If you’re looking to get rid of the excess fat and skin on your belly, then a mini tummy tuck with liposuction is the perfect procedure for you. This procedure will help you achieve a slimmer and more toned abdomen while also improving the appearance of your waistline. You’ll feel more confident in your clothes, which will make it easier for you to wear the styles you want to wear.
A mini-tummy tuck procedure involves using liposuction to remove extra fat tissue from the lower abdomen, then using sutures to tighten the musculature and skin. This combination of techniques results in a stronger, more contoured, and flatter lower abdomen. By removing stubborn fat deposits and tightening the underlying muscles, patients can achieve a more toned and sculpted appearance in their midsection. This procedure is ideal for individuals who have excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen that cannot be addressed through diet and exercise alone.
Mini Tummy Tuck with Liposuction
When it comes to your belly, liposuction is not always as straight forward as it appears.
What’s more, with so many competing modalities of treatment claiming comparable results, I want to take this opportunity to clarify some of the misunderstanding and confusion about what can be achieved with liposuction surgery vs. liposuction surgery in combination with “Mini” Tummy Tuck vs “Full” Tummy Tuck.
Probably the most important concept that the patients interested in liposuction surgery need to understand is the difference between “subcutaneous” fat versus “visceral” fat. Subcutaneous fat is the fat pouch below the skin but superficial to your abdominal muscle. Visceral fat is the fat stored in your gut deep to the muscle. Chances are, if you eat healthy diet and have a regular work out routine, you will have your visceral fat under decent control.
Mini Tummy Tuck Before and After
How does it work?
The mini tummy tuck with liposuction is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, which means that you will not have to stay overnight at the hospital after surgery. You’ll be in recovery for about 30 minutes before being taken home.
During surgery, an incision will be made across your pubic hairline (in men) or around the belly button (in women). The surgeon will then remove any excess skin from your abdomen and refashion your abdominal muscles. Liposuction may also be used to remove any pockets of fat from underneath your belly button or around your lower back area.
After surgery, you’ll spend two nights in the hospital so doctors can monitor your progress and make sure there aren’t any complications related to anesthesia or infection occurring during recovery time.
In this article, we’ll consider mini tummy tuck recovery and mini tummy tuck with liposuction cost.
In contrast, no matter how good you are with your diet and work out regimen, you may not always be able to reduce the subcutaneous fat, and this is where liposuction plays an important role. This is the reason why even Aerobics instructor and Yoga instructors have little fat pouches in their belly and in their flank area. Liposuction has been traditionally offered to healthy patients with good eating habits and sound exercise regimen who simply wishes to better contour and trim down their belly by getting rid of those pesky subcutaneous fat. Ideally, patients need these two qualities to have favorable results:
1. good skin elasticity (confirmed with pinch test)
2: enough subcutaneous fat (confirmed with pinch test),
You can easily tell if you are a good candidate for liposuction surgery simply by bending forward and pinching the subcutaneous fat layer superficial to your abdominal wall. If there is an adequate grab of at least one inch or more with body mass index (BMI) no greater than 30 and if the skin snaps back into place within 2 seconds, you will definitely be happy with the outcome as long as your surgeon is well versed in the art of liposuction. What’s more, with the advent of laser assisted Smart-Lipo, the elasticity of the skin can be further tightened with the laser at the same time the fat is being melted by the laser and suctioned out with the cannula.
Traditionally, due to the elasticity issue, “general” cut-off age for liposuction alone has been around 45. However, this ability to enhance the elasticity using Smart-Lipo laser has allowed for us to offer liposuction to patients much older. Anecdotally my oldest patient was 67 years old with naturally good skin tone. With a little help tightening her skin using the Smart-Lipo laser, she achieved very satisfying result. So much so that a few month later, her older sister in early ‘70’s also underwent laser assisted Smart-lipo with similar satisfying result. Obviously, they were exceptional patients endowed genetically with great skin elasticity for their age, but if it wasn’t for the laser, I would have had second thought about just offering liposuctioning alone.
Another great advance has been the option of offering this surgery while the patients are awake using just Tumescent local anesthesia and oral sedation, allowing the procedure to be performed for the most part, as an “in and out” procedure with recovery in matter of days.Incredibly, within the end of the week, most patients notice significant improvement to their body contour, though just like any liposuction surgery it takes a few months for all the swelling to completely resolve.
Unfortunately, there are variable issues which makes a patient less than an ideal candidate, the most common one being stretch marks. Stretch marks are basically scars at the dermal level of your skin from sudden stretching of your skin, usually during your pregnancy. Chances are, if you are 5’. 2” or less and weigh less than 115 lbs, and suddenly gain over 40 lbs from pregnancy, you will have a high likely chance of acquiring a degree of stretch marks. Although stretch marks do improve with time, it will never completely disappear. The best laser option has been the 1540nm fractionated laser, FDA approved for improving the stretch mark scars. However after three to four repeated sessions, only 25% to 40% improvement is noted, which usually leaves patients wishing for a bit more improvement.
