Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty)
Mini Tummy Tuck may be the best option when the laxity of the abdominal skin and muscle is isolated to the area below the belly-button (umbilicus). A Mini Abdominoplasty is a combination of a smaller, modified Abdominoplasty and Liposuction.
In our San Francisco Bay Area Plastic Surgery office, often we will discuss with our patients the difference between Liposuction and Tummy Tucks. When considering an individual patient, usually one or the other is clearly the better choice; however, there is a subset of patients who will benefit from the combination of Liposuction and Tummy Tucking that the Mini Tummy Tuck, aka Mini Abdominoplasty, can provide.
The Tummy Tuck portion of the Mini Tummy Tuck procedure removes excess, loose skin from the lower abdomen, and tightens the underlying muscle, flattening and tightening the bulge in the lower belly. A Mini Tummy Tuck does not adjust the belly-button, so the skin above the umbilicus (belly-button) must look good before a Mini Tummy Tuck in order to look good after. Fat above the umbilicus can be treated with Liposuction.
The Liposuction portion of the Mini Tummy Tuck procedure contours the abdominal wall, and removes excess, disproportionate fat on the upper abdomen and the sides to further enhance the final result.
The incision for a Mini Abdominoplasty is usually shorter than the incision for a “full” Tummy Tuck. This is because mini tummy tucks are usually performed when there is less redundant skin on the lower abdominal wall. Less skin to remove means a shorter scar is required. The low abdominal incision is necessary to tighten the skin and muscles of the lower abdomen.
Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck) Before and After Photos
Mini Tummy Tuck Recovery and Pain Control
Tightening the abdominal muscles makes them sore; however, the Mini Tummy Tuck only tightens the lower abdominal muscles. This makes the recovery from the Mini Tummy Tuck significantly easier than the recovery after a full Abdominoplasty. Since you will feel better the sooner you get moving, the speedier, Mini Abdominoplasty makes your recovery quicker.
Oral analgesics (pain pills) can also decrease post-operative pain, and assist with movement. It is a good idea to have someone around to help you for a few days after your Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure. You may need gentle assistance the first few times you get up from laying down, or sitting, but this improves quickly.
Walking is encouraged beginning right after your Mini Tummy Tuck. Most patients feel better when they are up and moving. The movement helps work out the soreness, maintain strength and speed recovery. Moreover, early ambulation decreases the risk of complications. The action standing-up itself helps to fully expand your lungs, and walking helps with digestion too.
Hydration is also important after a Mini Abdominoplasty. Proper hydration makes us feel better, speeds healing, and also prevents postoperative complications. Surgery increases the need for fluids, so it is important to drink plenty of liquids during your recovery.
Heavy lifting, more than 20 pounds, is avoided for six weeks. This allows the tightened muscle fascia to fully heal, and keeps everything tight. To help get you moving right after surgery, Dr. Joseph Mele may inject or infuse local anesthesia into the operative site. By delivering the pain medicine directly to the area that needs it, more effective pain relief is provided with fewer side effects. Since this type of anesthesia uses non-narcotic medications, there is no chance of dependency. Moreover, less narcotic medication is usually required when local anesthesia is used.
Schedule Your Tummy Tightening Consultation Today
Call (925) 943-6353 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your tummy tightening options. If you are in good health, but frustrated with excess lower abdominal fat or loose skin, a Mini Tummy Tuck at our San Francisco Bay Area plastic surgery office and accredited ambulatory surgery facility may be the perfect solution for you.