Full or mini tummy tuck
The basic difference between mini and full is amount of tissue removed.
In my practice the same basic steps are taken during surgery during mini and full tummy tucks.
The surest way to asses what is right for you is through a consultation. (Frank L. Stile, MD, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)
Full tummy tuck or mini-tummy tuck
It’s always a little disconcerting to have two different opinions about the best way to deal with you concerns. And, this is sometimes that case with tummy tucks.
The reason that you have been given two different options, is because either a full tummy tuck or a mini-tummy tuck could work on the basis of your photo. You just have to keep in mind what you will get from each.
Full or mini tummy tuck image
In favor or the mini-tummy tuck is a smaller scar on the lower abdomen, no scar around the belly button, and perhaps a little shorter recovery.
What you will get from the full tummy tuck is better overall tightening of your abdominal skin, and a more complete tightening of your abdominal muscles at the expense of a longer scar, and probably a longer recovery from tummy tuck. For some women, the length of the scar is a more important issue. For others it is the overall contour of the abdomen.
For me, the degree of looseness above the belly button is the key issue. If there is any laxity here, I would recommend going with the full tummy tuck. And, quite honestly, most women will have a better looking abdomen with a full tummy tuck rather than the mini-tummy tuck. Your best plan is to talk through the options with the surgeons you have seen.
Full or mini tummy tuck photo
Understand why they are suggesting the options they are, and go with the one that makes the most sense to you. (David B. Reath, MD, Knoxville Plastic Surgeon)
The answer depends on how much skin laxity you have and whether you need a diastasis repair.
It sounds like you should have another consultation and explain to the surgeon that you have been given two different opinions. The surgeon can then explain the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.
Based on your picture and the advice you have been given you are probably a candidate for both procedures. (Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC, Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon)
Mini vs full tummy tuck
Full or mini tummy tuck surgery
Properly selected, mini TT patients are pretty rare because it requires that you need nothing above the bb to be a great mini candidate. You are close to that and can do some lipo above the bb. The difference is not so much in scar length or recovery but with the mini the upper abdominal skin will NOT be as tight as in a full TT. Yours looks a bit lumpy and loose already. So it depends on how tight and flat you want to be as you only want to do this once. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Nashville Plastic Surgeon)
Mini versus full tummy tuck
Based on the pictures you show, you would be most happy with a full tummy tuck. I think anything less would leave you wishing you had done the whole thing the first time. Some focused liposuction could make it possible to limit the length of the lower scar but you will require muscle tightening the full length up and down. (J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)
