When you think of plastic surgery to tighten up your midsection, a tummy tuck probably comes to mind. It’s a popular procedure, especially for women who have loose skin or trouble getting rid of stubborn stomach fat.
If you are physically fit and only have a small amount of excess fat or skin, you may think you’re not eligible for a tummy tuck. While a full tummy tuck may not be for you, a mini tummy tuck could be!
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is the same procedure as a full tummy tuck, just performed on a patient with less fat and skin to remove. (“Mini” refers to the amount of fat and skin removed.) During a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Ortiz will make a small incision similar to the incision made during a cesarean section. Through this incision, he tightens loose muscles, removes excess fat, and removes excess skin to flatten and smooth your abdominal wall.
The incision, typically just a few inches long, will be made along your bikini line. Scars from this procedure are small and easily concealed by underwear and swimwear. There is also less scarring because, unlike a full tummy tuck, your belly button will not be moved or reconstructed.
Is This Procedure Right for Me?
If you’re in good physical health, are done having children, have minimal-moderate excess skin, and have a small amount of excess belly fat, you are probably a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck.
It’s also important that you have realistic expectations regarding the procedure. You should remember that tummy tucks, whether they are mini or full, are not weight loss procedures. They are body contouring procedures, designed to make your abdomen sleeker and more streamlined. You shouldn’t expect to lose a significant amount of weight with any tummy tuck.
Getting a Mini Tummy Tuck
The first step in getting a mini tummy tuck is scheduling your consultation with Dr. Ortiz. In this consultation, he’ll discuss your goals and the procedure with you to help you make sure it’s the right choice for you. He’ll answer any questions you have and give you a quote for the total cost of your procedure.
If you decide to move forward, you’ll schedule your appointment and either pay in full or arrange for financing.
On the day of your surgery, you should plan to be at North Raleigh Plastic Surgery for 3 ½ – 4 hours. The procedure typically takes 1-3 hours and the remaining time will be spent preparing you for surgery and then preparing you to go home after surgery.
You should arrange for someone to drive you home from the clinic after your surgery. You will be coming out of anesthesia and on painkillers, so you will be unable to drive.
Recovery will require you to stay bent at the waistline for 2 weeks. You will have a draining tube for one week, and wear a compression garment for 6 weeks. Should be able to stand up straight after 2 weeks. We recommend that most patients take at least two weeks off of work and limit their physical activity for around 6 weeks.
You’ll have three post-op appointments with Dr. Ortiz to monitor your recovery and give you clearance to resume physical activity when the time is right.
Ready to Discuss a Mini Tummy Tuck?
If you’re ready to take the next step toward getting the figure you’ve always wanted, we can help! Call us at (919) 532-2270 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation today!
