Type of Surgery
Mini Tummy Tuck
Last updated: 12/29/2009
A mini tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical treatment for abdominal fat over a fairly discrete region. A mini tummy tuck is different from a full abdominoplasty or tummy tuck in a few ways. In a mini tummy tuck, there is usually only one skin incision required. Also, most mini tummy tucks do not require that the navel (belly button) be repositioned. The abdominal muscles only require minimal tightening when mini tummy tuck surgery is performed, in contrast to full abdominoplasty, in which the stomach muscles can be altered significantly.
A mini tummy tuck is reserved for patients that only require fat and skin removal from the lowest part of abdomen. Common candidates for mini tummy tuck surgery are women that have recently carried a baby (especially multiple babies at once) and people who have lost a significant amount of weight over a short period of time. In these cases, the person’s frame is relatively lean yet the skin and fat in the lower abdomen has not fully responded to the rapid weight loss. A mini tummy tuck would not be considered for someone that is trying to reshape the entire abdomen.
Mini tummy tuck surgery can be performed under local anesthesia but is it much more often a general anesthesia procedure. It usually lasts between one to two hours and is considered “same day” surgery. This means that an overnight stay in the hospital is not required, unless there is a serious complication, which is rare.
The mini tummy tuck surgery requires one, relatively small incision above the pubic area, roughly parallel to the shoulders (smile-shaped). If there are natural folds in the patient’s skin the surgeon will follow this line so that the surgical scar will be obscured by the fold. The skin flap that is created by this incision is flipped upward and a liposuction probe is used to remove excess fat. The entire abdomen and love handles can be reached by a liposuction probe from this vantage point.
While the stomach muscles are exposed, they are brought closer together with a few sutures. Pulling the muscles together in this way tightens the abdominal region and extends the duration of the aesthetic benefit. The muscle tightening is focused and minor in a mini tummy tuck compared to full tummy tuck.
The skin flap is stretched down, but not so far that the belly button is moved, and the skin that extends below the incision is removed. The two edges of cut skin are brought together at stapled together. In this way, excess fat and skin are removed and the abdomen appears tight and toned.
Despite being a less involved procedure than a full abdominoplasty, mini tummy tuck recovery will still take some time. Expect to wear a compression garment over the abdomen for a few weeks until the area heals. The drainage tubes and staples will need to be removed at a follow-up appointment. Bathing and certain activities will be restricted during mini tummy tuck recovery. The length of recovery will depend on the extent of the mini tummy tuck surgery and the individual person. In general, strenuous activity should be avoided for four weeks but, depending on the job, most people can return to work within a week.
Last Updated: 12/29/2009
Related Articles
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck – Which Cosmetic Procedure is Right for You?You have some belly fat. A pooch. A Buddha belly. A spare tire. You want the extra fat gone but you do not know what the best surgical procedure...
Types of Abdominoplasty: Tummy Tuck Procedure Types
Tummy tuck is an abdominal plastic surgery which promises to flatten wrinkled and slack abdominal skin. In additon, it can also tighten relaxed,...
The Cost of "Tummy Tuck" Surgery
Because it is not covered by medical insurance, at least in the United States, cost is a major determinant of whether or not you will have a tummy...
Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Recovery
There is so much to do to prepare for plastic surgery itself that many patients forget that they also need to prepare for plastic surgery recovery...
Finding a Plastic Surgeon
Plastic surgery is a very delicate matter. It’s not just about the technical aspects—the sharpness of the scalpel, the precision of the surgeon...