Mini Tummy Tuck

Mini tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in last few years. This surgery successfully improves looks of the patient by reshaping and firming his abdomen. Both men and women are interested in mini tummy tuck surgery, but we must say that women are leading this race with 96% of women taking this procedure, while men are involved with 4% only.

Tummy tuck surgery removes the fat around patient's abdomen and lower back. This is done through the incision that is made across the abdomen. This deep incision makes it possible for plastic suregon to tighten the muscles and remove excess fat and skin. The goal is to create smooth, flat and firm appearance. The difference is that with mini tummy tuck, the incision is much smaller. This procedure is also known as scarless surgery.

Another difference that mini tummy tuck surgery has is that skin and fat will be removed below the navel only. Full tummy tuck means that there will be work bellow and above the navel, which will cause minor changes and there will be some readjusting needed. If a patient decides for mini tummy tuck, he will have a smaller incision and the navel will not be moved. There is a possibility that it may be pulled when the skin is stitched, but that's about it.

This scarless surgery itself is done under a general anesthesia. Plastic surgeon will talk you through all the steps there are when you visit him for consultation. The candidates for this surgery are usually women who do not wish to have more children and men and women who didn't respond to diet well and are not satisfied with their looks. These are some basic requirements for mini tummy tuck surgery.

Besides them, patient has to be healthy enough so that his body can endure the surgery. If you are a smoker, drink too much alcohol or have heart and lung troubles, your chance for this surgery will be smaller. This is the same as having a liposuction, breast reduction surgery and similar invasive plastic surgery procedures. If you don't have good health, you are a bigger risk for the surgery. Many plastic and cosmetic surgeons will refuse high risk patients. Of course, there are always those who will accept anyone. But we hope you will not risk your life and decide to play it smart. Sometimes it is not worth to have a surgery if you are in great danger.

Mini tummy tuck will tighten your muscles and stretch your skin downwards, while excess tissue will be cut. Then that part of skin will be stitched and left to heal. Sometimes a drainage tube is placed on the incision site, but it is not always the case. This will be just above patient's pubic region, and slightly bellow belly button. It is a simple liposuction, but the place of the incision is very sensitive so there is more time needed for full mini tummy tuck recovery.

There is also one alternative that we want to mention here. It's possible to perform tummy tuck surgery endoscopically. In this case, plastic surgeon uses camera to view the area which is being operated. All necessary instruments are inserted through a several small incisions. If you have weakened muscles in the lower abdomen, this is the right procedure for you. On the other side, if you have loose skin, then you will not benefit from this type of mini tummy tuck procedure.

The procedure usually takes about 2 hours. After it is finished, patient is placed in hospital bed for a few days and then he is released home. Mini tummy tuck recovery lasts for about a month, depending on several factors such as age ans strength. The patient will have to have someone help him in house because movement will not be possible. There will be some pain even 2 weeks after the surgery. The drainage tube will be removed four to seven days after the procedure.

When stitches are removed, 10 days after the mini tummy tuck surgery, patient needs to move as much as possible. To avoid creation of blood cloth and to speed up the recovery process. After a month, it will be possible to move quite freely but lifting anything heavy should be avoided for two months after the mini tummy tuck surgery is finished.

Before making a decision, we suggest you talk with your doctor and a plastic surgeon. There are some risks and dangers of plastic surgery involved, and it is best to know all the facts before you make a step forward. Also, check your financing options and how your insurance covers it. The average mini tummy tuck price was $4,500 last year, so take that into account.