The Mini Tummy Tuck: Everything You Need to Know from A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Serving Beverly Hills and the Surrounding Counties of Los Angeles
It’s inevitable for the stomach to change over time—even with regular exercise and a healthy diet. It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman, skin laxity and stubborn fat deposits will begin to form for many reasons, including aging, genetics, motherhood, and lifestyle changes, to name a few.
For some women, you’re even more susceptible to body changes post-pregnancy, since stretching of the muscles and ligaments to accommodate a growing child challenges the body. However, for a fortunate few, these changes may not require substantial corrections in the tummy area; getting rid of the unsightly loose skin and bulges that have you dissatisfied with your midsection and wishing for the body you had before the baby is common.
A terrific way to achieve a tighter and more contoured stomach is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery to deliver a flatter belly. Dr. Barrett of Barrett Plastic Surgery will remove fat deposits and excess skin from the lower abdomen tightening the core muscles leaving you with a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing midsection.
Mini Tummy Tuck Overview
Dr. Barrett will perform a partial tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck, which involves a single incision, for patients needing minimal correction. A mini tummy tuck also uses a shortened incision and is less invasive overall, meaning you can get the correction you want with a faster, more comfortable recovery process in many cases. In contrast, a full tummy tuck involves the entire abdominal area resulting in a profoundly dramatic outcome. It requires two incisions ending with a more extensive scar, plus involving the encircling of the navel.
During your pre-operative consultation, Dr. Barrett will discuss the differences between the two techniques so you can weigh the benefits and together choose the right procedure for you. Collectively, you will plan what will happen surgically to ensure you get the results you want. Should more correction be necessary than what is provided with a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Barrett may recommend a traditional tummy tuck to give you the desired outcome. You can also opt to combine your tummy tuck with other procedures for a total recharge like liposuction, mini facelift, and breast enhancement.
The Mini Tummy Tuck
This procedure is excellent for patients who require less contouring to the body than what a full tummy tuck offers and can be a good option for you if you:
- Have a little bit of loose or sagging skin below your belly button
- Individuals retaining excess fat and skin despite a regular diet and exercise schedule
- Women experiencing stretched skin and separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy
Candidates for any surgical procedure should be in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the results. Because weight fluctuations can affect the quality of your results, Dr. Barrett recommends patients pursue plastic surgery after completing a healthy weight loss regimen and are confident they will not have children.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Your Miniature Tummy Tuck
Choosing a surgeon who will take the time to understand your concerns and wishes to achieve the tight and slim body you want is only part of it. Do your homework and verify your plastic surgeon’s credentials because your choice of a physician can significantly impact both your safety and the quality of the outcome. You have one body and one life. Not doing your due diligence can change both forever. It’s easy to avoid a non certified doctor and a botched procedure by checking with the following accreditation agencies:
- The American Board of Plastic Surgery provides accreditation for the industry. The easiest way to assure the certification is real and not made with photoshop software.
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons to verify if they are indeed a licensed or board-certified plastic surgeon with the proper education and presented accurate information about the process of your procedure. Along with being ethical, professional and uphold the highest standards for patient care.
- The American Association of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities ensures the building meets the professional standards for patient safety. The last thing you need to fret about is having an invasive operation in an unsafe facility.
- The Board of Medical Examiners in your state will verify licensing, training, board certifications, complaints, and disciplinary actions.
Dr. Barrett has an exceptional reputation supporting his extensive experience and expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon in all types of body contouring procedures. The Barrett Plastic Surgery team is qualified to provide you with the highest care to accomplish your aesthetic goals.
Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck
Although the mini tummy tuck offers a less dramatic outcome, the benefits are impactful for the right patients needing to remove a smaller amount of skin. It also has less discomfort, a tinier scar, and shorter downtime. Rewards include:
- Elimination of mild to moderate loose skin around the middle
- Reduction in isolated fat areas (usually via liposuction)
- Correction of mild separation of abdominal muscles
- Creation of a flatter, smoother midsection
Recovering After Your Mini Tummy Tuck
Mini tummy tuck recovery can take approximately two weeks. For the first few days, the stomach will be sore and swollen because you just had surgery on your abdominal muscles. Limiting movement as much as possible will allow your body to heal. Sleeping in an upright position will also help to eliminate any tension around your midsection. In about a week, you will be able to resume your regular daily activities.
During the first six weeks, refrain from vigorous exercise. You will continue to experience swelling; however, it will slowly dissipate as time passes, revealing your ultimate results. Once you’re feeling better, begin to incorporate short walks to circulate your blood and consider returning to work and other daily routines.
Flatter, Smoother, and Curvier You
A mini tummy tuck isn’t for everyone. Still, it’s just the right amount of body correction for the ideal patient to achieve the body they want.
Contact Barrett Plastic Surgery today at 310-598-2648 to schedule a consultation about which tummy tuck technique is the best for you. If you’re more content speaking with our team from the comfort of your home, we provide virtual surgical consultations. Our team is ready to help you get your confidence back!
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