Who should have this procedure?
A mini tummy tuck is appropriate if you need to firm and tone the abdominal wall below the belly-button area but don䴜t need a full tummy tuck. A good candidate for this procedure will have saggy skin that has not responded to diet and exercise but has good elasticity.
What is involved in the procedure?
Since a mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure and takes less time in surgery you will under go general anesthesia. You may be able to go home the same day as your procedure without an overnight stay at the hospital. As with abdominoplasty, the surgeon will make an incision just above the pubic area and pull the loose tissue down, trim excess away, then close the incision. You may also benefit from liposuction in conjunction with your mini tummy tuck procedure.
What is the normal healing time after this procedure?
With a mini tummy tuck, you can expect to be up and around within a couple of days; however, you will have some pain and discomfort as well as swelling that may last for a few days. You may be able to return to work within 1-2 weeks although you will want to avoid more strenuous activity for several weeks. Scarring will begin to fade and become less noticeable after several months to a year.
What results can I expect?
As the post-surgical swelling subsides, you will notice a firmer, shapelier abdominal area without the saggy skin and tissue you formerly had. With reasonable diet and exercise you will be able to maintain your new contours.