A mini tummy tuck – also known as partial abdominoplasty – is a cosmetic surgery that contours the abdominal area by removing excess skin below the belly button. This treatment is often used to address unpleasant abdominal changes resulting from pregnancy, ageing, or weight loss. Unlike other types of abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck offers unique benefits including a shorter and less involved procedure, faster recovery, and a slimmer and flatter abdominal profile. If you are considering having a partial tummy tuck to address a ‘pooch’ or excess skin or fat in the lower abdominal area, this article tells you what you can expect from this treatment.
Ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive type of abdominoplasty that addresses loose skin, lax muscles, and fat deposits that are concentrated in the lower abdominal area (below the belly button). You may be an ideal candidate for this treatment if:
- You are in good physical and emotional healthy
- You are close to your ideal weight
- You have a lower belly pooch that you wish to address through cosmetic surgery
- You have realistic expectations about the outcome of this treatment
Different patients have varying needs. During your initial consultation with Dr. Ruston Sanchez, the surgeon will listen to your concerns and examine your abdominal area before letting you know whether you are an ideal candidate for this treatment. In some cases, Dr. Ruston may recommend liposuction or a full tummy tuck as the more suitable treatment in order to achieve the goals of the surgery.
Benefits of partial abdominoplasty
Some of the key benefits of a mini tummy tuck include the following:
- Tightens and flattens the lower abdomen.
- Replaces a C-section scar with a lower, neater scar that fades into a less noticeable line over time.
- Most patients are able to resume routine work in as short as a week following this minimalistic surgery.
- The results of a tummy tuck are considered permanent but may be negatively affected by pregnancy or major weight fluctuations.
- Less expensive than a full tummy tuck.
Preparing for a mini-abdominoplasty
Taking steps to prepare for your plastic surgery can go a long way to ensure a successful procedure outcome. To start with, plastic surgeons ask that you quit smoking a few weeks before and after the treatment. This is important because cigarettes contain substances that can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. It is also important that you stop taking certain medications, particularly NSAIDs that can thin blood. Some vitamins and herbal supplements should also be avoided. In the days before the surgery, make sure you arrange for someone to drive you home, as well as prepare your recovery area. Your plastic surgeon should help you come up with a checklist of things to do so you can ensure optimal preparation for partial abdominoplasty.
How is partial abdominoplasty performed?
Mini abdominoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will create a short incision along the waistline and use it to remove extra fat and skin within the area between the pubic bone and the belly button. If need be, the lower abdominal muscles are tightened via the same incision. Keep in mind that the belly button is repositioned during a mini tummy tuck. In some cases, plastic surgeons may combine this treatment with liposuction in order to achieve optimal abdominal sculpting. Once the required reshaping is completed, the surgeon will close the incisions using progressive-tension sutures. You’ll be allowed to go home on the same day as the surgery.
Mini tummy tuck recovery
Following partial abdominoplasty, you will be able to eat as soon as the anesthesia wears off. Pain relief is provided shortly after the surgery in order to improve your comfort level during recovery. You’ll need to take it easy within the first few days after a mini tummy tuck. Most plastic surgeons recommend that you have someone to drive you home from the hospital, as well as help out with basic chores. You should avoid any form of strenuous activities, especially over the first two weeks. Your surgeon will provide a special compression garment that should be worn for around 4-6 weeks. You’ll be able to resume light exercise such as walking after about two weeks. However, it may be up to 7 weeks before you may be able to engage in strenuous activities again. Adhering to your surgeon’s post-op instructions is perhaps the most important aspect of recovering from a tummy tuck.
How much does a mini tummy tuck cost?
A mini tummy tuck is the least invasive and most affordable type of abdominoplasty. Many of Dr. Ruston’s patients in Baton Rouge LA can expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 and $6,000 for this cosmetic treatment. You’ll likely need to pay for this treatment from out of topic, especially given that health insurers typically do not pay for elective cosmetic treatments. Dr. Ruston’s office is available to provide a detailed breakdown of your mini tummy tuck cost based on the specifics of your treatment.
What are some of the disadvantages of a mini tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck may not be the right choice for everyone.
- The procedure doesn’t address loose skin, stretch marks, muscle separation, and other imperfections above the belly button. For this reason, it may lead to results that look uneven or limited.
- Although considered to be a generally safe procedure, a mini tummy tuck comes with a risk of complications (just like any other surgery).
- Insurance typically doesn’t pay for partial abdominoplasty. This means that patients have to foot the cost of the procedure from out-of-pocket.