A mini tummy tuck, or mini abdominoplasty, is a much less invasive procedure than a traditional abdominoplasty. If you notice that your abdomen has begun to sag with age and want to sculpt it into a more desirable shape, you might find that a mini abdominoplasty is ideal for you.
The mini tummy tuck is the perfect option for people who don’t have protruding abdominal muscles and are looking to remove a small amount of excess abdominal skin.
Preparing for the Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure
At the start of your consultation, your plastic surgeon will ask for a detailed medical history. He may order blood tests to see if there is any underlying medical condition that needs to be treated before you go for a mini tummy tuck. He will also ask you to stop taking medications like aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications that might cause bleeding. If you are a smoker, then you need to quit smoking at least four weeks before the surgery and continue to avoid it for at least four weeks after it; smoking can cause problems with the healing process
Do not eat anything after midnight the day before the surgery. It is important that you stay hydrated the day before the surgery. A simple formula is to take your body weight and divide it by two; that is the number of ounces of water you’ll need to drink to help with a speedy recovery.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Also referred to as scarless abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck is performed under a local anesthetic, although your surgeon will let you know if you need a general anesthetic. The length of the incision depends on the mount of skin that needs to be removed. The incision will be much smaller than the one required for a full abdominoplasty. If needed, the surgeon might combine it with liposuction to give better definition to your tummy.
Since the procedure involves a much smaller incision than its traditional counterpart, a smaller portion of your abdominal wall will be exposed. The treatment area usually extends from the navel to the incision site. Once the excess fat has been suctioned and the abdominal muscles have been tightened, the surgeon will stretch your skin downward and excise the excess tissue.
As soon as the fat and skin have been removed, your surgeon will stretch and stitch the remaining skin into place with medical stitches, giving your abdomen a smoother look. The surgeon might also place a drainage tube to get rid of the excess fluid. Drains can promote faster healing, and they are typically removed a few days after the surgery.
Recovery from the Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis, and you will be allowed to go home a few hours after the surgery. Make sure that you arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, because it will be unsafe for you to drive that day.
The recovery time for a mini abdominoplasty is generally the same as that of a traditional liposuction. If you experience any post-operative discomfort, your surgeon will prescribe painkillers to help you with it. You will be able to return to work in a few days. However, you should refrain from any strenuous activity for a couple of weeks.
Learn More About the Mini Tummy Tuck
The best way to find out more about the mini tummy tuck and the great results it can offer is by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Alexander Golger, an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in Toronto. To set up your consultation, contact our office.