"Mini" abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a term often used to comfort those who are apprehensive about surgery that their recovery will be less than that of a standard procedure.
Often "mini" implies that the entire procedure will not be done - i.e. shorter scar, less surgical dissection, less downtime, etc. as compared to a "standard" procedure.
However, a tummy tuck often requires addressing the entire abdomen, from xyphoid process (just below your sternum) to just above the pubic bone.
A mini-abdominoplasty often only addresses the lower abdomen, risking leaving the upper abdomen still bulging and less tight.
Ensure your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon performs a complete examination of your belly, including evaluation of "rectus diastasis" (separation of the rectus abdominis muscles) that is common after pregnancy or weight gain.
A full abdominoplasty is usually what I recommend in order to correct the entire abdominal wall. This will ensure the best possible result is achieved, often with similar downtime and recovery to the "mini" operation.