Enough patients are bothered by their stretch marks and very often, the associated loose, saggy skin which begins to hang over their bikini tops. As a result, many seek consultation with their Plastic surgeons. At this junction, some patients get lost in the shuffle and end up receiving the classic “full” tummy tuck. This is the most common type of tummy tuck which carries with it many consequences that patients are not always fully prepared for. It is a very comprehensive surgery that addresses the entire belly. It usually requires one incision in the lower abdomen as well as a second circular incision around your belly button.
This comprehensive surgery allows adequate skin removal from both the upper and lower abdomen as well as suture tightening of your weakened or separated abdominal wall muscle (diastasis recti), to achieve a more tight and toned midsection. It is truly a life-altering procedure for patients with severe sagging of their skin resulting from major weight loss or severe weight fluctuation during multiple pregnancies, as well as for those with persistent “mom pooch” from the weakened abdominal muscle wall that didn’t heal after pregnancy. But it also carries with it heavy consequences and road to long recovery:
1. Incision of the lower abdomen usually extends from hip bone to hip bone and chances are, if you have thicker, darker skin, you will experience segments of hypertrophic scarring or even keloids, requiring more close aftercare. Ultimately, it can take up to a year before the scar calms down to appears acceptable.
2. The second circular incision made around your belly button is done to reset your skin downwards to remove as much of the belly skin and the stretch marks as possible. In the process, your belly button is relocated into a new skin opening. Even though everyone has a slightly different belly button, the circumferential suturing around the newly located belly button often renders it artificial compared to your original belly button.
3. The worst part is that the recovery process in no longer in matter of days, but significantly longer. Expect to have moderate to severe pain and limited mobility for one to two weeks before you can return to your daily activities. Even then, no strenuous activities or core exercises are recommended for four to five weeks following surgery.
4: Finally you will require a drain for a few days to drain out the accumulating fluids. The post-operative swelling from “full” tummy tuck will be much greater compared to liposuction alone, and will also trigger generalized swelling to the rest of your body and face. Even after the initial global swelling has resolved, you belly will remain indurated (hardened) and swollen for many weeks to months requiring usually from six months up to a full year for all the swelling to resolve.
5. Unless adequate liposuctioning was done especially around the flank area during or prior to tummy tuck, you can end up with small but noticeable fat pocket jut behind where the incision ends in the hip area.
As an alternative, if your main issue is subcutaneous fat and stretch mark scars mainly below your belly button, my recommendation is comprehensive laser-assisted liposuction to contour out your belly combined with “Mini” Tummy Tuck, which removes an ellipse of the redundant and saggy skin containing the worst portion of the stretch mark scars. The incision usually takes advantage of an existing C-section scar, concomitantly improving the appearance of the original scar. Usually the incision is extended so the entire length becomes roughly double the origin C-section scar. If the patient doesn’t have existing C-section scar, incision will be designed in a similar fashion.
In either case, the incisional scar almost never reaches the hip bone and is therefore simple to conceal when wearing a bikini. If the patient has significant weakening of the abdominal muscle wall with visible “Mom Pooch” the muscles are strengthened at this time. But in my practice, this is rarely the case as most of my patients retain relatively good abdominal muscle tone. The best part about “Mini” tuck is, there is no severe swelling of the belly lasting for months. Patients still need to be careful with the incisional scar for about a week, but within a few days, most patients can return to their daily routine similar to just undergoing liposuction surgery alone. This is a huge contrast to the traditional “Full” tummy tuck where the entire recovery time is significantly longer and painstaking in nature. Finally, patients are always relieved to hear that they can retain their own belly button as is.
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Think carefully before you get rid of your Muffin top
ou’ve worked really hard to get into shape, eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising on a regular basis. Overall, your efforts have paid off, but one area is giving you trouble. It’s your stomach. Your lower abdomen is really giving you trouble. You have deposits of fat below the waist and excess skin that gives you a bulge that doesn’t go away. If you have had children, this is a typical area that gives women a challenge. When everything you have tried won’t give you the figure you want, it’s time to consider getting some help for positive results. A mini tummy tuck with liposuction could be the ideal alternative for you.
Understanding the Mini Tummy Tuck
The mini tummy tuck is a less involved procedure when compared to a full tummy tuck. It’s ideal for someone like you who is only dealing with fat below your belly button. During a typical procedure, excess skin is removed and your muscles will be tightened to give your stomach more desirable contours.
Why Combine a Mini Tummy Tuck with Liposuction?
