What is a Mini-Abdominoplasty? 

A Mini-Abdominoplasty or Mini-Tummy Tuck is a variation of a Full Abdominoplasty (also called Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck).  The Mini-Tummy tuck is a smaller version of the Full Tummy Tuck.  With a Mini-Abdominoplasty a smaller incision is used, usually only about as long as a C-section scar rather than from hip to hip as with the Full Abdominoplasty.  Also much less skin is removed with a Mini-Abdominoplasty and more liposuction is performed.  

 

Who is a candidate for a Mini-Abdominoplasty?

 

The best candidate is someone who does not have a large amount of excess skin and none or only a few, stretch marks.  This is a procedure that is in between Liposuction of the Abdomen and a Full Tummy Tuck.  The most common reason to perform a Mini-Tummy Tuck is in a patient who has had some children and who is not a good candidate for liposuction because of a small amount of remaining excess skin and usually some rectus diastasis.  Rectus diastasis means that the “six pack” muscles of the abdomen have been stretched apart.  No amount of exercise will bring them back together once they have been stretched apart.  When the muscles are stretched apart they no longer hold the abdominal contents in place and a small bulge forms in the lower abdomen between the pubic area and belly-button (umbilicus.)   This bulge can occur even if the patient is very thin.   Hence, a Mini-Tummy tuck can also be performed on a patient who is very thin, but has some rectus muscle separation and after a pregnancy.

 

What can a Mini-Abdominoplasty Accomplish?

 

This is not a procedure to remove stretch marks.  That is accomplished by a Full Tummy Tuck (Full Abdominoplasty).  It is also not a procedure to remove large amounts of excess skin and it is not useful for the severely obese who would do better with a Full Tummy Tuck.   Ideally, the Mini-Abdominoplasty is best used when a person has a bulge mostly in the lower abdomen, some rectus diastasis, a small amount of excess skin and some fat.  It works mostly on the lower half of the abdomen (from the pubic area to the belly button), although there can be a nice improvement in the upper half of the abdomen (from the belly button to the ribs.)

 

How is a Mini-Tummy Tuck Performed?

 

It is similar to a Full Abdominoplasty only the incision, and elevation of the skin and fat is smaller.  A 4 to 8 inch incision is made near the pubic area closest to the upper part of the pubic hair.  It would be in about the same position as a C-section scar and if a patient already has a C-section scar we can use that same scar.  We then undermine the skin and fat up to the level of the umbilicus (belly button).  The abdominal muscles are then tightened with a special suture.  The extra skin, usually about 3 to 6 inches wide is trimmed away.  Next liposuction is used to suction the fat out of the upper and lower abdomen.  A single small drain is placed and then the incision is closed.  The drain is usually removed in 4 to 6 days after surgery.

 

What to expect in Terms of Pain, Recovery and Healing:

 

Pain and recovery from a Mini-Abdominoplasty is less than with a full Abdominoplasty but more than with just a typical liposuction procedure.  During the evening of your surgery we expect you to be up and around and walking.  Typically, a patient may return to work in 5 to 7 seven days.  We place a small drain that is usually removed after about 4 to 6 days.  You may return to a light exercise in two to three weeks depending on how well you are healing.  We do not want you to do any sit-ups or strenuous abdominal exercise for at least 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.  After six to eight weeks you may return to full exercise.

 

The Risks of the Surgery:

 

A mini-tummy tuck is a very safe surgery.  The risks of this surgery are less than it would be rather than a full-tummy tuck and more than with liposuction.   Dr. Smith will discuss the specific risks with you, but in general they include pain, bruising, swelling, numbness, need for more procedures, infection, bleeding and damage to surrounding structures.

 

Conclusion:

 

Dr. Smith is very talented artist and surgeon and he has been performing this surgery for over 10 years now.  Dr. Smith has numerous satisfied mini-tummy tuck patients.   For a patient with a bulge in the lower abdomen, a little bit of loose skin, and some excess fat this may be the very best procedure.   If you are thinking about this procedure, we encourage you to make an appointment with Dr. Smith.