A tummy tuck is an effective way to address loosening and weakening of the abdominal wall for a firmer, leaner midsection. There are different techniques used to perform a tummy tuck today, depending on the amount of skin and tissue to be removed and the patient’s desired outcome. Dr. Geoffrey Leber offers both the full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck at his Scottsdale office. But which one will give you the results you want?
About the Mini Tummy Tuck
The mini tummy tuck focuses on the area of the abdomen between the navel and the pubic bone. The incision required is smaller than a standard tummy tuck, allowing the surgeon to access the weakened abdominal muscle and excess skin in this area in the lower abdominal region. The belly button is not repositioned and is stretched to an often unnatural lower position on the abdominal wall. The procedure can be performed under general or local anesthesia and is usually done as an outpatient basis. Recovery time from a mini tummy tuck usually takes 1-3 weeks.
About the Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck addresses the full abdominal area, both above and below the navel. The navel is generally repositioned during this procedure to allow access to the entire abdominal wall. The incision is longer than a mini tummy tuck and there is an incision around the belly button to allow for the repositioning process.
A full tummy tuck in Dr. Leber’s practice is performed under general anesthesia and he requires an overnight stay in his outpatient recovery center in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Recovery time for a full tummy tuck may take 4-6 weeks. However, most patients are able to return to work with light duty at two weeks after surgery. The results from the procedure are much more dramatic compared to a mini tummy tuck, with a smoother, leaner midsection.
Dr. Leber’s attention to detail has allowed him to develop many distinctive procedures. He has become known for his natural abdominoplasty results which preserves and accentuates the midline hollow and “six pack” abdominal contour and creates a natural-appearing belly button with a well concealed scar, which can only be accomplished with a full tummy tuck.
Making the Right Choice
Do you need a full tummy tuck, or would a mini tummy tuck do the trick with a smaller incision and less downtime? Although the mini tummy tuck is enticing, the procedure is limited in its ability to produce excellent results. If the patient has any excess tissue or skin above the navel, a mini tummy tuck which only tightens the lower abdominal area may make the upper abdominal region protrude or bulge.
On the other hand, a full tummy tuck will treat the entire abdominal region for a uniform appearance throughout. In addition, the full tummy tuck offers the ability to reposition the navel, which often produces a more natural look.
Although Dr. Leber offers both procedures in his practice, he performs the full tummy tuck much more often, due to the better results it often provides. To learn more about both of these procedures, contact Dr. Leber’s staff at 480-945-5522 to schedule your personal consultation.