Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck and is an operation designed to rejuvenate the lower abdominal area and removes excess fat and skin.

What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck and is an operation designed to rejuvenate the lower abdominal area and removes excess fat and skin. It is often performed for patients who have excess loose tissue following childbirth or following previous abdominal surgery. Occasionally it can be an option in patients who have lost weight although the pros and cons of this procedure need to be carefully discussed in the context of the pros and cons of an abdominoplasty.

Who Is It Suitable For?

For those of normal stable body weight who have developed excess skin and / or fat. The common causes are pregnancy, weight loss, aging, genetic or due to prior surgery.

Who The Surgery Not Suitable For?

It’s important to note that those who plan on having more children in the future should consider the pros and cons of an operation. It may also be unsuitable for those who have been pressured to improve their body by others. Anyone who smokes, has unrealistic expectations and those with a significant medical history.

How Much Does A Mini Tummy Tuck Cost?

The cost of a mini tummy tuck will be disclosed on a case by case basis, as it depends on what exactly is required. After the initial consultation if the surgeon believes you are suitable for a mini tummy tuck, you will be given a quote for surgery that will include the surgeon, anaesthetic and hospital fees.

What To Expect During Your Consultation?

The success of the consultation depends on your openness and honesty in relation to what troubles you and your expectations of surgery. You will be asked questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. Different operations can be tailored to your needs and the potential outcomes and the risks and complications will be discussed with you. The operation removes excess tissue from the lower abdominal area and needs to be tailored to the individual. Various types of mini tummy tuck procedures are available and may be combined with liposuction. It may involve lifting the whole abdominal skin and tightening of the abdominal muscles. A consultation regarding the risks and limitations of surgery will help you to choose a procedure that will meet your expectations.

Preparing For Tummy Tuck Surgery

The majority of abdominal rejuvenation procedures on the abdomen require a general anaesthetic. Your health is a prime importance and any cosmetic surgery should be postponed if you are unwell for any reason. It is important that if anything changes with your health that you make contact with us. You should ideally stop smoking 6 weeks prior to surgery and stop taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements before surgery you may need preoperative tests prior to surgery, which we will arrange if required. You will generally experience abdominal discomfort following the surgery and should aim to be off work for at least 2 weeks depending on the type of work you do.

The Surgery

A mini tummy tuck often takes between 1 and 1.5 hours. Usually, an incision is made just above the pubic region. The longer the scar the more tissue can be removed and you will need to discuss the length of your scar at a consultation. The skin is separated from the underlying tissue from the pubic region upwards. The extent of dissection will vary from patient to patient. It is sometimes possible to tighten the abdominal wall and again the pros and cons need to be discussed at a consultation. Classically the skin is then stretched down and the excess removed. In a mini tummy tuck, one would not relocate the tummy button. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches and the skin is repositioned. It is unusual to require drains and a compressive dressing is almost always required. The pictures show the markings of the skin to be removed in a patient

After Surgery

You will usually return to the ward within an hour following surgery and you will be encouraged to mobilize. You will not have a catheter in place and it is unusual to require drains. You will be able to eat/drink and mobilize as soon as the anaesthetic wears off. You will feel swollen and have abdominal discomfort that will usually require analgesia. You will be able to go home the next day and should keep the wounds dry for the next week. You should arrange for someone to pick you up following surgery and have some support at home on discharge. You will be reviewed in clinic and the wounds checked at a week. You should avoid excessive straining in the first week and should continue to wear a support garment for 4-6 weeks after surgery. You will be able to resume light exercises after a week and normal exercise by 3-4 weeks. You should begin massage to the scar once healed. The pictures show the postop result at 1 week and 6 weeks when the abdomen is still swollen.

Risks And Complications

The vast majority of patients are delighted with the procedure although common complaints include numbness, bruising, swelling especially around the scar line and often there is a slight difference between the two sides of the abdomen. Uncommon complications include infection, haematoma, delayed healing/skin necrosis/skin loss, seroma formation and thickened scar. There are uncommon risks of general anaesthesia such as respiratory/cardiac compromise and deep vein thrombosis.

Sensation usually changes following a mini tummy tuck. Although permanent numbness is uncommon, the sensation can take a number of months to return. The scars following a mini tummy tuck can be red for a number of weeks/months after surgery and it can take some time before the scars start turning purple/pink and then start fading into a white line. It is unusual to develop abnormal scars and unusual to have irregularities requiring a scar revision. Any revisions to the scars should not be considered for at least a year following surgery. The scar is often not symmetrical and the scar can move slightly with time. The abdomen can become lax with time and the result can fluctuate with fluctuations in weight.

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The Christie Clinic
550 Wilmslow Road
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