People go to great lengths to achieve a flat, firm stomach. However, after pregnancy or severe weight loss, the abdominal skin and connective tissue are often severely stretched and correspondingly slack. These stubborn excesses of skin cannot be eliminated with a lot of exercise and strict diets alone, which is a burden for many patients and ultimately leads them to my practice with the desire for a tummy tuck.
During a personal consultation, the question often arises as to whether a large or full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck is the better solution in each case. Basically, both procedures aim to remove the stretched, excess abdominal skin, tighten the abdominal area and help patients to feel better about their body again. However, which method is the best choice depends on the findings and the desired result.
In this article, I will go into more detail about the differences between the two tummy tucks, explain which procedure is the better choice and when, and answer some other questions frequently asked by patients.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a common procedure in aesthetic surgery to tighten the abdominal wall. A varying amount of excess skin and sometimes fatty tissue is surgically removed and, if necessary, the straight abdominal muscles are tightened. Depending on where exactly the tightening is to be performed and how extensive the procedure is, various tummy tuck methods are available.
Classic (complete) tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
In a classic (complete) tummy tuck, I usually include the entire abdominal area in the procedure, as a large amount of skin and/or fatty tissue usually has to be removed. In some patients, an abdominoplasty is also necessary. This is always the case when the straight abdominal muscles have become separated due to pregnancy or severe obesity (so-called rectus diastasis).
For a classic tummy tuck, I make a transverse incision deep in the bikini line from one pelvic bone to the other. I then carefully dissect the skin and fat layer of the abdomen from the underlying abdominal muscles. If the belly button is also to be moved during the procedure, a circular incision is made around the navel area.
If muscle tightening is necessary, I stitch the separated abdominal muscles together along the midline with a non-dissolving thread. I then pull the skin tightly downwards, remove the excess skin and fat and move the navel for an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious overall appearance. Finally, everything is carefully sutured.
A complete tummy tuck usually takes 1.5 – 4 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
Mini tummy tuck (mini-abdominoplasty)
The alternative to the classic tummy tuck is the less extensive mini-abdominoplasty. It is limited to the area below the navel. In this variant, also known asa “mini tummy tuck“, I remove minor excess skin and fat in the lower abdominal area, but leave the navel in its natural position.
For this reason, only a short incision is usually required below the navel, which I make just above the pubic hairline, similar to a caesarean section. The rest of the procedure is similar to a classic tummy tuck: I carefully dissect the skin and fat pads from the abdominal muscles, tighten them downwards and remove the excess in the lower abdominal area to achieve a flatter and firmer lower abdomen.
The shorter procedure is also noticeable in the duration of the operation. In contrast to the classic variant, the mini tummy tuck usually only takes 1-2 hours, but is performed under general anesthesia like the major abdominoplasty.
Tummy tuck vs. mini tummy tuck in direct comparison
The following table shows the differences between the two variants at a glance:
| Classic tummy tuck | Mini tummy tuck | |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical technique | Tightening of skin, subcutaneous fatty tissue and, if necessary, muscles over the entire abdominal area | Tightening of skin and fatty tissue on the lower abdomen |
| Incision | Long incision in the lower abdomen, possibly also around the navel | Shorter incision in the lower abdomen |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia | Twilight sleep or general anesthesia |
| Duration of surgery | approx. 1.5 – 4 hours | approx. 1-2 hours |
| Recovery time | approx. 3-6 weeks | approx. 2-4 weeks |
| Sports | after approx. 6-8 weeks | after approx. 4-6 weeks |
Which method is suitable for whom?
I recommend the classic form of abdominoplasty to patients who suffer from excess skin on the entire abdomen after one or more pregnancies or significant weight loss. Especially if your lower and upper abdomen are affected and you want a significant change in your body shape, a complete tummy tuck is the procedure of choice.
This also applies to people who also suffer from a bulge (rectus diastasis) or a weakening of the abdominal muscles. The latter is not only an aesthetic problem, but can also lead to functional limitations and complaints such as posture problems or back pain.
The mini tummy tuck, on the other hand, is suitable for patients with mild to moderate excess skin below the belly button. This often affects people whose skin and tissue in the lower abdominal area has sagged after pregnancy. However, a mini tummy tuck can also be a good option for people who want a visual change limited to the lower abdominal area.
Large or mini tummy tuck: the benefits of treatment by a specialist
Are you seriously considering a tummy tuck? With my many years of experience as a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, I would be happy to offer you a no-obligation consultation. I offer you:
- my expertise in body contouring surgery, especially in the area of tummy tuck surgery after weight loss or childbirth.
- Aesthetic sensitivity for natural-looking results that harmonize with your proportions and do not look operated on.
- Individual and personal consultation in my practice with a thorough examination, honest assessment and the creation of an individual treatment plan.
- Comprehensive care before and close follow-up care after your procedure until your full recovery by me personally.
It is best to call me directly or use the contact form on my website to make an appointment.
Frequently asked questions about the
tummy tuck / mini tummy tuck:
- When is the earliest that excess skin on the abdomen can be removed after pregnancy?
This depends on many factors, but in my experience it makes sense to wait at least 6-12 months after pregnancy before having a tummy tuck. The reason for this is that the skin, tissue and abdominal muscles partially regress on their own, but this takes time.
As a rule, the condition of the abdominal region, connective tissue and skin elasticity can be assessed after six months at the earliest to determine how much excess skin remains and whether a tummy tuck is advisable.
Another prerequisite for tummy tucks after pregnancy is that the breastfeeding period has already ended and a stable body weight has been achieved. Weight fluctuations should be avoided so that the abdominal profile does not keep changing. Ideally, family planning should also be completed, as another pregnancy would change the result of the operation again.
- What is a Fleur de Lis tummy tuck?
A fleur de lis lift is a special form and extension of the classic tummy tuck. In addition to the horizontal incision below the belly button, a vertical incision is made that runs across the midline of the abdomen.
The entire incision resembles the shape of a lily flower, hence the term “fleur de lis”. It allows both vertical and lateral removal of excess skin and is suitable for people with massive excess skin (“fat apron”) on the abdomen, for example after significant weight loss or bariatric surgery.
- Can I see before and after pictures of a major tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?
Since tummy tucks are usually performed for aesthetic reasons, before/after photos of these procedures may not be publicly advertised in accordance with the German law on advertising medical products. Therefore, such pictures cannot be found on my website. However, I can show you anonymized photos in a personal consultation to illustrate the body contouring options and differences in tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck procedures.