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Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck

Posted on
November 7, 2022
by
Choice Aesthetics

Do I need a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck?

The vast majority of women require a full tummy tuck as more excess loose tissue with any stretchmarks can be removed. A mini tummy tuck is more appropriate when there is no loose skin above the belly button and you have just a small overhang of excess tissue in the lower part of your tummy just above the pelvis.

Miss Sujatha Tadiparthi will go through your concerns and expectations and assess your body to see which type of tummy tuck would give you the best results.

Full tummy tuck before and after
Full tummy tuck - before and after
Full tummy tuck before and after
Full tummy tuck - before and after

What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?

In a mini tummy tuck, only a small horizontal ellipse of skin just above the pubic area is removed. The belly button is kept in its position, there is no surgery to the upper part of the tummy and the abdominal muscles are generally not repaired.

diagram demonstrating skin and fat removed during a mini abdominoplasty

In a full tummy tuck, the skin and fat in the whole of the lower part of the abdomen is removed. A cut is then made around the belly button and it is kept on a stalk. The skin from the upper part of the tummy is then raised and pulled down to cover the area below that has been removed. Any abdominal muscles that are weak and separated due to pregnancies or general ageing can be repaired and brought together – this reinforces the muscles and gives a flatter, more contoured tummy. When the main wound is closed, the belly button is repositioned in its natural position by making a hole in the upper tummy skin and bringing it through the hole and closed with stitches.

diagram demonstrating skin and fat removed during a full abdominoplasty

What scars can I expect after a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?

In a full tummy tuck, there is a scar around the belly button and a low horizontal scar running across the pelvis from hip to hip. The long horizontal scar will be hidden under your underwear.

In a mini tummy tuck, there is NO scar around the belly button but there is the low horizontal scar running across the pelvis from hip to hip. The horizontal scar may be shorter than in a full tummy tuck.

How long do I need to stay in hospital for after a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?

You can go home the same day after a mini abdominoplasty whereas after a full tummy tuck, you are likely to go home the next day.

How long does a tummy tuck take to perform?

A full tummy tuck takes 2.5 hours to 4 hours depending on the amount of tissue removed, the extent of muscle repair needed and whether liposuction is also performed.

Mini tummy tuck surgery is of a much shorter duration and usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Which type of tummy tuck is right for me?

The vast majority of women require a full tummy tuck as more excess loose tissue with any stretchmarks can be removed. If you have loose skin above the belly button, then a full abdominoplasty will make your abdomen look taut. If you have muscle separation and muscle weakness after pregnancy and child birth, then a full tummy tuck can help to repair the weak separated muscles and give you a flat, more contoured abdomen.

A mini tummy tuck is more appropriate when there is no loose skin above the belly button and you have just a small overhang of excess tissue in the lower part of your tummy just above the pelvis. If you have a flat tummy with good quality abdominal muscles, then you do not require muscle repair.

Miss Sujatha Tadiparthi will go through your concerns and expectations and assess your body to see which type of tummy tuck would give you the best results.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

The recovery is usually faster after a mini tummy tuck as less tissue is removed, the muscles are usually not repaired and it is overall less invasive. The initial recovery is 10 to 14 days. You should be able to drive after 2 weeks if you are able to drive comfortably and do an emergency stop. You should be able to return to full and normal activity such as swimming, high intensity exercise and carrying heavy weights after 4 to 6 weeks if the wounds are all healed well.

After a full tummy tuck, the initial recovery is 2 to 3 weeks. You should be able to drive after 3 weeks if you are able to drive comfortably and do an emergency stop. You should be able to return to full and normal activity such as swimming, high intensity exercise and carrying heavy weights after 6 weeks.

Do you need drains after a tummy tuck?