When our plastic surgeon includes liposuction as another step in your procedure, you will have even better results. Excess fat will be removed. You will get rid of all of the unwanted extras and no longer have fat hanging on in that pouch that has been driving you crazy. Everything will tighten up when your procedure is over.
Are You a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck Combined with Liposuction?
Before you think about getting a mini tummy tuck with liposuction, you need to take a good look at yourself and be sure that you are at a weight that satisfies you. If you need to shed excess pounds, you should find an effective diet plan before thinking about plastic surgery. If you are at or near your goal weight but have stubborn areas that won’t respond to diet and exercise, this combination approach could be perfect for you. After your procedure, you will need to continue to follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid any weight gain that could cause a buildup of more fat in your abdomen.
Learn More About a Mini Tummy Tuck with Liposuction
You deserve to have the body that you want. Our plastic surgeon at Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery can help you to get where you want to go. Make an appointment at our office in Marietta or Atlanta to discuss the possibility of a mini tummy tuck that is combined with liposuction. You can have your lower abdomen sculpted and eliminate that annoying fat that has been hanging around for too long. It is time to transform your figure with a mini tummy tuck combined with liposuction.
You’d love to have a flat, trim tummy, but no matter how much you diet or how many crunches you do, you still have a “pooch.” This slack area of loose skin and stretched muscle, which is frequently the result of pregnancy or weight loss, is typically only fixable with a tummy tuck. The question is: Do you need a full or a mini tummy tuck? Renowned Raleigh plastic surgeon, Dr. Ortiz, is breaking down the difference and factors that may affect your choice so you know which one may be right for you.
Understanding a Full Tummy Tuck
For a full tummy tuck, the goal is to smooth and tone the entire front abdominal area from just below the rib cage to the pubic area. The procedure begins with an incision between the navel and pubic area and a second incision above the navel. Then, excess skin is removed from the belly, and the muscles are repaired and tightened. The skin is then pulled taut over the mid section, creating a smoother, slimmer shape. Often, a new belly button will be shaped or moved higher on the belly.
Understanding a Mini Tummy Tuck
For a mini tummy tuck, the area of focus is solely underneath the navel. Just like a full version, an incision is placed a few inches below the navel, allowing Dr. Ortiz to repair the lower muscles and remove the loose skin. Then, the skin is pulled tightly over the lower abdomen, eliminating signs of a lower belly pooch.
Choosing Which Tummy Tuck Is Right for You
Now that you have a better understanding of the procedures, you probably have a better idea of which one will align with your goals.
A mini tummy tuck is generally ideal for people who just have a small area of concern below the navel where there is a “pooch” that protrudes. It’s a less invasive procedure that is often easier to heal from while still providing you with the flatter, more toned tummy that looks great in fitted outfits and swimwear.
A full tummy tuck is the right choice for people who have excess skin, sagging, and/or roundness both above and below the navel. While it’s a more involved procedure, most patients are very happy with the results and are up and around quickly.
Regardless of which procedure you choose, both are designed for women who are done having children as future pregnancies will compromise the results. Additionally, you’ll want to maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise after Dr. Ortiz clears you to ensure your results last.
Combining Your Tummy Tuck with Other Procedures
While a tummy tuck will take care of loose skin and slack muscles, it may not remove stretch marks, unless they’re located on the part of the excess skin to be removed. Additionally, fat is not removed from the area during the procedure. However, if you have stubborn areas of fat along your abdomen or in other areas, such as your thighs, buttocks, or back, Dr Ortiz can perform liposuction at the same time as you are having your tummy tuck performed.
Additionally, many women who are reclaiming their body after they are done having children will choose a “mommy makeover.” This is a customized set of procedures to help you look your best after having babies and may include a breast lift, breast augmentation, labiaplasty, or a Brazilian butt lift, depending on your goals.
Schedule a Consultation for a Tummy Tuck Today
If you are ready to take the next step in looking and feeling your best, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Ortiz today. He will sit down with you and discuss your goals along with your areas of concern and help you determine which type of tummy tuck is right for you. Call our office at (919) 532-2270 or fill out our contact form today to learn more.
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Mini Tummy Tuck Or Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Differences Between Tummy Tuck And Mini Tummy Tuck
Mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck surgery in Turkey has skyrocketed in recent years. This surgery, which is performed in conjunction with liposuction, is more difficult than other aesthetic procedures. As a result, the right doctor, the right operation, and the right organization must carry out the procedure.
- If we were to ask what a full tummy tuck is, we can say that it is an operation performed by stretching the excess and deformed skin from both the upper and lower regions of the abdomen and removing the excess fat collected in the area. All excess fat and skin in the lower abdomen are removed and liposuction is applied to the upper abdomen.
- Mini tummy tuck surgery, also known as mini abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed in the lower abdomen. It provides the recovery of the excess sagging skin under the belly button.
