Mini Abdominoplasty

Often, following pregnancies or weight loss the tummy skin stretches and loses some of it’s elasticity. Even with a good diet and plenty of exercise, it is extremely difficult to turn back the clock and regain the figure you once had.  A mini-abdominoplasty, more commonly known of as a mini tummy tuck, removes excess skin and fat below your belly-button. This surgery is ideal if you have just a small fold of skin and fat in your lower tummy,  sometimes above a C-section scar. A mini-tummy tuck does not reduce skin excess above the belly button, so if you have generalised fat and skin excess on your tummy, a full-abdominoplasty may be better option for you. The second difference between a full- abdominoplasty  and mini-abdominoplasty is the length of the scar. A mini-abdominoplasty leaves a shorter scar just at, or above the pubic region. 

Choosing to have an mini-abdominonplasty (tummy tuck) could have a truly positive impact on many aspects of your life. Aside from making you feel much more comfortable going about your day to day life, you should feel amazing too, with the flexibility to choose underwear and swimwear in a completely new light.   

What is involved in the procedure? 

A mini tummy tuck involves the removal of loose skin, fat deposits, and stretch marks from the lower abdominal region below the navel. Vertical abdominal muscles that have stretched and weakened over time can also be tightened, restoring the appearance of a firmer, flatter stomach. Tummy tuck procedures can be performed alone, but are sometimes performed with liposuction to improve body contours.  You will most probably have a general anaesthetic for a mini tummy tuck, so you will sleep for the entire procedure, which should take around one and a half hours. For less complex procedures a local anaesthetic and sedative may be used instead. This procedure generally requires a single incision just above the pubic area and is shorter than that of a full tummy tuck.  The length and shape will depend on your body shape.  You will generally need to stay in hospital for 1 or 2 nights following surgery to ensure you feel well rested before going home.   

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Following surgery a special abdominal garment is then fitted over the dressings.  This should be worn for around 6 weeks following surgery.  The aim of this garment is to reduce swelling, but should also help reduce pain. 

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Time to Recover 

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During the first week of recovery you will need plenty of rest and limited movement to allow your body to heal.  You will probably need to take 2 weeks off work or your normal busy routine.  You will be unable to drive for 2 weeks following surgery.  You will probably experience some bruising and swelling following the procedure, and you should take analgesics to help with the discomfort.  After one week you will return to hospital to have your wound checked.  Post surgery you will need to take it easy for up to 4 weeks, depending how well you have healed and how you feel.  After this time you can expect to return to your normal routines, including gentle exercise.  Full aerobic exercise can be resumed after 6 weeks.  It will probably take around a year for everything to settle down properly and for you to see the true results.   

Mini tummy tucks have an extremely positive reaction from the patients who have decided to undergo surgery., Your clothes, especially swimwear and underwear will probably feel much more comfortable after surgery and hopefully your self esteem and overall confidence will increase.  And the best part is as long as you continue to have a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and exercise, the results should last a lifetime.