Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Extended Tummy Tuck
Complaints about the size and appearance of a patient’s waistline and tummy are some of the most frequently heard by Minneapolis plastic surgeon Gregory T. Mesna. It is common for these patients to come to Dr. Mesna seeking tummy tuck surgery. However, most of these patients do not realize that the traditional tummy tuck is not their only surgical option. For patients in Minneapolis, tummy tuck surgery can be customized by the technique or type of tummy tuck that Dr. Mesna performs. Dr. Mesna offers his Minneapolis patients a mini tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, or the traditional tummy tuck. Many patients find that they actually make better candidates for a mini or extended tummy tuck as opposed to a traditional tummy tuck. Dr. Mesna factors the unique needs of each patient as well as the results that can be achieved through each procedure to determine if a patient is better suited for a mini or extended tummy tuck.
Mini Tummy Tuck
As the name would suggest, the mini tummy tuck is best suited for patients who only require a minimal amount of alteration to the abdomen. A patient may be unhappy with a pouch of excess fat on the belly or a small amount of loose skin. Often times these patients assume that tummy tuck surgery is not well-suited to meet their needs. While a traditional tummy tuck may not be ideal, the mini tummy tuck is likely the perfect solution. If the tummy requires minimal alterations and the skin has some elasticity remaining, a mini tummy tuck can be performed to remove the small amount of excess fat and skin. This procedure requires a smaller incision than the traditional or extended tummy tuck and also results in an easier and faster recovery time. This procedure makes the ideal option for patients who:
- Are in good shape and within the ideal weight range
- Have a minimal excess of fat or skin on the tummy
- Has some skin elasticity
Extended Tummy Tuck
Just as the mini tummy tuck is suited for patients with a minimal amount of alterations required, the extended tummy tuck is best suited for those patients requiring more extensive alterations. The extended tummy tuck allows Dr. Mesna to address excess fat and skin around the tummy, hips, and lower back. This can give patients a smoother and slimmer appearance that cannot be achieved with a mini or traditional tummy tuck. This procedure does require a longer incision and will result in a longer recovery time as well. An extended tummy tuck is best suited for patients who:
- Are healthy and within 20 pounds of the ideal weight range
- Require significant alterations to the tummy, hips, and lower back
- Have a large amount of loose skin
Schedule an Appointment
Dr. Gregory T. Mesna sees each of his patients as an individual with unique needs and desires. As such, each surgery he performs is tailored to meet those unique needs. Patients who would like a slimmer waistline can schedule an appointment with Dr. Mesna to learn if the traditional, mini, or extended tummy tuck is the best choice for them.