Who is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is also known as partial or mini abdominoplasty. This is a cosmetic surgical procedure done for people with minimum abdominal skin or who don’t have a significant protruding abdominal muscle fascia. If you feel that your ab area is beginning to sag due to aging, you can consider the surgery for a desired sculpted look. A partial abdominoplasty incision will depend on amount of skin to be excised. Incision is generally smaller than that of a complete or traditional tummy tuck. Unlike in full abdominoplasty, mini tummy tuck surgery does not involve repositioning of your navel. Sometimes liposuction may be used with the procedure to achieve a more sculpted look. Mini abdominoplasty is one of the many cosmetic procedures that Dr. Bloch can perform for you in his fine accredited facility.

Who should not consider a tummy tuck?

If you’re a woman who plans to get pregnant, then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you’re done having children. During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened, and future pregnancies can separate those muscles.

Are you planning to lose a lot of weight? Then a tummy tuck also is not for you. A tummy tuck should be a last resort after you’ve tried everything else. It should not be used as an alternative to weight loss.

You should also consider the chance of scarring after a tummy tuck. You can talk about that possibility with the doctor before the surgery.

Mini tummy tuck procedural steps

Mini abdominoplasty uses the following procedure:

1. In the operation room, you will be given relaxing medications; choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia, Dr. Bloch will help you choose.
2. A C-section like incision is made on your lower abdomen.
3. Fat and skin are separated in a limited manner from the abdominal wall. Skin is then redraped and excess is removed.
4. A portion of your muscle fascia may be tightened.
5. Liposuction may also be used for more contouring before skin is closed with stitches.
6. Your incision will then be dressed with gauze or bandage. A compression garment may also be used to firm your stomach for quick recovery and reduce swelling.
7. After the procedure

You will have some pain and discomfort for several days after surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medicine to help you manage your pain. It may help to rest with your legs and hips bent during recovery to reduce pressure on your abdomen. Wearing an elastic support similar to a girdle for 2 to 3 weeks will provide extra support while you heal. You should avoid strenuous activity and anything that makes you strain for 4 to 6 weeks. You will probably be able to return to work in 2 to 4 weeks. You will need to schedule a visit with your doctor to have your stitches removed. Your scars will become flatter and lighter in color over the next 3 to 6 months. Do not expose the area to sun, because it can worsen the scar and darken the color. Keep it covered when you are out in the sun. You may have to apply a special cream until the cut is completely healed.

Partial abdominoplasty risks

All cosmetic surgeries have potential risks. Mini tummy tuck risks which you should understand before surgery include:

• Anesthesia reaction
• Swelling
• bruising
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Blood clots in legs
• Skin numbness from nerve damage
• Internal organ damage
• Skin loss
• Poor healing

Most of these risks rarely occur and having an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bloch perform the surgery for you will minimize most of these risks.