Carrying a pooch on your abdomen, even though you are relatively slender and in good physical shape? Perhaps you think you are not a candidate for traditional tummy tuck (formally known as abdominoplasty). That does not mean you must learn to live with the pooch. Top Long Island plastic surgeon Dr. Lloyd Landsman discusses the advantages of mini tummy tuck for the right candidate.
What Is Mini Tummy Tuck?
Mini tummy tuck is a somewhat less involved surgery than full tummy tuck. It is not a weight loss procedure. It simply flattens small abdominal pouches that do not respond to diet and exercise. It can also remove or improve the appearance of stretch marks, depending on the location of the marks.
Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Standard Abdominoplasty
Mini tummy tuck and traditional tummy tuck differ in a few ways.
Traditional tummy tuck involves removing excess fat and skin above and below the navel. Mini tummy tuck focuses on correcting the area below the navel. Both procedures may involve liposuction to remove excess fat. The amount of muscle tightening is generally less extensive in mini tummy tuck versus standard tummy tuck. The incision for mini tummy tuck is generally shorter than that of standard tummy tuck.
The criteria for mini tummy tuck is more stringent than that of full abdominoplasty since mini tummy tuck is not suitable for patients with lax skin and excess fat above the navel. The surgery cannot correct that loosening.
Keep in mind that after undergoing mini tummy tuck, having traditional tummy tuck performed at a later date may pose difficulties.
Mini Tummy Tuck Candidates
Not everyone is a candidate for mini tummy tuck. The decision is made at the surgeon’s discretion. Candidates should be within the recommended weight range for their height.
Women who do not intend to have more children are good candidates for either mini or standard tummy tuck. Carrying a baby after undergoing mini or standard tummy tuck is not a safety or health issue, but the pregnancy will likely undo many of the tummy tuck results.
Mini Tummy Tuck Recovery and Results
Expect recovery from mini tummy tuck to take at least six weeks. That is usually shorter than traditional tummy tuck recovery.
After recuperation, the patient enjoys a flatter, more sculpted abdomen, and a slimmer waistline. As long as the patient follows a healthy diet and exercise routine, mini tummy tuck results are considered permanent.
Contact Us
If you would like more information about whether mini tummy tuck is right for you, schedule an in-office consultation with Dr. Landsman. Contact his Long Island practice by calling or emailing us today.
