Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): The Surgical Technique
Patients in and around the greater New Orleans area have come to our practice in order to enhance their appearance and unlock the best that's within them. This often means surgeries such as breast augmentation to enhance their curves and tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) to remove sagging skin around the stomach.
Each surgery is tailored to the patient, which means that some patients may not need an extensive aesthetic revision to meet their goals. With this in mind, we want to consider a less invasive version of the tummy tuck known, fittingly enough, as the mini tummy tuck.
About Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery
Mini tummy tuck surgery is a body sculpting procedure that is ideal for patients who experience a little drooping or sagging along the lower abdominal area. The mini tummy tuck will remove the loose skin and minor stretch marks and leave you looking your very best in the process.
How Mini Tummy Tuck Differs from Traditional Tummy Tuck
A traditional tummy tuck consists of three incisions: one around the navel, a primary lateral incision that spans from hipbone to hipbone along the lower abdominal area, and a vertical incision that connects the previously mentioned two. (It helps to think of these incisions as an anchor shape.)
A mini tummy tuck, on the other hand, usually involves the primary lateral incision along the lower abdominal area. In some cases, the later incision will not even have to span from hipbone to hipbone.
Benefits of Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery
The mini tummy tuck means reduced scarring for patients who need just a little bit of body sculpting. The scar itself is well hidden by many bathing suits and undergarments. Patients who undergo a mini tummy tuck will feel much better about their overall appearance thanks to the revision of the lower abdominal area.
Because mini tummy tuck surgery is less extensive than a traditional tummy tuck, the recovery time is shorter and patients experience less discomfort as they heal.
Ideal Candidates for Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery
The best candidates for mini tummy tuck surgery are people who suffer from minor drooping or sagging of the lower abdominal area. They should be in good overall health and not suffer from any medical conditions that would make surgery of any kind a risky proposition.
Mini tummy tuck candidates should have realistic expectations about the surgery, including an understanding of post-surgical scarring, side effects that are part of the recovery process, and any potential complications that may occur while healing. Realistic expectations means a greater chance of overall patient satisfaction.
The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure
The mini tummy tuck is performed under general anesthetic in order to ensure as little distress and discomfort for patients as possible.
The size of the incision made will be determined by the amount of skin that needs to be tightened/removed in the lower abdominal area. Once the incision is made, the surgeon makes careful adjustments to the underlying structures of the stomach, Excess skin is removed and the revised abdominal skin is pulled tighter and sutured together for a trimmer appearance.
Learn More About Body Contouring Options
If you would like to receive more information about mini tummy tuck surgery as well as other body sculpting and contouring procedures that can enhance your figure, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery practice today. Dr. Benjamin Boudreaux and the entire team look forward to your visit and helping you make the best choices when it comes to enhancing your figure.