A Mini-Tummy Tuck does not involve an extensive undermining and tightening of the abdominal skin.  This procedure is not as extensive as a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty, requiring only one hour of surgery as opposed to the three to four hours needed for a Tummy Tuck. Since it does not usually involve tightening of the abdominal muscles, it is reserved only for those who only have limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen or above the pubic bone. Also, it does not alter the shape of the belly button. Since a Mini-Tummy Tuck is not as extensive as a Tummy Tuck, it can be safely combined with full Liposuction of the abdomen and flank. Therefore, the combination of Mini-Tummy Tuck with Liposuction might be a better choice for those with excessive fat, but limited looseness of abdomen skin.

How Does a Tummy Tuck Differ From Liposuction?

A common questions for patients who are concerned with their abdomen have is whether they would be better served with a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction.

The main difference between the two is that while a Tummy Tuck or abdominoplasty is designed to remove loose abdominal skin and to tighten the belly, Liposuction is designed only to remove excess fat. A Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty will not reduce the dress size in a woman of size 14 who has much fat around her abdomen. Likewise, a woman who has lost all her excess weight after pregnancy and is left with loose, hanging abdominal skin will not be able to tighten her abdomen or remove the stretch marks with Liposuction. These are the major difference between the two procedures.