Mini Tummy Tucks

Mini tummy tucks (or partial abdominiplasty) were designed to address contour problems without as much loose skin as standard tummy tucks. Mini tummy tucks are generally directed at situations where the muscle elasticity is lost in the lower abdomen wall only. This is an operation for problems that are not severe enough to need a full abdominoplasty yet are too extensive for liposuction alone to handle.

The lowest part of our abdomen just below the belly button is prone to laxity. Here the rectus muscles (sit up muscles) only have an outer layer of strengthening tissue (fascia). For most of this distance, the posterior fascia does not exist. That is why there is a natural pout to the abdomen just below the belly button. Mini-tummy tucks are used to correct problems from the naval down to the pubic bone, such as:

• bulging abdomen
• muscle weakness
• sagging skin
• excess fat

Pregnancy stretches the abdominal wall and in most cases, the abdominal area does not return to its initial youthful state. This lower part of the rectus muscles is more prone to permanent stretching during pregnancy. This is the common site of loose extra tissue after childbirth. This is why mini tummy tucks are especially effective in correcting problems resulting from pregnancy. This is fast becoming a common surgical procedure for mothers who are unhappy with their post-pregnancy appearance.

This surgical procedure is also common among men who have loose skin around the lower abdomen. This is often the case in men after gastric bypass surgery and massive weight loss.

Mini tummy tucks concentrates on the area below the bellybutton—the most frequent site of elasticity loss. Mini Tummy Tucks require a small incision above the pubis. This exposes the abdominal muscles, and allows the doctor to0 remove access fat and a strip of skin, and tightens the muscles of the lower abdominal wall. A strip of skin (usually 1-2 inches thick) is stretched down and the incision is closed. During the procedure, the belly button is detached and then reattached after removal of the fat and excess skin. It is fairly normal to use liposuction in conjunction with the mini tummy tuck to remove the fatty deposits from the lower abdominal area.

Elements of mini tummy tucks are summarized:

• Liposuction Contouring
• Limited skin excision sculpting tissue below the belly button
• Removal of excess skin
• Separating the belly button from its deeper attachments and letting it move downwards
• Closure of the old belly button space in the muscle wall
• Tightening of the lower and upper parts of the abdominal rectus muscles.

Usually, mini tummy tuck patients experience quicker recovery times than with a full tummy tuck, as the mini tummy tuck addresses a more isolated area. Mini tummy tucks involves a single, smaller incision that is usually between two and four inches along the pubic line. Unlike the full abdominoplasty, there is no secondary incision around the navel. The beneficial result is much less scarring, and a significantly lower recovery time. In addition, another advantage of mini tummy tuck surgery is that it typically takes an hour and a half to two hours, which is a lot less than the full tummy tuck surgeries. Consequently, the fees may be about 30 to 50 per cent lower than the fees charged for the full tummy tuck.

Several factors may determine whether you're a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck, including

• the depth at which your fat is located
• your muscle tone
• the elasticity of your skin
• how close you are to your desired body weight
• current health status

Partial abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence if you are the right candidate. As with any surgical procedure, the operation carries potential risks. Therefore you can learn more about mini-tummy tucks form this informative site as we can connect you with a reputable and experienced surgeon.