Month: March 2021

Many people ask what is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck. So, we are going to discuss the differences between the two to help you come to a decision about the best options for you if you are considering having either of the procedures. We will look at what the surgeries are, who they are suitable for, how you need to prepare for them and also what to expect after the surgeries. 

 

What Is The Difference Between A Mini Tummy Tuck and Full Tummy Tuck

The main difference between a mini tummy tuck and a fully tummy tuck is the area that is focused on. A mini tummy tuck rejuvenates the lower abdominal area by removing excess fat and skin, whereas a full tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) improves the appearance of the entire abdomen, again through the removal of excess fat and skin. 

A mini tummy tuck takes around 1.5-2 hours, whereas a full tummy tuck is slightly longer at around 3 hours. Deciding which option is right for you depends on the extent of the fat and skin that needs to be removed and also where it is located. This is something that can be decided along with your surgeon. 

 

What Is The Difference Between A Mini Tummy Tuck and Full Tummy Tuck Patient

Mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck patients are very similar. Both procedures are usually performed on patients who have excess skin following child birth, people who have lost a significant amount of weight or people who have had issues with previous abdominal surgery. As mentioned previously, the main difference is how much skin or fat needs to be removed and where it is, which will be determined on a patient by patient basis. 

So, answering what is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck patient can be difficult. When you have a consultation with your surgeon, you will discuss your expectations for the surgery and this will help to determine which procedure you have. 

 

What Is The Difference Between A Mini Tummy Tuck and Full Tummy Tuck Preparation

There is very little difference between the preparation for a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck as the procedures are so similar in nature. Both operations should be postponed if you feel unwell, you need to disclose any changes to your health, you should avoid smoking and taking the contraceptive pill for 6 weeks before the surgery and you should be a stable weight. 

It is also advised to not take aspirin, anti inflammatory drugs or herbal supplements before the surgery. Finally, it is also important to carefully consider whether you would like children after your procedure, as this can affect the results. So, in response to the question what is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck preparation, the answer is not much! 

 

What Is The Difference Between A Mini Tummy Tuck and Full Tummy Tuck Recovery

The recovery time for a mini tummy tuck is slightly shorter as it is a smaller procedure. You should avoid excess straining in the first week and will need to wear a support garment for 4-6 weeks. You can resume light exercise around a week after the surgery and regular exercise after 3-4 weeks. You will experience swelling for weeks or potentially months, which is expected. 

With a full tummy tuck, most of the same recovery rules apply although you have to avoid strenuous activity for two weeks, then you can begin to exercise lightly. However, you can’t return to normal exercise for 6 weeks. Again, answering the question what is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck recovery can be difficult, as the exact details will depend on each patient. 

 

Final Thoughts

To summarise, the main difference between a mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck is the area and size of the operation. Answering the question what is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck can sometimes be complicated, as the specifics of each procedure will depend on your circumstances. 

If you would like to find out more information about the procedures, please visit our mini tummy tuck or abdominoplasty pages. To discuss your options with a member of our team or to book a consultation, we would love for you to contact us. 

A face lift is an operation designed to give patients a more youthful appearance by repositioning and enhancing the skin, rather than removing excess skin completely. We will be looking at recovery after a facelift, from immediately after the operation to a month afterwards. If you are considering this procedure, understanding the process of recovery after a facelift is important to help you visualise what the process might look like. 

 

Recovery After A Facelift – Week 1

After your facelift, you will most likely be back on the ward around an hour of the operation, in which you will be encouraged to eat, drink and begin to move around. At this point, a few hours post-operation, you can expect to experience tiredness, discomfort, bruising and swelling. Additionally, numbness around your face and neck is expected, which can take a few weeks or even months to reappear. 

Throughout the first week, you will notice the skin around the face and neck will feel more tight than usual which is normal and this should subside within a week or so when the bruising and swelling settles slightly. 

If all is well, you should be discharged from hospital 1-2 days after the facelift and you will need to be picked up from the hospital. You will also need to make some arrangements for help at home, especially support for your first few days after being discharged. Make sure you have plenty of rest to let your body recuperate. 

You must avoid contact with the hair and face as much as possible and you shouldn’t drive or exercise for a number of weeks, which will be decided by your surgeon. 

 

Recovery After A Facelift – Week 2

In week 2 of recovery, you will be seen in the dressings clinic in order to make sure that everything is healing well. If any changes need to be made in terms of your care, they can be established. At this point, you still need to be very careful to avoid contact with the hair and face to avoid infection or damage to the wounds. 

Although you will still experience some swelling and bruising, it will start to ease. You might be ready to do some very light exercise, such as short walks, although this will be discussed when you visit the dressings clinic. 

 

Recovery After A Facelift – Weeks 3 and 4

Depending on how you are healing, you are likely to have your stitches removed at some point during weeks 3 and 4. You should start to feel more like yourself, bruising and swelling will have reduced further and overall you should feel better. It is normal for swelling and bruising to be present and you won’t be able to truly see the results of the procedure just yet. 

You will notice redness where the incisions were made. Recovery after a facelift in terms of scarring can differ, although they should fade over time. Your surgeon may allow you to resume more normal exercising and general activities. 

 

Recovery After A Facelift – One Month After

One month after the surgery, you should begin to see the results of the procedure. Swelling and bruising is a natural part of recovery after a facelift, so it is going to take a while for these to disappear completely. Yet, at this point the new contour of the face may be seen. You will be able to start enjoying your everyday life with your new look. 

 

Final Thoughts

Recovery after a facelift differs between patients and the timeframes above are just rough guidelines. If you ever are concerned that something isn’t quite right, it is important that you contact your surgeon. 

To find out more information about the procedure, feel free to visit our face lift page. You can also get in touch through our contact page to speak to one of our Patient Care Advisors, to book an appointment or to simply find out more.