Achieve a More Toned Appearance with a Mini Tummy Tuck
For patients with excess skin or fat below the belly button, a mini tummy tuck can restore a slimmer, more toned waistline. In comparison to a full tummy tuck, this modified procedure uses a shorter incision and targets the mid-abdomen area. At North Texas Breast & Plastic Surgery Center in Denton, TX, Dr. Bruce Hermann can remove stubborn fat cells with liposuction, tighten the abdominal wall muscles, and trim excess skin to add more definition and shape to your figure. Although not considered a weight loss procedure, a mini tummy tuck can help patients achieve a flatter midsection when diet and exercise prove ineffective.
Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck
We recommend a full tummy tuck for patients with loose skin and excess fat throughout the entire abdomen, as well as weakened abdominal muscles as a result of pregnancy or weight loss. This procedure generally necessitates a hip-to-hip incision and requires the naval to be removed and repositioned.
A mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients with localized excess fat and skin in the mid-abdomen area, which cannot be addressed with diet or exercise alone.
A mini tummy tuck, also known as a partial abdominoplasty targets areas below the naval. Only a single incision is required for this procedure, and it does not involve removing and repositioning the naval. In addition, the incision is generally smaller than that of a traditional tummy tuck. This treatment is ideal for patients with localized excess fat and skin in the mid-abdomen area, which cannot be addressed with diet or exercise alone. As a mini tummy tuck involves less extensive treatment, the recovery period is shorter.
Who is a Good Candidate?
The best candidates for this procedure include healthy patients who are within 10 percent of their normal body weight. It is also imperative that patients:
- Do not smoke
- Do not wish to become pregnant in the future
- Are committed to maintaining results
- Have realistic expectations about the procedure
- Do not have a serious medical condition that could hinder recovery
Dr. Hermann can review your medical history and cosmetic goals during your private consultation to determine whether a mini tummy tuck is right for you. He can also discuss the procedure in detail, taking the time to answer any questions or address any concerns. To ensure your comfort both during and after the procedure, Dr. Hermann can review pre and postoperative instructions.
What to Expect
We can perform this procedure under local anesthesia and mild sedation, or if necessary, general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia we recommend will depend on your needs and complexity of your procedure. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Hermann can make an incision beneath your naval directly above the pubic bone to access the underlying tissues and muscles. The incision itself is generally three to five inches in length and can be easily concealed by underwear or bikini bottoms.
Dr. Hermann can then remove stubborn fat cells with liposuction and tighten the abdominal wall muscles as needed. Next, he can trim excess skin and close the incision with sutures, before placing a compression garment over the area.
Your Recovery
Most patients can return home within a few hours of the procedure. You can typically resume normal activity within two to three days. However, you should avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks. If you experience post-operative pain or discomfort, you can take over-the-counter medication or any prescribed medication as directed. Wearing your compression garment can also help to minimize swelling and bruising.
Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck
As compared to a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck provides exceptional benefits for the right patients, including:
- Minimal scarring
- Faster recovery
- Reduced postoperative pain
In addition, a mini tummy tuck can improve your confidence and quality of life.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have concerns about your midsection, and diet and exercise have proven unsuccessful, you may benefit from a mini tummy tuck. To learn more about this procedure and the costs involved, contact our office online or call at (940) 387-4900 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hermann.
