Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Right for You?
Many people don’t realize that a mini tummy tuck is an option for removing unwanted skin from the lower abdominal region. For people that have lost weight or given birth, this partial tummy tuck can smooth out the area between the belly button and pubic bone. If you’re considering this surgery and have been curious about what a mini tummy tuck before and after looks like, read on to find out if you’re a good candidate for this cosmetic procedure.
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck, also known as a mini-abdominoplasty, can be thought of as a partial tummy tuck. Most people are familiar with a standard tummy tuck, which is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. A standard tummy tuck uses a hip-to-hip incision to remove fat and skin from the entire abdominal region. At the same time, the abdominal muscles are tightened and a new belly button is formed to replace the one that was taken away when excess skin was removed.
A mini tummy tuck is much less invasive. This is a small tummy tuck that is focused entirely on the portion of the abdomen underneath the belly button. The belly button doesn’t get touched in a mini tummy tuck and the muscles are left as they are. Excess skin is removed in a mini tummy tuck, but no fat is removed. The post-op result is a smoother, more even look to blend seamlessly with the entire abdomen.
Is a mini tummy tuck painful?
You’ll be under general anesthesia during your mini tummy tuck, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. Many people considering a partial tummy tuck are concerned with how they will feel once the procedure is completed and they wake up. Here, surgical technique and the skills of the surgeon performing the tummy tuck make a difference in what the patient experiences. Dr. Cat is a tummy tuck specialist, so the vast majority of her patients experience little to no post-op pain. Patients typically only take Tylenol to help them with any minimal amounts of post-op discomfort.
What will my mini tummy tuck scar look like?
A mini tummy tuck uses a small incision across the lower abdomen. But not all plastic surgeons use the same technique. Dr. Cat uses her special incision closure method so patients’ scars are nearly invisible once they heal. This is especially important for patients who want a smoother look to their lower abdominal region.
The Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck
No matter how fit or in shape a person is, excess skin in the lower abdomen region can remain due to pregnancy, childbirth, weight loss, and natural changes in the skin due to aging. One of the main benefits of a mini tummy tuck is that it can directly address this excess skin and smooth the area with a less invasive surgery than the standard tummy tuck. There is a short recovery time and a small incision with minimal scarring.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Mini Abdominoplasty?
A mini tummy tuck is right for women who have excess skin in the lower abdomen region. A mini-abdominoplasty is perfect for the patient who is very close to their goal weight. Because a mini tummy tuck doesn’t address large areas of fat, it is designed to benefit a person who is already near their goal weight with only a small amount of fat in the abdominal region.
Women may want to wait until they are through with giving birth before having a mini tummy tuck, although a mini tummy tuck does not interfere with the ability to have a healthy, normal pregnancy. However, a mini tummy tuck revision may need to happen after birth.
Because a mini tummy tuck only focuses on the lower abdomen, it’s not for patients with significant excess skin or fat around the entire midsection. Since it removes excess skin from the lower abdomen, it is the perfect procedure for patients with a small amount of excess skin caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuations or liposuction procedures. It is important to note that this procedure does not repair muscle separation that can occur as a result of pregnancy or weight fluctuations, but the standard tummy tuck does.
How long does it take to recover from a mini tummy tuck?
Since a mini tummy tuck doesn’t require an extensive incision, recovery is quick and many patients are back to doing their regular activities after six weeks. During the post-op recovery time, patients are encouraged to walk often to reduce swelling. However, you shouldn’t try to lift anything and avoid all strenuous activities during this recovery time. The recovery time needed before returning to work will depend on your everyday work duties.
Do you need drains after a small tummy tuck?
Yes, drains help with your healing process. Dr. Cat places a generous amount of numbing solution in a patient’s abdomen to ensure the patient feels no pain when they wake up after this small tummy tuck procedure. Typically one drain is left in post-surgery to help collect any excess fluid. This helps minimize the chance of any complications or infection. It also helps with the recovery process as excess fluid after surgery can also cause swelling and pain. A drain helps to keep things comfortable and allow the body to properly heal. The drain is removed after a week or two when your body doesn’t need it anymore.
How much does a Mini Tummy Tuck Cost?
The price of a mini tummy tuck varies by location and by the expertise of the surgeon performing the procedure. More experienced surgeons are often able to perform mini tummy tuck procedures without much discomfort and scarring post-op. On average a mini tummy tuck costs around $7000 – $8000. For areas where a mini tummy tuck is in great demand, the quote at the higher end can be $28,000,
Book Your Mini Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills
Dr. Cat is known for her Mini Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills. Her patients travel from all over the world to have surgery with Dr. Cat because of her attention to detail and elevated artistic eye. Dr. Cat uses gentle techniques to ensure her patients have a quick recovery with little to no pain. Contact Dr. Cat Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation and achieve refined, natural-looking results.