Drains are plastic tubes that are connected to plastic bottles. They drain fluid from within the wound and help to reduce tissue fluid accumulating within the wound and forming a fluid collection called a ‘seroma’. Although the thought of drains is daunting, they are not that painful to have in or to have removed. Our patients are able to recover and mobilise well with the drains in the first few days after surgery. Make sure you have a long handled bag where you can put your 2 drain bottles and put over your shoulder – so that you are not holding your drain bottles. This frees up your hands and helps you mobilise more easily when the drains are in.

In a full abdominoplasty, usually 2 drains are put in – one on each side and come out through skin at the top of your thigh. Some surgeons prefer to bring the drains out through your pubic area but this can be quite painful. You will be sent home with the drains and they can stay in for 3 to 5 days. They are removed once the daily drainage amount is low. Miss Tadiparthi will confirm when it is time for the drains to be removed and they can be removed by the nurses in her clinic.

Drains may not be needed in a mini tummy tuck or if they are used, may only be kept in for 1 to 2 days. This is because less tissue is removed and the wound is smaller compared to a full tummy tuck.

Do I need a garment or binder after tummy tuck surgery?

An abdominal binder or garment helps give your tummy support and reduce the swelling after a tummy tuck. This will need to be worn for 6 weeks continuously although a few short breaks are allowed during washing or in periods of very hot weather.

Which garment is recommended after tummy tuck surgery?

Miss Tadiparthi prefers the MACOM™ side fastening girdle as the hooks are at one side of the tummy to take the pressure of the belly button and muscle repair. The seams are on the outside and it is adjustable with 2 levels of hooks for fastening. This she finds helps maximise her patient’s comfort after surgery.

Click here to view Miss Tadiparthi's recommended garment for abdominoplasty.

Is a mini tummy tuck safer than a full tummy tuck?

Both mini and full abdominoplasty are safe when performed by a fully qualified and experienced plastic surgeon at a safe, reputable hospital or clinic. It is important to check that your surgeon is on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery so that have had suitable training and are members of a plastic surgery regulatory body such as BAPRAS or BAAPS.

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

Costs vary depending on where you have your surgery but the package prices for a full tummy tuck is around £8000.00 and above and a mini tummy tuck is £5600.00 and above. The prices should include the pre-op tests, surgery, anaesthetic, dressings and follow up in clinic after surgery.

Where can I get more information?

To find more detailed information about abdominoplasty surgery, view our tummy tuck information leaflet here.

Contact Us:

To find out more about tummy tuck surgery in Harley Street, tummy tuck surgery Surrey or tummy tuck surgery Kent, get in touch.

Tel / WhatsApp: 07767728108

Email: info@choiceaesthetics.uk

Clinic Locations:

Tummy Tuck Harley Street - 152 Harley Street, London

Tummy Tuck London - Cadogan Clinic in Sloane Square, London

Tummy Tuck Surrey and Kent - Shirley Oaks Hospital, South Croydon and North Downs Hospital, Caterham

Online consultations also available

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Testimonials

If you're considering cosmetic surgery then you have come to the right doctor! This surgery has changed my life and I will forever be grateful. Ms Tadiparthi is professional, honest and the best at what she does!

Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty Patient, September 2022.

Verified ★★★★★ review on Trustpilot

I felt totally reassured .... she talked me through every step of my chosen surgery choice. Surgery was straightforward. From drawings on my body to anaesthetic to recovery, top notch. I'm super happy with my results, exactly what I wanted. My surgeon was amazing! Thankyou from the bottom of my heart. I gave up my body to have 3 large babies and never expected to get it back! I'm truly grateful.

Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty Patient, June 2022.

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I recently had a breast augmentation with Miss Tadiparthi and am very happy. I was a very vocal client with very particular requests.

Breast Augmentation Patient, June 2022.

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I had an abdominoplasty 7 days ago, carried out by Miss Tadiparthi. I am ecstatic with my results and my transformation is incredible. I highly recommend Miss Tadiparthi and her team, she has listened to me and I have felt looked after throughout the process. I found her very honest and calming. I would not hesitate to use her skills in the future. Thank you very much!

Tummy Tuck (full abdominoplasty) Patient, May 2022.

