Mini Tummy Tuck Houston and Lake Jackson, TX
Also known as abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic procedure for men and women that removes a large amount of sagging skin from their lower abdominal region. It reduces stretch marks, especially in our patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, possess excess skin and fat, or have had multiple pregnancies.
A mini-tummy tuck is designed for patients with limited skin laxity and excess relegated below the belly button. Many people think it implies a shorter incision, but that is not the case. It refers to removing some skin in the lower abdomen without incising around the belly button or tightening the muscles above the belly button.
The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure
This plastic surgery procedure aims to restore firmness and smoothness to the area below the belly button. Unlike a full tummy tuck, this procedure targets a narrow portion of loose skin on the lower abdomen.
At Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, we perform liposuction as part of full abdominoplasty procedures to remove extra stubborn fat and may do the same for some mini tummy tucks, depending on the amount of excess fat a patient has. This helps contour the abdomen and surrounding areas that are hard to do with surgery alone.
Ideal Candidates for a Mini Tummy Tuck
Houston & Lake Jackson
If you have loose or excess skin beneath your belly button that cannot be removed by exercising and a healthy diet and are near your ideal weight, then you are a good candidate for this cosmetic surgery.
In addition, you can relate to any of the following situations:
- You are not happy with how your lower abdominal region looks between the belly button and pubic bone.
- You want to remove stubborn and excess skin around your belly.
- You have weak or separated abdominal muscles that need to be tightened.
- You are not pregnant and aren’t planning a future pregnancy.
At Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, we’ll discuss your reasons for wanting the procedure, including your specific needs, goals, and expectations. We ensure you are physically fit and healthy, and emotionally stable before approving you as a candidate.
If you want to lose weight or become pregnant in the future, then you should not have a mini tummy tuck. It’s important to understand that significant weight gain or loss after the procedure may affect results and cause abdominal muscles to stretch back to their previous positions.
All our patients must be willing to follow a healthy diet and exercise regime to maintain surgery results. Lastly, you should have realistic expectations of your mini tummy tuck before and after. Houston and Lake Jackson tummy tuck patients are always guided by our doctors, so they know what to expect from the surgery.
Health issues that may be a factor include:
- Diabetes
- Past reactions to anesthesia
- Disorders that impact blood clotting
- Disorders of the immune system
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It’s best to make an appointment with our board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Yarish or Dr. Bartlett, so they can assess your unique health profile and determine if you qualify.
How the Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure Works
A mini tummy tuck may take between two and three hours to perform, depending on your surgical needs and treatment plan. All our tummy tuck surgeries are performed under general anesthesia.
During the procedure, an incision is made to your lower abdomen, above the pubic area. Your umbilicus remains intact and attached to the underlying abdominal muscles and skin.
Your abdominal skin will be elevated off your abdominal wall, after which your abdominal wall musculature will be tightened using a special suture. These muscles are then brought together in the midline, strengthening your core.
The abdominal skin is then pulled downwards, and the excess removed. With a mini tummy tuck, there is no scarring around the navel. Sometimes we perform liposuction to remove excess fat.
Risks of Mini Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery
As with all surgeries, there are always risks. At Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, we use the best technology and adhere to industry-standard protocols to minimize them. Below are some potential risks associated with mini tummy tucks.
- Surgical and anesthetic complications
- Bruising, bleeding, and hematoma
- Seroma
- Infection
- Skin, Tissue, or Fat Necrosis
- Nerve Damage
- Scarring
- Dissatisfaction with aesthetic results
The Cost of Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery
The cost depends on the extent of the surgery required, the surgeon’s expertise, diagnostics and lab test fees, operating room and anesthesia expenses, and post-op costs. It’s best to book a consultation so that we can provide you with accurate pricing.
Preparation for a Mini Tummy Tuck Before & After Houston & Lake Jackson
To undergo a tummy tuck, you will need to stop smoking or using any products that contain nicotine for at least four weeks before the surgery. You will also need to arrange help for at least a week after the surgery during your recovery period, as you won’t be able to drive or do vigorous activity.
Recovery Time Needed from a Mini Tummy Tuck
Most of our Houston and Lake Jackson tummy tuck patients go home the same day after surgery. We will see you the day after surgery in the office and at regular intervals to remove drains and evaluate your progress and healing.
Our patients are expected to ambulate after the surgery to prevent blood clots. We recommend you keep your hips flexed and avoid the straightening of your torso in the initial post-operative period to prevent incision strain.
You won’t be allowed to do any strenuous activities during the first 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. Avoid taking baths for at least a month after the surgery, and do not drive for at least 5 days to 2 weeks.
At Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Yarish and Dr. Bartlett will monitor you through follow-up appointments to ensure your healing is on track. We customize all our surgical plans for the best results.
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