The decision between a mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty) vs a full tummy tuck (full abdominoplasty) is a question that arises often. Basically, a mini tummy tuck involves correction of laxity below the belly button (umbilicus, navel), while a full tummy tuck addresses laxity of the abdomen both above and below the belly button. A mini abdominoplasty involves less surgical dissection, less time in the operating room, and less cost than a full tummy tuck; however not everyone is a candidate for this procedure – patients with signifant laxity above the belly button will not have an acceptable aesthetic contour of the abdomen with a mini abdominoplasty. Both full and mini tummy tucks can remove significant stretch marks that are in the lower abdomen. In addition to removing extra abdominal skin, fat, and stretch marks, abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck) improves the abdominal contour by tightening the muscle layer that is underneath the skin. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are healthy people with stretched out abdominal skin who do not smoke. A thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is the ideal way to determine if a mini or full tummy tuck is appropriate for you.