Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that is used to remove excess skin and fat from around a person's waist.  With the help of a mini tummy tuck, the patient can enjoy a flatter and younger looking abdomen without experiencing the same risks associated with the traditional tummy tuck.  With a mini tummy tuck, for example, the naval does not have to be repositioned as it does with a traditional tummy tuck.

Understanding the Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

Mini tummy tuck surgery involves making an incision line in the area around the naval and then separating the skin.  After the skin has been separated, a flap of skin is pulled down in order to remove excess fat and skin.  In some cases, the surgeon may also repair gaps between muscle layers in order to strengthen abdominal muscles that have become stretched.  After removing tissue and making repairs, the skin is then stitched back into place and results in a flatter and more toned looking abdomen.  The entire procedure generally takes one to two hours to complete and the patient may be required to stay one night in the hospital following the procedure.

After being released from the hospital or surgical center, the patient must wear special bandages and garments for about one month.  These garments provide the additional support necessary to reduce pain and to expedite the healing process.

Risks Associated with Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

Any time a person undergoes cosmetic surgery, there are potential risks involved.  Some of these include:

• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Bleeding
• Blood Clotting
• Bruising
• Infection
• Scarring
• Swelling

In addition to the risks that are generally associated with any surgical procedure, other potential side effects that are specifically related to tummy tuck surgery include:

• Numbness in the area where the tummy tuck took place, though this usually fades away over time
• Pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs
• Serum collection along the incision area, which will require undergoing additional procedures to remove
• Skin or tissue death, which may occur along the lines where the incisions were made and will need to be corrected with additional surgeries

Although there are some risks associated with the mini tummy tuck, many patients prefer this procedure over the full tummy tuck because it reduces the appearance of scarring and does not involve moving the belly button.  In addition, it is an effective method for removing excessive fat located between the pubic bone and the belly button.