An abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a tummy tuck surgery, is one of the most effective solutions for getting rid of excess skin and fat in the abdominal region. However, there are cases where this traditional technique may not be suitable for a patient. These patients only have a small amount of excess skin below the umbilicus that needs to be removed.
In situations like these, the full tummy tuck may be much too extensive, but patients can benefit from the mini tummy surgery.
What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is a variation of the abdominoplasty, where only the lower portion of the belly is surgically treated to remove the excess, unwanted sagging skin and underlying excess fat. In this surgery, an incision is made in the same location as a full tummy tuck (low on the abdomen between the belly button and the pubic area), to remove the excess fat and skin. The incision for a mini tummy tuck may be shorter than the incision needed for a full tummy tuck.
This is the ideal treatment for people who only want to make minor corrections to their body and already possess a relatively flat stomach (do not have diastasis of their abdominal muscles and only have loose skin below their belly button).
What are the Benefits of The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure?
A common misconception is that the mini tummy tuck procedure doesn’t offer lasting benefits. In reality, the results provided by a mini tummy tuck may last equally as long and look as brilliant as the full tummy tuck. Patients who are a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck can reap many of the benefits associated with it.
The tummy tuck can help people who are struggling to get rid of excess fat and skin in the abdominal area and give them a well-sculpted and beautiful appearance.
The Mini Tummy Tuck Removes Subcutaneous Fat Efficiently
Since the mini tummy tuck surgery is less invasive compared to a full tummy tuck, patients can plan for less down time and less discomfort in the post op period. Local anesthesia can be administered during this procedure to help ease any form of discomfort that may arise.
The Treatment is Less Invasive Compared to a Full Tummy Tuck
Much of the pain experienced by patients after a full tummy tuck is secondary to the muscle diastasis repair. This is not done during a mini tummy tuck, so the recovery tends to involve less discomfort. Depending on the body habitus of the patient, the scar for the mini tummy tuck may be shorter than the scar associated with a full tummy tuck. Your doctor will strategically place the incisions to keep them hidden as much as possible.
The Procedure is Much Faster than a Traditional Tummy Tuck
Depending on how much liposuction is needed and how much excess skin is present, the full tummy tuck can take 3-4 hours to complete. The mini tummy tuck, however is rarely extensive and takes ~ 1 hour to complete.
The Recovery Process is Shorter and More Comfortable
Given how less invasive this procedure is, the mini tummy tuck doesn’t come with a long and uncomfortable recovery period. Patients can expect to return to their normal daily activities within one to two weeks. You will still have to refrain from strenuous activities a bit longer, but you don’t have to miss out on work or anything else you would like to do.
Learn More About the Tummy Tuck Surgery at Houston Beautiful Body
Interested in learning more about the tummy tuck? Contact Houston Beautiful Body to schedule your consultation today! We provide our patients with exceptional plastic surgery procedures that will help you look and feel good about yourself. We will guide you throughout the entire process from beginning to end.