The term "mini" is quite popular among plastic surgeons hoping to promise amazing results with little to no downtime. This term has been recently popularized in reference to tummy tucks; also called abdominoplasty. In my opinion, there is no TRUE definition but several factors are important in defining what goes into a tummy tuck operation.
To understand some differences which can apply to a mini tummy tuck, it is important to understand the standard tummy tuck operation. The procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat below the belly button (umbilicus) and above the pubic area. A typical tummy tuck scar will extend from hip bone to hip bone and should be positioned as close to the pubic areas as possible in order to conceal the scar. A wide ellipse (football shape) of skin and fat is removed. The remaining tissue is undermined or dissected just above the underlying abdominal muscles to the rib cage area. This tissue is pulled down to meet the tissue above the pubic area. Before sewing the incision closed, the abdominal muscles are sewn together (rectus plication) to narrow the waist. The belly button is left attached to the abdominal wall but it is brought out through a new incision so that remains in the same place.
A mini tummy tuck seeks to eliminate one or more of the steps in the tummy tuck procedure to avoid scarring, recovery time, or cost. The size of the tummy tuck incision can very widely from a circumferential scar around the body, an extended scar which goes onto the flanks, a standard scar from hip bone to hip bone, or the mini scar which is confined to a small area between the hip bones. A "mini" scar would stop short of the hip bones and be easily concealed in a two piece bathing suit.
A mini tummy tuck may also refer to a procedure which leaves out the tightening of the abdominal muscles (rectus plication). Often women have not experienced stretching of the rectus abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis) and do not need to have the muscle tightened. Rectus plication, while beneficial for many patients, is also associated with post procedure pain and leaving out this part of the procedure can drastically shorten the recovery period.
Often in a mini tummy tuck, the belly button will not have to be relocated through the abdominal tissue flap. Leaving the belly button attached to the flap allows tissue to be removed with minimal undermining or dissection. This can also lessen discomfort and shorten recovery.
Patients who are typical candidates for the "mini" tummy tuck procedure will be of normal weight, have an adequately long trunk, and minimal abdominal muscle stretching (rectus diastasis). For those patients who fall into this category (see above photograph as a typical example) the "mini" tummy tuck can be a great option.
The following websites can provide additional information:
www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/guide/cosmetic-procedures-tummy-tuck
