Mini Tummy Tuck Introduction

A mini tummy tuck is also called a partial abdominoplasty. This is a less invasive procedure compared to a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). A mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdominal area, located below the belly button. The surgery is effective for individuals who suffer from a small degree of excess fat and loose skin that has not been responsive to exercise and diet alone.

What Happens During a Mini Tummy Tuck?

This surgery will flatten your lower abdominal area and eliminate the “pooch” that typically occurs in this region. During the surgery, the lower abdominal muscles are sutured together. The excess skin is flattened and trimmed. Sometimes liposuction is performed to remove stubborn fatty deposits. A mini tummy tuck can also help to remove some types of stretch marks. How effectively the marks can be removed will depend on where they’re located and how much excess skin is there.

How To Prepare For a Tummy Tuck?

Before undergoing a mini tummy tuck, you will have to schedule a consultation where Dr. Hamza can perform an initial assessment of your bodily contours and your current state of health. This is to ensure that you are a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. Dr. Hamza may also request you to do the following:

• Refrain from taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications and certain herbal supplements. These may prevent clotting or worsen bleeding.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Stop smoking.

The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure

During a mini tummy tuck, the part of your abdomen between your pubic area and belly button is targeted. Unlike with a full abdominoplasty, your belly button will remain the same during a mini tummy tuck. If you want to achieve a completely flat stomach from the rib cage onwards, then you will require a full tummy tuck.

During the surgery, a 4 to 8-inch incision is made along the lower abdomen. The length is similar to a C-section scar. If you’ve already had a C-section, Dr. Hamza may use it to perform the mini tummy tuck. He will remove excess skin and tighten loose muscles. This will result in a flat, lower stomach. The best results are seen with people who maintain good body weight and don’t plan to get pregnant.

This is an in-office procedure that can take 1 to 3 hours to perform. Patients undergoing the procedure can safely return home on the same day.

What To Expect After The Procedure?

While the mini tummy tuck is less invasive than the traditional method, patients are still required to take some time off to rest and relax. During this time, it will be imperative that you take some time off work and refrain from taking part in strenuous physical activities. You will need about one to two weeks to heal.