Health Focus is a weekly article in the Lake County News Herald featuring a Q & A with Dr. Vanek.
Q: I have had four children and I need a tummy tuck. Should I have a mini or full tummy tuck?
This decision of mini vs full tummy tuck requires an in-office consultation so I cannot give you an answer without seeing and talking with you. It is important that I know how you would like to look, and what areas about yourself you want to improve. While removing loose skin or bulges may be your biggest incentive, there may be other conditions that a board-certified doctor like myself must consider before discussing recovery.
From my experience, I can say that the majority of my patients need a full tummy tuck, also known as an “abdominoplasty.” I don’t discuss a mini-tummy tuck with them because I know they will not be satisfied. A mini will help tighten your lower abdomen. I usually will tighten the lower muscles to provide additional flattening. I may then use liposuction to help define your waist. If you need adjustments on the upper abdomen, you will require a full tummy tuck. If you have muscle separation that extends to the upper abdomen, this could be more readily repaired with a full tummy tuck. Liposuction is also often a part of a full tummy tuck.
For patients who don’t need a full tummy tuck because they don’t have excess skin present, another option could be a modified abdominoplasty, which combines the best of an abdominoplasty and liposuction.
Recovery time for tummy tucks
Recovery time is shorter with a mini tummy tuck, but that is really irrelevant. You need the procedures that your body needs and that will make you feel the best about yourself.
Dr. Paul Vanek MD, FACS
Vanek Plastic Surgery
9485 Mentor Ave #100
Mentor, OH 44060
440-205-5750
