May is the perfect month to celebrate mothers and encourage them to do something that makes them feel special. As one of Virginia Beach’s premier plastic surgeons, Dr. Kevin Bounds often meets mothers who are not afraid to admit that they want their body to look the way it did before childbearing. In many cases, tummy tuck is exactly what these mothers need to achieve a flat abdomen and waistline contouring.
If you are a mother with an interest in tummy tuck, you may be slightly confused about the different types of tummy tuck: namely, the differences between a “mini tummy tuck” and “full tummy tuck.” In this post, Dr. Bounds compares and contrasts the two procedures so you can get a general idea of what might be appropriate for your needs.
Facts About Full Tummy Tuck
Full tummy tuck transforms the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and repairing separated or damaged muscles. The remaining skin is pulled tighter and smoother, and the belly button can be slightly reshaped if necessary. Not only is the stomach flatter after full tummy tuck, but the waist is also narrower to create an hourglass-like shape.
To achieve these incredible improvements, full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision that extends from hipbone to hipbone. Dr. Bounds takes care when planning and creating this incision so that it can be concealed beneath a bikini bottom or pair of underwear.
Facts About Mini Tummy Tuck
Mini tummy tuck is a less extensive version of full tummy tuck that leaves a shorter scar and requires slightly less recovery downtime. Although the idea of a shorter scar and faster recovery is appealing, mini tummy tuck does not work for everyone, as the procedure only removes a small amount of skin and fat located beneath the belly button. There is minimal skin tightening and muscle repair involved in most mini tummy tucks.
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
The procedure that is suitable for you depends on a few different factors, including the location and amount of redundant abdominal skin and excess fat as well as your muscle tone and quality.
If having children left you with a good amount of loose skin and unwanted fat and poor abdominal muscle tone, it is likely that full tummy tuck will provide the contouring you desire. On the other hand, if you are naturally slender with good muscle tone and minimal fat and loose skin, a mini tummy tuck might be more appropriate. Remember, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss tool. Also, you would not be a candidate for an abdominoplasty (full tummy tuck) if you smoke — even just one cigarette.
The only way to know for sure is to meet with Dr. Bounds for an in-person evaluation. He will assess your abdomen, inquire about your goals and advise of the best treatment option for your circumstances. Please contact our office today to request a consultation with Dr. Bounds.
