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After experiencing the effects of pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process on the body, the desire to regain a flatter, firmer abdomen is not uncommon. Abdominoplasty, more colloquially known as a tummy tuck, offers long-term reshaping of the abdominal profile by tightening loose, excess skin and repairing stretched internal muscles. That said, not all tummy tuck procedures are the same. A mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck are the two main variations of the procedure, both differing in scope, recovery, and the extent of the final results. While these procedures similarly aim to refine the contour of the midsection, understanding key differences between the techniques can help you make an informed decision about which approach may best achieve your aesthetic goals.

Acclaimed Salt Lake City plastic surgeon Jared Garlick, MD is committed to helping men and women in Utah understand their treatment options through strong, comprehensive patient education. Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions about our body sculpting procedures.

An Overview of Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck is a body contouring surgery designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tighten the underlying muscles of the abdominal wall. This aesthetic surgery is often sought out by individuals who find that dieting and exercise alone cannot address issues like stretched skin, weakened core muscles, or stubborn fat deposits. These concerns are commonly the result of pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural loss of skin elasticity over time.

Mini Tummy Tuck: Mild to Moderate Abdominal Laxity

A mini tummy tuck, sometimes referred to as a partial abdominoplasty, is a less invasive version of the procedure that focuses on improving the lower abdomen, specifically the area below the navel. This variation can be an excellent choice for individuals who have mild to moderate skin laxity or a small amount of excess fat in this region, but do not have significant upper abdominal sagging or muscle separation. During a mini tummy tuck, a shorter incision is made low on the abdomen — similar to a C-section scar. Unlike the full procedure, this technique doesn’t usually address the abdominal muscles.

In general, the belly button is typically not repositioned during a mini tummy tuck. This results in a shorter recovery period, less scarring, and a quicker return to normal activities when compared to a full tummy tuck. However, because it only targets the lower abdomen, it may not provide adequate improvement for those with more extensive skin laxity or muscle separation that extends above the navel.

Full Tummy Tuck: Significant Skin Inelasticity and/or Muscle Separation

A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal region, from the lower belly up to the area above the navel. The procedure is ideal for individuals with more substantial skin laxity, stretch marks, or muscle separation (diastasis recti) affecting both the upper and lower portions of the abdomen. During this procedure, Dr. Garlick makes a horizontal incision from hip to hip along the lower abdomen and often an additional small incision around the navel to allow for repositioning of the belly button once the skin is tightened.

A comprehensive tummy tuck involves lifting the abdominal skin, tightening the underlying muscles throughout the entire abdomen, and removing excess skin and fat. This more extensive approach results in a flatter, firmer, and smoother abdominal contour. While it requires a longer recovery period and produces a more visible scar than a mini tummy tuck, the aesthetic transformation can also be more dramatic and long-lasting.

Which Procedure is Right for Me?

Both the mini and full tummy tuck are powerful surgical options that can restore a tighter, more youthful abdomen. The right choice depends on your individual anatomy and the extent of correction needed. The most important aspect of the surgical process is enlisting an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who has expertise in body contouring and can create a tailored surgical plan that aligns with your goals. Whether you need subtle refinement with a mini tummy tuck or comprehensive rejuvenation through a full tummy tuck, the result can be a renewed sense of confidence and comfort in your body’s shape and silhouette.

If you have any questions about the tummy tuck process or if you would like to book an initial consultation with Dr. Garlick, please contact our practice today.