Mini Abdominoplasty ( Tummy Tuck )

mini tummy tuck model image

If you are considering a mini tummy tuck

Mini Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "mini tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the lower abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

If you're considering abdominoplasty, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask Dr. Rieger about anything you don't understand. It is also recommended that you review the webpage on abdominoplasty for more information and diagrams.

tummy tuck

The best candidates for mini abdominoplasty
The best candidates for mini abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a lower fat deposit or loose lower abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. A full tummy tuck is generally required if upper and middle abdomen loose skin and excess fat is present. See abdominoplasty to read about that surgery. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies may consider waiting, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring in the upper part of the abdomen from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against abdominoplasty or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.

Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Rieger.

The surgery
Mini abdominoplasty usually takes two hours, depending on the extent of work required.

An long incision just above the pubic area is used to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. In a mini tummy tuck the incision around the navel is not present and the lower incision is generally shorter.

Skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs in a full tummy tuck. In a mini tummy tuck the extent generally is just above the belly button.

In a mini tummy tuck the lower abdomen muscle fascia is pulled together and sutured, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the lower abdominal wall. Abdominal skin is drawn down and excess is removed.

mini tummy tuck incisions and amount of skin fat removed full tumm tuck diagram for comparision

Diagram of a mini tummy tuck Diagram of a full tummy tuck for comparision

Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Dr. Rieger places most of the stitches under the skin surface to improve the appearance of the incisions. In most cases only simple butterfly paper tapes or steri strips are placed on the skin and only two or three suture require removal !

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
Thousands of tummy tucks are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure.

Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.

Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

Be frank in discussing your expectations with your surgeon. He or she should be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.

You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result.

In any case, your surgeon should work with you to recommend the procedure that is right for you and will come closest to producing the desired body contour.

During the consultation, your surgeon should also explain the anesthesia he or she will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. In most cases, health insurance policies do not cover the cost of abdominoplasty, but you should check your policy to be sure.

Preparing for your surgery
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, and medications.

If you smoke, plan to quit at least two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery.

Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.

Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.

Where your surgery will be performed
Dr. Rieger prefers to perform the operation in a state-of-the art accredited outpatient surgery center. Dr. Rieger prefers to allow patient a 23 hour stay in the surgery center. The center combines state-of-the-art technology with an exceptional degree of confidentiality, personalized attention, convenience and affordability. These centers offer overnight accommodations with round-the-clock nursing care.

Types of anesthesia
General anesthesia is usually selected, so you'll sleep through the operation.

After your surgery
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.

Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.

Surface stitches will be removed in seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks.

Getting back to normal
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.

Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.

Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.

Your new look
Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

After surgery, the patient has a flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.

If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you. Also review the webpage on abdominoplasty for more information and diagrams.

call 316-652-9333 for a consult about Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck in Wichita, Kansas.

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