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Useful information for patients on Mini Abdominoplasty procedures - providing you with a flatter, firmer, and more toned tummy.
A mini tummy tuck surgery is ideal for people with just a small area of concern below the navel where a "pooch" protrudes. Mini tummy tuck surgery/ abdominoplasty is limited to supra-pubic skin removal (skin above to pubic area) and fat removal using liposuction. To receive mini-abdominoplasty patient must have minimal to moderate skin redundancy, a small amount of abdominal fat, and minor to moderate muscle flaccidity.
An incision is placed a few inches below the navel for a mini tummy tuck. Next, the surgeon aspirates the abdominal fat, removes the supra-pubic skin redundancy, and in case of muscle flaccidity, the medial part of the abdominal skin is removed. Finally, the skin is pulled tightly over the lower abdomen, eliminating the lower belly pooch.
A mini tummy tuck provides you with a flatter, firmer, and more toned tummy that looks great in fitted outfits and swimsuits. Usually, a mini tummy tuck is less invasive than a full tummy tuck. The patient experience very minor or zero pain during the procedure but may feel sore, tight, and tender for several days. It is advisable to rest to heal properly, and limited activity and appropriate medications can enhance your comfort during the healing period.
The pre-op preparation for mini-abdominoplasty/ tummy tuck requires stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, refrain from taking anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which may worsen bleeding or prevent proper clotting.
Pressure garments are required to wear around the clock, except for showering for about two to six weeks to avoid swelling, fluid retention, and post-op discomfort. The pressure garment helps the body recover faster and increases your comfort during healing. The time length to wear this garment will depend on the extent of surgery and the plastic surgeon's recommendation. You will be asked to avoid taking certain herbal supplements, such as fish oil and vitamin E, aspirin-based products, and other anti-inflammatory drugs starting two weeks before surgery and two weeks after surgery.
A young post-pregnant woman with good muscle tone and limited stretch marks is a good candidate for mini tummy tuck surgery.
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
A mini abdominoplasty can take anywhere between one to three hours.
This procedure can be performed under either general, epidural, or local anesthesia with sedation. The patient/surgeon's preferences decide the selection of anesthesia.
While hospital stays after a mini tummy tuck is not necessary, it is good to stay overnight in the hospital. However, mini tummy tuck/abdominoplasty is either outpatient or inpatient.
Mini-abdominoplasty is a safe surgery, but some common side effects are infection, numbness, swelling, bruising, delayed wound healing, or keloid scarring. After several months, these discomforts will improve, followed by good and disciplined post-op care.
Even though mini tummy tuck/abdominoplasty is a less invasive surgery, the truth is that both mini and standard tummy tucks are all very similar in terms of recovery.
Usually, patients can go back to all the forms of exercise at about six weeks, including lifting heavy things and going back to the gym.
Mini abdominoplasty/tummy tuck surgery can last for many years unless the patient gains weight or becomes pregnant.
It is advisable to follow a healthy lifestyle and healthy weight to maintain the results for a longer period.