What is a mini tummy tuck?
Ready to ditch your Spanx? If you’re looking to get rid of extra skin around your waistline, a mini tummy tuck can give your lower belly a smoother look with less scarring than a full tummy tuck.
Unlike a full tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, the mini version has no scar around the belly button and a shorter low scar, that is slightly longer than a c-section scar. The focus is removing loose skin from below your belly button instead of your whole tummy and is a popular way to address postpartum issues like sagging skin, stretch marks, diastasis recti or C-section scars.
Read more: The Post-Pregnancy Tummy Bulge May Not Be Fat
Is a mini abdominoplasty right for me?
A mini tummy tuck might be a good choice for you if you:
- Okay with short scarring but do not want a fully tummy tuck scar
- Have just a bit of a pooch below the belly button
- Are at least 6 months postpartum
- May consider future pregnancies
- Are not a smoker
Read more: How To Give Your Breasts An Uplift After Babies
How much does a mini tummy tuck cost?
It will depend on the complexity of a mini tummy tuck procedure varies widely. The cost ranges from $5,000 for simple skin removal to $12,000 or more, if it includes liposuction or repair of diastasis recti (muscle repair and tightening).
Who should I choose to do my mini tummy tuck?
Definitely a fully accredited (board certified) plastic surgeon with experience in tummy tucks. The plastic surgeon will be able to assess you accurately and offer what is best for you to suit your body shape, lifestyle and goals. It is also crucial to choose a surgeon you are comfortable with to discuss your desires and go on this journey with you. “Many ladies come to my practice because they are more comfortable and at ease with a female plastic surgeon,” says Dr Chia Hui Ling, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at SW1 Plastic Surgery Clinic. Dr Chia‘s extensive experience with mummy makeover procedures in a women’s and children’s hospital has made her a very popular choice amongst mummies in Singapore.
Read More: What Doctors Do To Lose Their Mummy Tummies
What happens during a mini tummy tuck?
- A mini tuck is usually done in a day surgery centre and takes two to three hours
- It is done under general anesthesia
- The plastic surgeon will make a short incision across your lower belly. It is like a C-section incision, about half the width of your abdomen between your hip bones
- The next steps may include removal of excess skin and fat, liposuction, repair of diastasis recti and tightening up the muscles underneath
- The incision is closed
- You can return home with the help of someone, once you recover from the anaesthesia
What is the recovery process like after a mini tummy tuck?
You should plan to have a friend or family member stay with you for the first 24 hours after your mini tuck. Your belly will be sore and you may have bruising or swelling near the incision, but it will improve over time. You may wear compression garments and have surgical drains placed to help remove fluids after your surgery, in which case you’ll go back to your doctor in a few days to have the drains removed.
Plan to take around 1 week of work. Avoid strenuous activities until at least a month after surgery. If you have muscle repair or tightening done, avoid intense core exercises for 3 months. Periodic swelling is common for the first 4 – 12 weeks after surgery, often related to the level of activity. It is like injuring your ankle, and then walking on it.
Read More: Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?
When will I see results from a mini tummy tuck?
It’s best to have a little patience with a mini tuck. You may see some improvement in your lower belly early on, but it will take around 6 months after surgery to appreciate the full results.
What are the risks of a mini tuck?
Mini-abdominoplasty do not carry a lot of risk beyond the usual potential side effects that is experience from surgery in general. These can include swelling, bruising, allergic reactions to anesthesia, infection, changes in skin sensation near the incision or poor scarring.
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