WHAT IS A “MINI”-TUMMY TUCK?
The term “mini”-tummy tuck, or mini-abdominoplasty, has been used to describe a spectrum of different surgical procedures that feature a smaller scar and shorter recovery time than traditional abdominoplasty. The procedure, in select patients, employs less-invasive surgery to revitalize the appearance of the frontal mid-section. Abdominal rejuvenation is commonly pursued following childbirth, weight loss, or when loose tissues of the belly cannot be eliminated with diet and exercise alone. In a standard or “full” abdominoplasty, the lower abdomen incision typically extends from hip to hip. A mini-tummy tuck can be accomplished with an incision that usually extends from the lower abdominal-thigh crease to crease, which results in a scar almost half the length of a traditional abdominoplasty. An incision – and therefore the resulting scar – is also usually avoided around the belly button. A mini-abdominoplasty is usually combined with liposuction and includes a technique called rectus plication, both of which slim the abdomen side-to-side while also removing extra tissue in the up-and-down direction.
The key to the mini-tummy tuck is patient selection. The best candidates for a mini-abdominoplasty have some excess or saggy skin and soft tissue of the lower abdomen but either do not have enough extra tissue to perform a traditional abdominoplasty, are not personally ready to undergo a full abdominoplasty, or do not want to risk having worsening extra skin following a liposuction procedure. In the right patient, a mini-tummy tuck can deliver:
- Elimination of excess skin and soft tissue of the abdomen
- Removal of an abdominal fold, or pannus
- Realignment of abdominal muscles, called rectus abdomini, in the normal midline position
- Tightening of the abdominal skin and soft tissue
- Deceased prominence of the hips, saddle bags, and mons pubic regions, especially when combined with liposuction
- Removal of stretched or otherwise damaged skin of the lower abdomen
- Improved fit of clothing at the waist
- More youthful and toned appearance of the abdomen
- Increased self-confidence
If you are interested in a mini-tummy tuck, remember that this procedure requires surgery in an operating room and you should expect some recovery time. A mini-abdominoplasty is usually performed by plastic and reconstructive surgeons. In good candidates, a mini-abdominoplasty can be performed as an outpatient in an ambulatory surgical center, though recovery time is proportional to the complexity of the procedure. Patients who undergo a mini-tummy tuck often experience a renewed outlook towards their body and boosted self-confidence.
If you would like to learn whether you are a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck, don’t hesitate to ask Kristopher M. Day, MD, FACS by emailing Info@KrisDayPlasticSurgery.com to schedule a complementary consultation. Dr. Day has extensive experience in all varieties of abdominoplasty and looks forward to designing an approach that will best help you achieve your goals!
