Getting rid of fat and excess skin just below the navel often feels impossible. For many people, this is the result of weight loss or a recent pregnancy, but some tend to accumulate extra soft tissue in this area of their body no matter what they do. A traditional tummy tuck is one option for contouring and toning the abdomen, but not every patient requires an extensive surgery to meet their cosmetic and aesthetic goals. Some require nothing more than a mini tummy tuck to make minor alterations to their abdominal muscles and fat.
Changes to Your Midsection
Even extremely health-conscious patients can find themselves struggling with cosmetic issues around their lower stomach. There are a few reasons for this including the limited amount of elastin and collagen that our bodies produce as we grow older.
The human body will also attempt to store excess fat cells where they can be retrieved and metabolized as quickly as possible. For the average person, this is located around their torso. Lifestyle changes might help, but that is not always enough. Many patients will need either a full tummy tuck or a mini tuck to once again feel confident in their body.
A Look at Full Tummy Tucks
A full tummy tuck is a major surgery that may require general anesthesia and multiple weeks of recovery. Tens of thousands of successful tummy tucks are carried out every year. An experienced surgeon can limit scarring, but many patients will live with visible scars for the rest of their life. During that time, the patient will need to take time off of work, exercising, and other daily activities.
A Look at Mini Tucks
A mini tummy tuck is carried out for many of the same reasons as a full tummy tuck. This procedure is for patients that would like to improve the shape and appearance of their lower abdomen. The incision can be hidden, and patients have a shorter recovery time.
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As a general rule, patients that require more extensive movement of the soft tissue under their navel would benefit from a full tummy tuck. Those that only need a small amount of repositioning should speak with their surgeon about a mini tummy tuck as an alternative. To find out more about which procedure is right for you, contact Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas today to schedule a consultation.
