A partial abdominoplasty, or mini tummy tuck, is mostly useful to those candidates with a small amount of excess skin in the lower abdominal region that needs removal. These people do not have excessive, protruding, or highly slack muscles in the stomach.
Individuals who possess a stomach area that is beginning to sag due to aging or who have slimmer abdomens wishing for a more attractive shape can decide if the mini tummy tuck is a suitable option.
Who Is the Best Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
The best candidates for a mini tummy tuck are individuals who are already close to their ideal weight but struggle with stubborn fat or loose skin below the belly button.
This procedure is particularly popular among mothers who want to address lower abdominal laxity after childbirth, or people who have experienced mild sagging due to aging.
Unlike a full abdominoplasty, this technique is not designed for patients with significant abdominal muscle separation or those with a large amount of excess skin.
How is a Partial Abdominoplasty Performed?
A mini tummy tuck is performed in a surgical facility or hospital, and it requires general anesthesia, but local anesthesia and a mild sedative have been proven methods that work effectively. The incision length is based on the amount of skin a surgeon plans to remove. The length on average runs no more than the length of a regular tummy tuck.
In a traditional tummy tuck, the surgeon generally repositions the navel, but this is not necessary for this procedure. The mini tummy tuck requires that a less significant area of the abdominal wall be exposed. The treatment area will run from the incision point to the belly button. After fat has been suctioned out, the muscles of the stomach will be tightened.
Then the cosmetic surgeon will stretch the skin down, removing any excess tissue and securing the rest of the skin back into position. A temporary drainage tube is then placed into the incision site.
Cost
A mini tummy tuck will cost from approximately $2,650 to $8,250, depending on the severity of the problem, the location, and the experience of the plastic surgeon.
Maintaining Results After a Mini Tummy Tuck
To ensure long-lasting results after a mini tummy tuck, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A consistent fitness routine that includes core strengthening exercises can help keep abdominal muscles firm, while a balanced diet will prevent future fat accumulation in the treated area.
Patients should also avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as these can impair skin elasticity and slow the healing process. While the mini tummy tuck offers a permanent solution to sagging lower abdominal skin, future weight fluctuations or pregnancies can impact the results.
Mini Tummy Tuck Risks and Complications
Serious complications after a partial abdominoplasty surgery are uncommon. However, there are risks with any surgerical procedure. Complications such as blood clots and infection are rare, but do occur. Infection can usually be managed through drainage and antibiotics.
Moving around as soon as possible after the mini tummy tuck will minimize the risk of blood clots. If wounds develop, regions of the skin could die, and slough off, resulting in a delay in the healing process.
To decrease the risk of complications, be sure to always follow the surgeon’s directions. Surgical scars will be permanent; however, the incision is generally made below the swimsuit line, allowing the scar to remain undetected.
Recovery From Partial Abdominoplasty
The patient is then released just hours after the mini tummy tuck has been completed. The recovery period is usually about one week to several months, depending on the treated area.
Recovery will progress to a point where the individual can continue their normal activities after one to two weeks, and a full recovery is usually made within a few months. Post-operative pain can be managed through over-the-counter medications such as Advil or Ibuprofen.
With modern treatment, an individual can achieve an attractive, more youthful appearance after receiving a mini tummy tuck.