Online resources for tummy tuck information suffer with a great deal of misconception. Even surgeons may disagree regarding choosing between different tummy tuck operations for a given patient. Reduced cost, pain and extent of surgery tend to push patients toward lesser surgery. These days “less invasive” is a popular selling point. As my practice has progressed however I have found the satisfaction rate of mini tummy tuck to be too low to support doing many of them. I do “minis” only in rare circumstances these days.

Mini tummy tuck surgery corrects much less than more involved full versions of the operation. If there is any significant looseness above the belly button, the mini will not address it much. If there is any more than a tiny bit of excess skin, the mini will not touch it much at all. The feeling of having been “under corrected” is common after mini tummy tuck surgery. If patients are unhappy with the results of a mini tummy tuck it is not always possible to do a full tummy tuck to repair the problem. Redo surgery is often more difficult and costly than it would have been if done initially as well. It can often improve but not completely correct that which has gone wrong.

When you are considering tummy tuck surgery, these issues should be discussed in detail with your experienced tummy tuck surgeon. Not all plastic surgeons are the same and not all plastic surgeons do many tummy tuck operations. Choose both your operation and surgeon carefully on this one.

Best Regards,

John Di Saia MD