Mini tummy tuck

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A mini tummy tuck, or , is a procedure in which excess skin and fat concentrated below the belly button is removed to help create an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

Unlike a full abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck does not involve transposition of the belly button or treatment of excess skin or fat above the belly button. It is generally indicated for those who are at a stable weight and are concerned of excess skin laxity and fat accumulation of the lower abdomen.

Liposuction can be combined with a mini tummy tuck to address excess fat accumulation above the belly button and in the area of the hips as long as the overlying skin is of good quality. The mini tummy tuck requires an incision above the pubic hairline, with the length being determined by the degree of correction necessary. This incision is typically placed low enough to be hidden within most clothes and bathing suits. Through this incision, excess skin and fat is removed and weakened abdominal muscles are repaired if necessary. There is no scar around the belly button as there would be for a full tummy tuck; however, the belly button may be pulled to a slightly lower position.

It is important to discuss your expectations with your plastic surgeon. After your consultation, you should have a clear understanding of the different treatment options for improving your abdominal contour. These options may include liposuction alone, a mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck, or a combination of either a mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck with liposuction. The selection of a specific procedure will be determined by your physical examination, focusing on your abdominal contour and profile, and expectations. The ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck will be a patient who has a small to moderate amount of excess skin and fat concentrated below the belly button.

Patients must understand that “scar-less� surgery is not possible and that surgery involves a trade of improved shape and contour for a surgical scar. It is important to work closely with your plastic surgeon. Be prepared to discuss your expectations and desired outcome. Make sure all of your questions and concerns are addressed. Aspirin, Motrin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and some over-the-counter herbal medications must be discontinued at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. These and other drugs and substances may cause excess bleeding and bruising. You can usually begin taking them again after a week or so. Your plastic surgeon will discuss this in detail with you and you will also be given a sheet with a list of common medicines to avoid for a short period.

Your plastic surgeon will detail the risks associated with surgery.

The immediate recovery will depend upon what type of anesthesia that your plastic surgeon will employ for the surgery. Various anesthetic agents affect patients differently and will dictate the patient’s recovery. The other main determinant of recovery from mini tummy tuck surgery is a surgical drain that most likely will be placed at the time of surgery. The purpose of the drain is to remove any fluid or blood so that it does not collect under the skin and impair healing. Most plastic surgeons will incorporate extensive local anesthesia into the tissues which can allow patients to wake up pain free. The local anesthesia will begin to wear off in 3-4 hours and most patients will experience mild to moderate discomfort at this stage that well controlled with pain medication. It is very important for the patient to wear the postoperative compression garment as much as possible during the first 3-4 weeks following their procedure which minimize swelling and supports your abdomen as it heals. Think of your tissues as a sponge and the swelling fluid is like water in the sponge. The compression garment acts the same as when you squeeze the sponge to keep the fluid from accumulating within the tissues. Although the garment is most effective during the first 3-4 weeks following the surgery, some patients will prefer to wear the garment for 3-4 months following the

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procedure until all the edema has resolved. Surprisingly, most patients state that the pain from mini tummy tuck surgery is not as much as anticipated. There may be soreness associated with tightening of abdominal muscles if performed. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise for 3 weeks following surgery. In addition, if muscle tightening was performed, heavy lifting must be avoided for 6 weeks.

Patients may shower the following day; but no Jacuzzi, swimming or soaking in the tub for a week.

Most surgeons want to see their patients back in the office 5-7 days after their surgery to remove the drains which are placed at the time of surgery. For most surgeons, there are no sutures to remove. It is most common to use absorbable sutures which melt on their own within a few months and the outer skin is often times sealed with skin glue which flakes off in a few weeks. One of the potential risks of surgery is infection and this usually manifests itself around 5-7 days after surgery and is usually effectively treated with oral antibiotics. Other risks of surgery include anesthesia problems or adverse reactions, scars, bleeding, hematoma (blood collection), delayed wound healing, and contour abnormalities. Your plastic surgeon will go over all of the potential risks and complications with each patient prior to surgery so that each patient can make an informed decision regarding the risk to benefit ratio for their proposed surgery. The actual “full� recovery period from a mini tummy tuck is up to a year and this involves a gradual softening and settling of the scar and tissues. A significant amount of the recovery occurs within 2-3 months, but it will take the external scar a year to soften and mature. The long term results should be lasting, but may be affected by significant weight gain and/or pregnancy. You may also be interested in the following procedures Arm Lift, Tummy Tuck, Liposuction or Thigh Lift.