When Should You Consider Having A Full Tummy Tuck Instead Of A Mini Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from your abdomen in order to make it flatter. Two forms of the procedure that are commonly performed are the full tummy tuck and the mini tummy tuck. The full surgery requires an incision from one hip to the other, while the mini version only requires a small incision near your pelvis.
While a mini tummy tuck will result in a smaller scar and is quicker to recover from, the larger incision of the full surgery gives the surgeon ability to contour your entire abdomen. The mini version only allows the surgeon to access up to your belly button. The enhanced access makes the full surgery a better option in many cases. To learn when a full tummy tuck is often the better option, read on.
You Have Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti occurs when the muscles in your abdominal wall separate. It causes you to have a noticeable bulge or pouch protruding from your upper abdomen since your abdominal walls can no longer hold it in after separating. Diastasis recti frequently happens during pregnancy, but it can also happen to people who have gained a large amount of weight.
Thankfully, diastasis recti can be repaired with a tummy tuck. However, you'll need to have the full version of the surgery performed instead of a mini one. The surgeon will need to access your entire abdominal wall in order to suture the muscles back together, so a larger incision is required. After suturing the muscles in your abdominal wall back together, your upper abdomen will be flat again.
You Have Significant Excess Skin After Losing a Large Amount of Weight
When people lose a large amount of weight, it's common for them to have excess skin on their abdomen. Older adults who lose weight are more susceptible to developing it. Removing excess skin is a common reason why people have a tummy tuck done.
If you've lost a lot of weight, however, it's usually better to opt for the full surgery with the larger incision. Your surgeon will have access to the entire length of your abdomen from your pelvis to your ribcage, allowing them to remove the most amount of excess skin possible and stretch your remaining skin down to flatten your stomach.
You Also Want Body Contouring With Liposuction
You can often have liposuction performed at the same time the surgeon is performing the tummy tuck. Liposuction allows you to remove fat deposits that you haven't been able to get rid of through diet and exercise, and it's an effective way to flatten your stomach. If you plan to have liposuction done at the same time as your surgery, the full version of the surgery is typically better. It allows the surgeon to access fat deposits across your entire abdomen, which means they'll be able to better contour your body to the slim shape that you desire.
If you're unsure if the full tummy tuck is right for you, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. Based on the amount of excess skin you have and its location, they'll be able to suggest which surgery will give you the results that you desire. While a full tummy tuck requires a larger incision and has a longer recovery time, it's preferable for people who need a substantial amount of body contouring to attain their desired form.