Many people, despite their best efforts of dieting and exercise, are unable to achieve the flat stomach that they desire. Perhaps that’s why one of the most popular treatments we offer at Advanced Liposuction Center is the mini tummy tuck.
Below is some helpful information about this procedure:
Who is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck?
Any healthy man or woman who does not smoke and has excess abdominal fat is a good candidate. This includes:
- Women who have previously given birth and have stretch marks, loose skin and muscles
- People with excess skin after weight loss
- Patients with stubborn waistline fat
- Genetic predisposition toward a certain body type
What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck?
The mini tummy tuck is well suited to patients who have a moderate amount of excess fat and little muscle weakness. Those with larger amounts of fat and skin they wish to remove will better benefit from a traditional tummy tuck. We offer a free consultation during which we can help you choose the correct option.
What are the benefits of the mini tummy tuck?
The mini tummy tuck is a less invasive surgery that the traditional tummy tuck and so the recovery time is shorter. Other benefits of the mini over the traditional include:
- Less painful
- No belly button repositioning
- Less scarring
- More affordable
What is the recovery from a mini tummy tuck like?
Our board certified cosmetic surgeons will go over all the details of your surgery ahead of time so that you will be fully prepared. Post surgery you may experience moderate bruising, pain and swelling. The pain can be controlled with medication. You will begin to notice results after the first week. Most patients are able to return to work 5-7 days after the surgery. Patients need to refrain from all exercising for 5-6 weeks.
After the procedure, how painful will it be?
In the days after an abdominoplasty, mild to severe discomfort is likely, although any pain may frequently be controlled and even relieved with medicine.
Will I be able to see my scars?
The majority of clothing, including bathing suits and most types of underwear, can generally cover any potential scarring from stomach tuck surgery because incisions are done low on the belly, frequently close to the pubic area.
Are the results permanent?
As long as the patient continues with a healthy lifestyle and diets and exercises appropriately, the results of the mini tummy tuck will last. No cosmetic surgery is permanent because our bodies will continue to change as we age.
Can a mini tummy tuck deal with excess fat in the upper abdomen?
A mini tummy tuck mostly focuses on the lower abdomen below the belly button. It is typically used to deal with excess skin and fat in this area, as well as tighten the muscles if necessary.
Unfortunately, if you have excess fat in the upper abdomen, mini tummy tuck may not be sufficient. Instead you should try combining liposuction with mini tummy tuck for upper abdomen fat for better results.
How does the location of the incision in a mini tummy tuck affect the overall results?
The site of the incision in a mini tummy tuck can affect your results in several ways:
1. Visibility of Scarring: The incision for a mini tummy tuck is typically smaller and located lower on the abdomen compared to a full tummy tuck. This can result in a smaller, less visible scar, which can be important for patients concerned about scarring.
2. Muscle Tightening: The incision for a mini tummy tuck may not allow for as much access to the abdominal muscles as a full tummy tuck incision. This means that muscle tightening may be more limited in a mini tummy tuck, which can affect the overall contouring of the abdomen.
3. Skin Tightening: The location of the incision can affect the amount of skin that can be tightened and removed. A mini tummy tuck is typically best suited for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity below the belly button.
4. Overall Contouring: The location of the incision can impact the overall contouring of the abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is best suited for patients who have localized excess skin and fat below the belly button, while a full tummy tuck may be needed for more extensive contouring of the entire abdomen.
To learn more, contact one of our Pittsburgh area offices by calling 724-683-7581 and find out if the mini tummy tuck is right for you.