aesthetic surgery, Dr. Kristopher Hamwi has found a specialization in tummy tucks. If you’re ready to enhance the appearance of your abdomen, partner with one of Sarasota’s leading aesthetic plastic surgeons. Contact us online, or call us today at (941) 800-2000 to learn more!