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Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A mini-tummy tuck subtly raises excess fat and skin below the belly button, creating a more appropriately contoured lower abdomen. The mini-tummy tuck targets the lower part of the tummy, and is especially beneficial to women whose lower abs have been weakened by pregnancy. The muscles can also be tightened during a mini-tummy tuck, though not quite as effectively as during a full tuck.
A partial abdominoplasty, or minitummy tuck, may be an option if a patient needs a less extensive abdomen-tightening procedure. This operation, usually done under local anesthesia and sedation, removes excess skin in a smaller area of the belly than with a complete abdominoplasty, so the scar is shorter. Unlike in a full tummy tuck, the belly button is not moved. The surgeon may tighten the abdominal muscles along with removing skin and fat.

Mini-tummy tuck patients wear a compression garment home for support, and should continue to wear it for about 2-3 weeks following surgery
Basic mini-tummy tuck recovery is usually complete about 1-2 weeks after the procedure.
It is recommended that strenuous activity be avoided for about a month after surgery

$1,800.00 to $6,000.00

Be warned: Insurance carriers generally do not cover elective, cosmetic surgery. But, your carrier may cover a certain percentage if you have a hernia that will be corrected through the procedure, or your anterior muscles are abnormally spread. It’s extremely important that you begin communicating with your insurance company early on, and that you discuss your insurance concerns with your surgeon. In most cases, your surgeon will write a letter to your insurance carrier, making the case for medical necessity, if it applies to you. It’s also very important to realize that insurance may only cover certain portions of the surgery, so make sure you get details. With any cosmetic surgery, this may affect future insurance coverage for you and your premiums may increase

How Should I Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?

If you smoke, you will have to stop for a certain period as determined by your doctor. It is not enough to just cut down on smoking; you must stop completely, at least for two weeks prior to surgery and for two weeks after. Smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

Make sure you eat well-balanced, complete meals and do not try to diet excessively before the surgery. Proper nutrition plays a key role in healing properly.

If you take certain medications, your surgeon may instruct you to stop taking these for a certain period before and after the surgery. Your surgeon will determine this as part of your pre-operative consultation.

Your Home Recovery Area Should Include:

• Plenty of ice packs
• Supply of loose, comfortable clothing that can be taken on and off very easily
• Telephone within reaching distance
• Hand-held shower head and bathroom chair

You know yourself personally, so make sure you set up the safest, most comfortable recovery area before you undergo the surgery to meet your personal needs.

As expected, you will have pain and swelling in the days following surgery. Your doctor can prescribe a painkiller if needed, and will instruct you on how to best handle the pain.

Soreness may last for several weeks or months. You may also experience numbness, bruising and overall tiredness for that same time period.

As with any surgery, there are risks. Remember, this surgery affects a very crucial part of your body. Though they’re rare, complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap, or blood clots. You may carry an increased risk of complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes, or heart, lung or liver disease.

You may experience insufficient healing, which can cause more significant scarring or loss of skin. If you do heal poorly, you may require a second surgery. As we mentioned before, the scars from a tummy tuck are fairly prominent, and though they may fade slightly, they will never completely disappear. Your surgeon may recommend certain creams or ointments to use after you’ve completely healed to help with the scars.

Return to Living

Generally, most people love the new look after they’ve undergone this procedure; however, you may not feel like your normal self for months after the surgery. You’ve gone through a tremendous amount to make this happen, both emotionally and spiritually, and it’s very important that you follow proper diet and exercise to maintain your new look.

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