If you are a man or woman desiring a flat, toned midsection but don’t want to commit to a full tummy tuck, you are in luck! A mini tummy tuck works for individuals who have excess fat deposits and saggy skin below the bellybutton due to sudden weight loss or pregnancy aftereffects. While a mini tummy tuck is effective for some Richmond, VA, men and women, it’s important to remember that not everyone eager to get a mini tummy tuck will be a good candidate.
How Do You Know if You Need Tummy Tuck or a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck tightens loose skin and removes fat deposits for the entire midsection, while a mini tummy tuck addresses loose skin and fat bulges below the bellybutton to the pubic area. A mini tummy tuck uses a shorter incision above the pubic area and can’t correct deeper issues, such as muscle separation or a misshapen bellybutton, the way a full tummy tuck can.
Learn more information about the differences between the two procedures from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
What Is the Recovery Process for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Full recovery time for a mini tummy tuck is usually 6 weeks, and you can return to work after 1 to 2 weeks. During the first 2 to 3 weeks, you may be advised to wear a compression garment to keep the area tight and reduce swelling. As with any surgery, recovery from a mini tummy tuck depends in part on your overall health.
While a mini tummy tuck may not be as extensive as a full tummy tuck, you should expect a similar recovery and carefully follow your plastic surgeon’s recommendations. Read more about tummy tuck recovery in this related blog post.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A good candidate is someone who has no muscle separation in their midsection and only a small amount of loose or excess skin in their lower abdomen. If you are a relatively fit person with healthy and elastic skin, you may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck.
If you have excessive loose skin and want to flatten your midsection above and below the bellybutton, a full tummy tuck is a better option. A full tummy tuck can also repair separated ab muscles, define your waistline, and reshape your bellybutton. You can choose to combine your tummy tuck with liposuction for optimal contouring of the midsection.
A mini tummy tuck is a great way to improve areas in your midsection that can’t be targeted through diet and exercise. You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck and the results you can expect. To learn more about mini tummy tuck surgery, please request a consultation or call us at (804) 267-6009 to schedule an appointment.