What is a mini tummy tuck or mini-abdominoplasty procedure ?
Mini tummy tuck is a procedure to address stubborn area of stretched, sagging skin and fat on your lower tummy. Pregnancy, aging and genetics are common culprits behind a belly pouch and unfortunately, diet and exercise are often ineffective in helping to get rid of it. If you are bothered by the appearance of your lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck may help you get the results you want with a relatively short recovery. Mini-tummy tuck reduces sagging skin and fat from lower abdomen improving body contours and silhouette.
How is mini-tummy tuck different from a full tummy tuck ?
Full tummy tuck is a major operation performed under general anaesthesia. It is suitable for patients after massive weight loss, patients with severe stretch marks all over their abdomen or in patients with significant muscle wall laxity or abdominal hernias. It requires a longer scar, wide undermining [which risks blood supply to the skin] hence liposuction is not carried out during this procedure. There is a scar around the belly button as it has to be moved. It is a major procedure that provides a tighter but not necessary slimmer appearance.
Mini tummy tuck is a good option in patients with skin excess in lower part of their belly. Mini tummy tuck is a less invasive option.
This uses a relatively short incision in the same area of a C-section scar and avoids the incision around the belly button. This is often performed on women who have mild sagging or post-baby pouch, stretch marks from pregnancy, or C-section scarring. This procedure focuses only on the area below the belly button, not the entire abdomen.
We nearly always add liposuction to our tummy tucks to sculpt the body in 3 dimension. The technique known also as mini lipo-abdominoplasty with no undermining, makes it possible to safely combine liposculpture of the abdomen with lower abdomen skin tightening. Unlike traditional tummy tucks, this operation allows for more contouring of the abdomen by allowing liposuction.
What are the advantages of a mini-abdominoplasty ?
- Enhancing of the body shape and silhouette as a result of liposuction.
- Preservation of the perforating blood vessels.
- Lower rate of complications.
- Easier surgery performances.
- Natural profiles.
- Preservation of supra-pubic skin sensitivity.
- More security for smokers and post bariatric surgeries.
Am I a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck may be a great option if you are healthy and at a stable weight, without a large excess of abdominal skin. Typically, the best candidates are primarily concerned about loose skin or a protruding lower belly only—if you have significant stretched, sagging skin or muscles, a full tummy tuck may achieve better results.
Mini tummy tuck surgery is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy exercise program. Although the results are lasting, the outcome can be influenced by changes in your weight following surgery. If you are planning substantial weight loss or if you are considering future pregnancy, you may be advised to postpone mini tummy tuck surgery.
What happens during the mini-abdominoplasty procedure ?
You will have a medical consultation and treatment plan will be discussed. Dr Gheyi will then mark the area to be treated with you looking in the mirror. Your wishes and desires will dictate the extent of the procedure and this will be agreed beforehand. A detailed consent procedure will take place.
What anaesthesia will I have ?
Mini-abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck,” is performed under tumescent local anaesthesia. Fine needles will be used to administer a very dilute solution of local anaesthesia while you will be chatting with the team. The advantages of this technique are-
- it avoids use of general anaesthesia
- in-office procedure. Hospitalization is not required
- large areas can be safely anaesthetised
- it constricts blood vessels minimising bleeding
- it results in prolonged pain relief after the procedure
- fluid washes out gradually and reduces chance of blood collection [haematoma]
- it is antibacterial and reduces possibility of infection
Microcanula liposculpture- Precise removal of fat to sculpt body shape. For larger area small stainless steel tubes [micro cannula] will be used to suck out unwanted fat. Following this you will be able to stand up and look at your new body contour in a mirror. Microcanulas are much smaller in size then larger cannula used for liposuction under general anaesthesia.
Skin excision and scar revision - Excess skin will then be removed and skin incision sutured in layers to improve the scar appearance. A dressing will then be applied. No drain tubes are used.
What happens after the procedure?
You will have dressings and tight compression garments for 48 hours. After this the dressings can be removed and gentle compression used for further 3-5 days. You are encouraged to go for a light walk and bed rest in not recommended. Most people return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. Slight degree of soreness-similar to sore muscles after unaccustomed exercise is common.
What treatment alternatives are available?
Mesotherapy injections can help melt fat, a non-surgical, non-invasive solution is ultrasound and radiofrequency fat reduction. Laser liposuction may provide enough skin tightening to avoid need for skin removal in some patients. co2 laser can be used to improve stretch marks
Next step
Call us on 01603 736487 to book your consultation for mini-tummy tuck or mini-abdominoplasty procedure