Verified ★★★★★ review on Google, Top Doctors and iwantgreatcare

Couldn't be happier with my choice of surgery and this company. Miss Tadiparthi was very friendly, approachable and professional. Her PA has also been very helpful and quick answer any questions I had. The procedure has hugely improved my confidence. Very happy!

Breast Augmentation Patient, May 2022.

Verified ★★★★★ review on Google

I am so happy with the outcome of this procedure. My family and friends have all commented on how good they look and would love to get it done themselves. I would not hesitate in recommending Miss Tadiparthi as she really put me at ease and explained everything. It's the best decision I made and I have no regrets whatsoever.

Upper Eyelid Skin Removal (Upper Blepharoplasty), February 2022.

Verified ★★★★★ review on iwantgreatcare

Miss Tadiparthi provided me with the utmost professionalism pre, during and post surgery. At each encounter I felt she listened carefully, taking my concerns and wishes on board but ultimately giving frank and objective advice. I am thankful …….that I chose to go with Miss T for my procedures. I felt confident in contacting her very efficient secretary should I have had any concerns at any stage. I didn’t have any however because the care and advice was consistently excellent and importantly I was 100% confident I was in safe hands. Thanks Miss T and team.

Liposuction Tummy, February 2022.

Verified ★★★★★ review on iwantgreatcare

I am very happy that I chose Miss Tadiparthi …… I am delighted with the result. She explained the procedure very clearly to me and was very patient to answer any questions or concerns I had both pre and post op. She has a very caring and down to earth manner that put me at ease and I felt very safe and cared after in her hands. She did an excellent neat job and I have healed perfectly with no issues. I highly recommend Miss Tadiparthi.

Breast Reduction Patient, January 2022.

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I had a keloid from an earlobe piercing which became quite big! Dr. Tadiparthi was extremely welcoming and professional. You can barely see any signs of the keloid! I'm super happy with the outcome

Scar Revision/Keloid Removal, January 2022.

Verified ★★★★★ review on iwantgreatcare

I was very worried about the post operative scar that the procedure might leave, but Dr Tadiparthi explained the procedure in detail and made me feel reassured. I felt I was in the safest pair of hands. The wound has now healed well and I'm very happy with results. The Doctor was extremely professional, informative from consultation through to the procedure and post operative follow-ups. I'm thankful to the Doctor and her amazing team and have no hesitation in recommending Miss Sujatha Tadiparthi to anyone based on my experience.

Cyst Removal, January 2022.

Verified ★★★★★ review on iwantgreatcare

Sujatha was very caring as I was extremely nervous about the procedure. Sujatha talked through everything that she was going to do and made sure I was completely happy before going ahead. Everything was fine and went really well. I am so happy with the result and wish I had done it a lot sooner.

Lipoma Removal, November 2021.

Verified ★★★★★ review on iwantgreatcare

Dr Sujatha Tadiparthi is a lovely person and a kind and skilled Dr. If ever I had any similar problems I would definitely go to Dr Tadiparthi, she didn't make me feel embarrassed about using her medical skills to deal with what in the scheme of things was a small problem. But it mattered to me and she did understand that. I came away feeling that everything was sorted kindly, swiftly, practically and safely. Thank you Dr Tadiparthi and team. It was great to meet you.

Mole Removal, October 2021.

Verified ★★★★★ review on iwantgreatcare

I put a lot of time into researching a suitable surgeon. I saw reviews about Ms Tadiparthi and got in touch. Ms Tadiparthi is really down to earth, she's easy to talk to, she made me feel at ease and answered all my worries and concerns. She carried out the procedure and did amazing work. I am absolutely delighted with my breasts, I've a new found confidence….the scars are so neat ….. I couldn't recommend Ms Tadiparthi enough for a breast reduction, it took me years to pluck up the courage to do it and I knew from the first time I met her that I wanted her to carry out the procedure.

Breast Reduction, March 2022.

Verified ★★★★★ review on iwantgreatcare

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