How a “Full” Tummy Tuck and a “Mini” Tummy Tuck Differ

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San Francisco, California-Women seeking tummy tuck surgery frequently ask Dr. Delgado if they might be a candidate for a “mini” tummy tuck instead of a “full” tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck offers a smaller incision and less surgery time.

What is the Difference?

The names are similar, but they are very different procedures. The mini tummy tuck is for patients with mild to moderate abdominal fat and minimal skin laxity, and mild to moderate separated or stretched abdominal muscles. With the mini, there is limited tightening of the muscles, and they are only tightened below the belly button. There is a limited amount of stretch marks removed with this procedure. Women who have not had children and are within 10% of their ideal body weight are usually the best candidates.

Post-Children Tummy Tuck

For women who are finished having children, a full tummy tuck is usually their best option. The full tummy tuck includes tightening of the abdominal skin and the abdominal muscles both above the belly button and below it. Many women are concerned about the resulting scar which generally goes from hip to hip and around the belly button. However, Dr. Delgado explains that he will place the incision within the panty line so that it is not visible even when the woman wears a bikini. With good scar care treatment the incision, in most cases, will fade and is not very visible once it is well healed. The waist enhancement procedure is available to most women who want more definition to their waistline.

Tummy Tuck with Waist Enhancement

This is a 41-year-old, female resident of San Francisco, California who presented to the San Francisco bay areaoffice at Union Square for evaluation for a tummy tuck. She is 5 feet tall and weighs 138 pounds. She underwent a full tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, and a waist enhancement procedure. She also underwent tumescent liposuction of the flanks and the upper hips. Her surgery was performed at Marin Cosmetic Surgery Center in Marin County, California.

*Results may vary

Other Surgeries to Pair With Tummy Tuck

Some women choose to add additional procedures to their tummy tuck surgery, usually some type of breast surgery (breast augmentation and/or breast lift) and perhaps some liposuction. This common combination of procedures is known as the popular “mommy makeover.” Dr. Delgado states that the “mommy makeover” has one of the highest ratings in patient satisfaction.

Tummy tucks are not only for women, in 2013 there were reported over 4500 male tummy tucks performed, up 97% from the year 2000. Men also, combine procedures; many have male breast reduction surgery (gynecomastia) at the same time as a tummy tuck.

IF SAGGING ABDOMINAL SKIN IS BOTHERING YOU, CALL (415 898-4161), OR EMAIL (INFO@DR-DELGADO.COM) TODAY, FOR A CONSULTATION WITH DR. DELGADO TO FIND OUT WHAT TREATMENT MAY BE AVAILABLE TO YOU.


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Dr. Miguel Delgado

MIGUEL DELGADO, M.D.

Dr. Delgado, MD is a world-recognized plastic surgeon and specialist in the treatment of male breast enlargement, also called gynecomastia. He has developed new techniques and owns and operates gynecomastia.org, which has become the largest gynecomastia forum in the world. Dr. Delgado holds the two most coveted credentials; the certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

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