Patients need to be clear on the differences between these two procedures. With a full abdominoplasty, there will be a scar that extends across the lower abdomen, typically extending from hip to hip. There is also a scar around the belly button.
With the mini abdominoplasty, the lower abdominal scar is shorter, and there is no scar at the belly button. Liposuction is often used with either of the procedures.
Less scarring always sounds like a good idea, but lesser procedures produce lesser results, and you may not get the outcome that you are looking for. The mini tuck does not tighten the upper abdomen at all.
Again, an examination of the abdomen by our experienced, board certified or board eligible plastic surgeons followed by a thorough discussion about the patient’s options will ensure that the right procedure will be chosen.