Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Enough for Your Goals?

If a small pouch of loose skin or stubborn fat sits below your belly button, you may be wondering whether a mini tummy tuck is enough to create the flatter contour you want. This less extensive version of a full tummy tuck can be effective for carefully selected patients, but it only treats the lower abdomen. Knowing what it can and can’t achieve can help you decide whether it aligns with your goals.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric S. Schaffer has decades of experience performing personalized body-contouring procedures. During your confidential consultation, he will assess your skin, abdominal muscles, and fat distribution to determine whether a mini or full tummy tuck is more appropriate.

What a Mini Tummy Tuck Treats

A mini tummy tuck targets the section beneath the belly button. Through a relatively short, low-incision, the surgeon removes a limited amount of excess skin and may tighten weakened lower abdominal muscles.

It may be appropriate if you have:

• Mild skin laxity below the belly button
• A small lower-abdominal bulge
• Limited muscle weakness in the lower abdomen
• A stable body weight
• Little or no excess skin above the belly button

Liposuction may also be included to reduce localized fat and improve the surrounding contour.

When a Full Tummy Tuck May Be Better

A mini tummy tuck does not significantly improve loose skin above the belly button or extensive abdominal muscle separation. It also typically does not include repositioning the belly button.

A full tummy tuck may be recommended when you have:

• Loose skin across the upper and lower abdomen
• Significant muscle separation after pregnancy
• Extensive stretch marks on removable skin
• A larger amount of excess abdominal tissue
• Concerns involving the entire midsection

Choosing a mini procedure solely because it has a shorter scar or recovery may lead to disappointment if your concerns extend beyond the lower abdomen.

Finding the Right Procedure for Your Anatomy

The best procedure is the one that adequately addresses your concerns while remaining appropriate for your body. During your consultation, be specific about which areas bother you and how much improvement you hope to achieve.

Dr. Schaffer can explain the expected scar, recovery, and results of each option.

Create a Flatter Abdominal Contour with a Mini Tummy Tuck in San Antonio, TX

A mini tummy tuck may be enough when loose skin and muscle weakness are only on the lower abdomen. Dr. Schaffer can determine whether a mini or full tummy tuck is best to achieve your desired result.

Call us today at 210-227-3223 to schedule a consultation.