The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure
Do you dream of a flatter, tighter tummy? Are you tired of doing crunches, planks, and Pilates with no results?
For many women and men, excess skin on the lower-belly fat simply doesn’t contract after weight loss. If your tummy “pooch” is below your belly button, and appropriate diet and exercise hasn’t helped, you may want to consider a mini tummy tuck, which is less invasive and often results in less scarring than a traditional full tummy tuck.
Because it’s still a major surgery, Missoula patients should know the facts about mini tummy tucks - who is a good candidate, what is involved in the procedure, and what results to expect afterward.
Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is just what it sounds like - a smaller version of a full tummy tuck, what doctors call “abdominoplasty.” The mini tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat and can flatten the appearance of your abdomen.
Loose, sagging skin and excess fat below the belly button can result from:
- Pregnancy
- Significant weight loss
- Aging
- Heredity
- Prior surgery
Remember, a tummy tuck is not a substitute for an appropriate diet and exercise program for weight loss.
Candidates for Treatment
Men and women in good health may be considered for this procedure. You should be a non-smoker without significant medical conditions.
However, a mini tummy tuck is not recommended for some patients. If you have excess skin or fat above the belly button, you will likely have better results with a full tummy tuck. Also, if you plan to get pregnant or lose a lot of weight, you should postpone a tummy tuck until later.
A consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon will determine if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.
The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure
Abdominoplasty can take one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the case, and you may need to stay overnight in the hospital. You will be given general anesthesia, which will put you to “sleep” during the operation.
Unlike a traditional tummy tuck - when the abdomen is cut from hipbone to hipbone and the belly button is removed and recreated - a mini tummy tuck focuses on excess skin of the lower abdomen only, often leaving the belly button in place. Although a mini tummy tuck does not tighten the underlying abdominal muscles, it can provide a smoother, flatter tummy with a shorter, lower scar than a traditional tuck. Our surgeons at Northwest Plastic Surgery can help you determine which procedure is appropriate for you.
A Note about Aftercare
After your surgery, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 48 hours. It will be very important to follow our instructions on how to care for the bandage, how to manage pain, and how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down in the days following surgery.
You can expect to be sore for several weeks and may also experience numbness, bruising, and tiredness. You will need to limit strenuous activity for at least six weeks. Also, you may need to take leave from work for up to two weeks.
Learn More about Mini Tummy Tucks
At Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates, PLLC, we understand the physical and psychological struggle many people have when it comes to their waistline. Dr. Stephen Hardy and the staff at our practice have years of training and experience performing abdominoplasty surgery. If you’re ready to trade in your lower-belly pooch for a more athletic, slimmer midsection, we invite you to contact Northwest Plastic Surgery Associates, PLLC.