A full tummy tuck or abdominoplasty classically involves liposuction of the flanks, lower flanks, and abdomen. It also includes skin excision, muscle repair, and a repositioning of the belly button. While many patients do find this procedure effective and much needed, other patients find that a full tummy tuck simply isn’t necessary. Here is a more detailed look at the mini tummy tuck and whether this procedure is right for you!
What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck?
At Toronto’s Elements Spa, board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Adibfar and his medically-trained team specialize in offering many variations of tummy tucks or abdominoplasties that are catered to individual patients. A mini abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a very common procedure and is performed when a patient’s skin is relatively taut or tight above the belly button but shows laxity including excess skin and/or fat below the belly button either due to weight loss or be it simply a stubborn area that diet and exercise alone can not change.
How Is A Mini Tummy Tuck Performed?
A mini tummy tuck can be done under local anesthesia and take anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours depending on the amount of tissue that needs to be removed for each individual patient and any other complimentary procedures that can be performed at the same time such as liposuction, or surgical procedures for other parts of the body. During the procedure, Dr. Adibfar carefully removes any of the excess skin and fat (according to his preoperative markings) and then pulls the skin down and sutures it to its new position. The navel is also unaffected by this procedure.
During the mini tummy tuck Dr. Adibfar trims the skin in the lower abdomen. Sometimes sutures alone are used to close the space (without drains) and allow the incision to heal. Unlike a full abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck involves an incision line that is shorter and can be made lower (at the top of the pubic region). As mentioned, patients recover more quickly because the mini tummy tuck does not affect the underlying structures including the muscles and fascia.
Recovery After a Mini Tummy Tuck
Recovery is roughly 4-6 weeks with the first few weeks limiting strenuous physical activities. After approximately 4 weeks some normalcy can resume without straining the surgical area. The incision line is easily hidden and heals fairly well over time. Dr. Adibfar will also ensure that there is no fluid or blood collection and minimal (if any) complications.
Book Your Consultation Today!
Patients comment that the recovery period from a mini tummy tuck is fairly comfortable and swift, and with the expertise and experience of a great surgeon and team, you’ll be assured that the best results possible are achieved. If you’re tired of seeing that small sagging area under your belly button and are interested in your options for removing it, then feel free to get in touch with our helpful staff today to book a consultation.
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