What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?​​​​​​​

A mini tummy tuck, or mini abdominoplasty, is a popular variation of a full abdominoplasty but that focuses purely on the area below the belly button known as the umbilicus. Although the entire abdomen can be affected by excess fat and loose skin, it is often particularly pronounced in the umbilicus, forming a ‘pouch’ that sits between the pubis and belly button.

When you suffer from a stubborn pocket of fat in this area, it can have a significant effect on your day to day life. You may find it difficult to wear the clothes that you want to or feel self-conscious about your appearance when you are with your partner. It may even cause you to experience skin issues due to the folds it creates or suffer from back pain.
 

What happens during a mini tummy tuck?

A general anesthetic is given to patients ahead of a mini tummy tuck. This places them into a deep sleep where they cannot experience any pain. Once suitably anesthetized, an incision is made into the lower abdomen just above the pubic bone so that it is hidden in your underwear. Through this incision, your surgeon will separate the abdominal skin from the underlying muscles. These muscles may be tightened so that the area is flatter and more toned, before the skin is replaced, pulled tight and then any excess is cut away to restore a smooth, flat abdominal wall

Recovering From A Mini Tummy Tuck

The first thing that you will need to do is allow time for the general anesthetic to wear off. This can take up to 12 hours and during this time you may be disorientated, confused and feel lethargic, nauseous and dizzy. Your lower abdomen will be covered with a compression bandage to help control the swelling and keep the incision site clean. You will almost certainly be sore, and you may be prescribed painkillers to help alleviate your discomfort.

You should be able to go home within 24 hours of your procedure, but you should take up to two weeks off of work so that you have enough time to heal properly. Soreness, swelling, bruising and some temporary changes in sensation are all to be expected, but should gradually improve. You will need to wear your abdominal binder for at least six weeks and avoid any moderate to physical activity during this time.

Be sure to follow all instructions given to you by your surgical team, and if you have any questions, contact them right away. This is the best way to minimize your risk of complications and make sure that you get the best possible outcome from your surgery.
 

Should I Lose Weight Before My Mini Tummy Tuck?

Whether full or partial, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss solution and should not be viewed as such. Instead, it is a way of removing excess fat and skin and creating a smoother, flatter and more toned silhouette. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that patients reach a weight that they are happy with before they undergo a mini tummy tuck, as further weight loss could cause skin sagging and undo the effects of the procedure.

If you are unhappy with excess fat and skin on the lower part of your stomach, then a mini tummy tuck could be the solution you are looking for. To find out more about this procedure, or to schedule a confidential consultation with our experienced cosmetic surgery team, please contact our offices.