Mini-Mini-Tummy Tuck: Will This Work for Me?
What is the Mini-Mini Tummy Tuck? The “mini-mini-tummy tuck” is a procedure that we perform on a regular basis in individuals who do not need the abdominal muscles tightened and have a small to moderate amount of lose skin in the lower abdomen. We considered the “mini-mini-tummy tuck”, a procedure that provides a great benefit with minimal recovery compared to a standard or full tummy tuck.
So how does this work? A “mini-mini-tummy tuck” includes suction assisted lipectomy of the entire abdomen, hips and flanks. This procedure reduces the overall dimensions of the trunk or torso and is ideal for patients who have a genetic predisposition for fullness in the abdomen and hips and also for those simply can’t lose this fullness after childbirth. It is ideal for patients who have reasonably good skin tone and minimal looseness in the upper abdomen (above the belly button) but where liposuction alone might leave some loose skin in the lower abdomen.
What types of incisions are made with a Mini-Mini-Tummy Tuck? The incisions are limited to the underwear or bathing suit line. Suction assisted lipectomy of the abdomen, hips and flanks creates the majority of the improvement and the removal of skin from the lower abdomen (incision hidden in the underwear line) adds the skin tightening benefit that would otherwise require the skin to retract on its own elasticity. Many times the elasticity in the lower abdomen is diminished and although patients may have considerable correction with liposuction alone, the skin in the lower abdomen remains looser than desired. The small lower abdominal incision is a reasonable tradeoff, as it is usually well hidden and the improved tightness of the skin in the lower abdominal area is worth the small incision.
What is the recovery period after a Mini-Mini-Tummy Tuck? More importantly, the recovery from a “mini-mini-tummy tuck” is essentially the same as suction assisted lipectomy alone. The incision adds a minimal amount of recovery time. Exercise is usually started 2 weeks following surgery and the patient is able to return to driving or routine daily activities and office work within 3-5 days. The final result from a “mini-mini-tummy tuck” may be seen 3 months following surgery, however, immediate improvement is quite evident.
Who is the best candidate for a Mini-Mini-Tummy Tuck? A full abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is often required in those patients needing tightening of the abdominal muscles to address the abdominal bulge that is caused from muscle relaxation following childbirth. So in summary, a “mini-mini abdominoplasty” is of great benefit in patients with exercise resistant fatty tissue of the hips, flanks and abdomen with loose skin in the lower abdomen.
If you have questions regarding which body contouring procedure might be best for you then please consider a personal consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. Only surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have completed a plastic surgical residency and undergone rigorous oral and written examinations to become certified.
Dr. Choucair is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and completed two fellowships in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. He was appointed to the Harvard Medical School Facility for 7 years and has over 20 years of experience in aesthetic surgery of the face and body. To learn more about Dr. Choucair, click here.
