What is the difference between a mini and standard tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck removes a small amount of skin below the belly button. During the procedure two vertical muscles called the rectus abdominus muscles are exposed and sewn back together in the midline from the belly button to the incision line. The belly button is not moved. A standard tummy tuck removes all the skin between the pubic hair and the belly button. An incision is made around the belly button and it is left attached to the muscle layer. The skin above the belly button is freed up to the ribs. While the skin is free, the rectus abdominus muscles are sewn together from the ribs to the pubic area. The skin is pulled down to the pubic area resulting in a low incision that spans from hip to hip. A new opening is created for the belly button and it is sewn into place. A standard tummy tuck allows much more skin to be removed and more shaping and tightening of the abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is appropriate for a select few people.