- A new belly button should be designed in full tummy tuck surgery. This is the biggest difference between full tummy tuck surgery and mini tummy tuck surgery. In mini tummy tuck surgery, the belly button is not replaced unless a different aesthetic need is felt.
- In both surgeries, the procedure is performed by making an incision in the area we call the bikini area. In the mini tummy tuck operation, an incision of about 15 cm or longer is made according to the needs of the abdomen, while the size of the incision is longer in the full tummy tuck operation.
- The recovery process after tummy tuck surgery is different in both. While you can return to your normal life within 3 to 4 days after mini tummy tuck surgery, this process takes one week after full abdominoplasty.
- In full tummy tuck surgery, the abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured again. In mini tummy tuck surgery, the abdominal muscles are not touched.
Mini-Tummy Tuck Surgery
Firm & Flatten the Lower Abdomen with a Mini-Tummy Tuck
Are you more or less happy with your figure, except for that remaining “pooch” on your lower belly? After pregnancy or weight loss, or sometimes just as a result of genetics, many women and men have excess, drooping skin and fat concentrated in their lower belly. A mini-tummy tuck can prove an excellent solution for these patients to achieve a flatter, firmer lower belly.
The mini-tummy tuck can achieve results similar to abdominoplasty, but the procedure is less extensive. It is commonly recommended to patients with less pronounced abdominal fat. Many patients choose a mini tummy tuck to address sagging skin or a protruding lower belly after pregnancy or experiencing a weight fluctuation.
How much does a mini tummy tuck cost?
At our practice in Fairfax, the price of a mini tummy tuck ranges from $3970 for a mini tummy tuck, up to $6875 for a full tummy tuck. Refer to our full page of plastic surgery prices for more detailed tummy tuck cost information.
Why do I have this belly pooch?
First, pushing against the abdomen from the inside, from intra-abdominal fat or a pregnant uterus, can cause the muscles to widen in the middle, creating a condition called diastasis. When this occurs, the rectus muscles (or six-pack) are not able to support the abdomen or the back. Next, fat outside of the abdominal wall can sap your energy, eventually leading to an excess amount of hanging tissue.
Who should consider a mini-tummy tuck?
A mini-tummy tuck is performed less frequently than the traditional tummy tuck. The mini tuck may be recommended when there is only a moderate amount of excess skin and fat located below the belly button. When skin and fat noticeably hang and the fold of skin reaches the hips, a full tummy-tuck should be considered.
How a Mini Tummy Tuck is Performed
First, liposuction is performed on the entire abdomen and flanks. Next, an ellipse of skin and fat, no longer than about 8 inches, is removed from the lower central abdomen (below the belly button). To improve this problematic area, the muscles are tightened in the midline up to the belly button.
Mini Tummy Tuck Recovery
Mini tummy tuck recovery time typically ranges from one to two weeks. You will be given a supportive garment to wear for a few weeks following surgery. Swelling and bruising with pain that can be managed with mild analgesics are to be expected for the first few days.
Recovery from a Mini Tummy Tuck: What to Expect
Since liposuction is used, a compression garment must be worn for up to 6 weeks to help the skin shrink. After full recovery, patients have a sculpted abdomen with a scar that is very discreet. The scars that result from mini-tummy tuck surgery are usually about half the length of a full tummy tuck.
Are you looking at multiple procedures?
The Mini Tummy Tuck is included in the list of procedures for the Mommy Makeover.Call 703.348.0696 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hess.
Mini Tummy Tuck With Liposuction Cost
Mini vs. Full Tummy Tuck Cost?
A full tummy tuck for a privately insured patient who meets the required Medicare criteria is from $15,000. For an uninsured patient, or for “cosmetic” reasons the cost is from $25,000. This is inclusive of your surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist fee, hospital stay, garments, follow-up care and LED therapy for scar minimisation.
As candidates for a mini tummy tuck generally haven’t experienced a significant weight loss of 5 BMI points, they are usually ineligible for any rebate. This means your health fund is unable to “kick in” and cover the cost of your hospital stay and theatre fees. A quote for a mini tummy tuck is provided on a case-to-case basis, depending on your goals and the length of hospital stay required.
How do I know which procedure is right for me?
To determine whether a mini or a full tummy tuck would be the best procedure to meet your aesthetic goals, it is best to book a consultation. During your consultation, the degree of muscle separation and excess that needs to be addressed through your abdominoplasty surgery will be determined.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Liposuction combined with “Mini” Tummy Tuck provides excellent contouring of the belly as well as improving most of the issues related to stretch mark scars and associated saggy skin, with recovery period much closer to Liposuction than substantially longer recovery associated with “Full” Tummy Tuck. When you are ready to tackle this relatively complex issue of tightening and toning your belly, weigh out (no pun intended) all your options and speak to an experienced Plastic Surgeon about which combination of procedure would be best for you.
