Mini Tummy Tuck

What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck?

The mini tummy tuck (also known as partial abdominoplasty) is usually performed for those who have a small amount of abdominal skin to be removed and have a significantly protruding abdominal muscle wall. It is typically intended for patients who are within 10 percent of their ideal body weight and are content with making alterations only to the part of the abdomen that is below the navel.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is suitable for one that presents with only some excess skin from below the navel and a protruding abdominal wall due to rectus diastasis and has a stable weight.

It is not suitable for those who have lots of loose skin or a protruding lower belly of which a full tummy tuck will give better results. It is also not suitable for those who are thinking of using the procedure as a substitute for weight loss or a healthy exercise program.

How Is the Surgery Like?

Mini tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is usually performed as a day surgery case. The surgery time will vary depending on each case’s complexity but the estimation time is around 2 to 3 hrs. After the incision is made, the excess skin is removed and in most cases, the navel is not repositioned during the procedure. The rectus diastasis will also be repaired and the abdomen skin is tightened.

Where is the Incision?

The incision is usually placed along the bikini line and the length of the incision involved in a mini tummy tuck will depend on the amount of skin to be removed. The length will typically be smaller than the incision required by a traditional tummy tuck. For most cases, Dr Marco will place 2 temporary drainages in the incision site.

What are the Risks?

In all surgeries, there are always certain amounts of risk involved.

For the mini tummy tuck, the risks can be such as unfavorable scarring, fluid accumulation, bleeding (hematoma), infection, wound healing problems, blood clots, changes in skin sensation, recurrence of loose skin, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications. Some problems may require revision surgery. Most complications are rare when you choose an experienced Plastic Surgeon.

Prior to surgery, all patients will have to undergo a pre-medical check-up to ensure they are in the pink of health before surgery to minimize any above risks.

What is the Recovery like After a Mini Tummy Tuck?

There are many phases during the recovery process.

In the initial phase, the patient will be able to go home and be discharged if he/ she is fit after resting for at least 4 to 6 hours after the surgery.

There will be some swelling, soreness, and discomfort along with the 2 temporary drains which will be removed within 48 to 72 hours.

One is advised to minimize walking around too much during the first 2 weeks and is advised to put on his/her surgical compression garment almost close to 20 hours daily.

The stitches are removed between 8 to 10 days after surgery and the patient will be advised to not move around too much.

Any strenuous activity is advisable to resume after 4 to 6 weeks.