MINI TUMMY TUCK
Through pregnancy, previous C-section, weight fluctuations, or genetics the lower abdomen may develop some loose or hanging skin, a bit of a bulge below the belly button, and some stubborn fat that won’t go away regardless of a healthy diet and exercise. This can be very frustrating, particularly for patients who are otherwise very fit and feel good about how they look everywhere else. It can be a source of significant self-consciousness when wearing a bikini or while being intimate. A mini tummy tuck is an abdominoplasty procedure that addresses this specific area and restores a more athletic and youthful appearance to the lower abdomen. In contrast, the full tummy tuck addresses the whole area above and around the belly button. The mini tummy tuck is best for patients who have minimal excess skin, fat, and muscle. The mini abdominoplasty focuses on the lower abdomen area, resulting in a shorter recovery period. Both techniques are often incorporated into a mommy makeover plan. Get the mini tummy tuck with Dr. Brown at our Tampa plastic surgery office.
THE PROCEDURE
An incision is placed at the lower aspect of the abdomen well below the bikini line and is typically about as long as a C-section scar. Through this incision, the lower aspect of the six pack muscles (rectus abdominis) can be sewn back together if they are separated, which flattens a bulge that may have resulted from pregnancy or previous weight gain. Typically, liposuction is also performed to achieve the best contour possible by removing stubborn pockets of fat during the mini tummy tuck.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A mini tummy tuck is performed in a surgical facility, under general anesthesia and most patients go home the same day. The surgery typically takes between 1-2 hours. The recovery period is typically about 2 weeks, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks. Patients report high satisfaction of their surgical results and love having a well-shaped, tighter abdomen. Results after a mini tummy tuck are permanent. However, pregnancy or unnecessary weight gain will compromise the results so it’s best to maintain a proper diet and to be stable at your goal weight prior to surgery.
DOES HAVING A PRIOR C SECTION MATTER?
Many women who are candidates for mini tummy tucks have had a previous C-section. For these patients, the mini tummy tuck incision is made just below the previous scar, and the lower abdominal skin is pulled down tight and excess skin is removed, leaving a flatter/smoother contour. The newly created incision will be the only scar that remains.
WILL LIPOSUCTION ALONE GET THE JOB DONE?
For many patients with fullness that is isolated to the lower abdomen, properly performed liposuction will achieve excellent results. However, if a patient has skin looseness preoperatively, or if there is a bulge from the six pack muscles being too far apart in the lower abdomen (called a diastasis), a mini tummy tuck would be recommended to obtain the best results.
Contact us today at SynergyMD Plastic Surgery to see how Dr. Brown can help you get your ideal body with our mini tummy tuck and other abdominoplasty procedures.
MINI TUMMY TUCK TAMPA, LUTZ, & LAND O’LAKES
Book your consultation with Dr. Brown today at SynergyMD Plastic Surgery to see how our specialized mini tummy tuck procedure can tone your body to perfection and help you gain confidence today!
PS: Body contouring is also offered at Trinity, Wesley Chapel, Pasco County and surrounding areas.
