Cosmetic Surgery For Blondes

Archive for the ‘Mini Tummy Tuck’ Category

Mini Tummy Tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck

The mini tummy tuck otherwise known as a partial abdominoplasty is less invasive than the commonly performed tummy tuck that removes a larger amount of abdominal tissue during the surgery. Both help tighten loose skin and take out excess fat, but with the mini tummy tuck the area that is removed is a lot smaller and the surgeon does not have to reinsert the navel after the tightening procedure.

The mini tummy tuck is ideal for those who have excess fat between the belly button and the pubic bone. Fat develops in this area due to flaccid muscles that are damaged during pregnancy or sag because of aging. Many patients that do not have a protruding abdominal wall want to sculpt their abs into a more desirable shape. It is sometimes possible to remove stretch marks, but permanent removal is not guaranteed.

The mini tummy tuck is also called the scarless tummy tuck because it involves a smaller incision than the traditional tummy tuck surgery when a larger area of the abdominal wall is exposed and a temporary drainage tube is placed in the incision site. A mini may be performed under a general anesthesia, but is usually carried out with just a local anesthetic and a mild sedation. The length of the surgery depends on the amount of skin that has to be removed. Liposuction may also be done to sculpt the abs into the desired shape.

Recovery time is about the same as liposuction and the patient is released within a few hours after surgery. Over-the-counter pain medicine is prescribed for the postoperative pain and any heavy lifting should be refrained for a couple weeks. Strenuous activities can be resumed after six weeks, because it is important to minimize the pressure on the abdominal incisions. Most patients return to work within a few days to a week. During the initial consultation the surgeon will provide all instructions for pre and postoperative care to ensure a safe and quick recovery.

A mini tummy tuck is generally a safe cosmetic surgery procedure, but there are some risks when using anesthesia. Reactions to anesthesia are rare, but can be serious. If more skin was required to be removed, the surgeon may have removed and reinserted the belly button. Necrosis of the skin that forms the belly button can become scarred or on rare occasions the loss of the belly button altogether. Necrosis is more common with people that smoke.

Cosmetic Surgery: Mini Tummy Tuck

If postoperative pain is severe call your surgeon as this may be an indication of a more serious problem. Hematomas or a collection of blood in the skin can also pose as a risk and further surgery may be necessary to remove it. It is imperative to stop taking herbal supplements, vitamins, prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications that cause excess bleeding.

Swelling is normal for any cosmetic surgery procedure and is a part of the healing process. Scarring can occur and varies from an invisible line to a large raised discolored scar. Large scars can be medically treated or surgically removed. You will be taking antibiotics post surgery to reduce the risk for infection and receive directions for wound care.

A mini tummy tuck costs vary from city to city, surgeon to surgeon and the surgery itself may include more than one procedure. Have consultations with more than one cosmetic surgeon in regards to their fees and payments plans as well as the hospital costs. The average cost for this procedure is $5,000-$9,000. Make sure the doctor is state certified and experienced with the mini tummy tuck. Request photos of prior patients and get a patient referral, if possible. I say this because photos can be doctored. Most of all you must feel comfortable and open with the surgeon about your realistic goals regarding your mini tummy tuck surgery.