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Refine Your Abs: Exploring Mini Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure that tightens your abdominal muscles while removing excess abdominal skin and fat for a slimmer, more sculpted abdomen. It’s best for those who have experienced changes due to aging or massive weight loss.

Mini tummy tucks tighten the lower stomach area between your belly button and pubic area. They’re best for people within their recommended weight range but have excess skin and fat, such as from pregnancy or quick weight gain, that isn’t resolved with diet or exercise.

Mini Abdominoplasty Procedure at a Glance

  • Procedure time: 1-3 hours  
  • Cost: $4,500-$8,000  
  • Length of recovery: 3-4 weeks  
  • Addresses: Lower abdominal skin laxity  
  • Can be paired with: Liposuction  

What is a mini tummy tuck?

As a body contouring procedure, the mini tummy tuck removes small to moderate amounts of excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen for a flatter stomach. It is relatively quick, lasting two to three hours, and the results are nearly permanent without significant weight fluctuations. Excessively gaining and losing weight will cause excess skin and fat to return, necessitating another tummy tuck procedure to restore a sculpted silhouette.

Unlike a full tummy tuck, there is no incision around the belly button. A mini tummy tuck scar is a thin horizontal line, typically just a few inches long, and easily hidden by swimsuits, undergarments, and lingerie.

Keep in mind that a mini tummy tuck does not address or remove stretch marks and is recommended for women who are done having children

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What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?

While both types of abdominoplasty remove excess skin and tighten muscles to flatten the abdomen, they address different types of abdominal looseness and bulging. A full tuck addresses excess fat and skin on the whole core, and a mini tuck only addresses the area below the belly button.

A mini tummy tuck features a shorter incision, as well as the following:

  • Removing skin in the lower abdomen
  • No incision around the belly button
  • Tightening the muscles above the belly button

Alternatively, a full or standard tummy tuck involves:

  • Removing excess skin and fat from the pubic bone to the navel
  • Tightening abdominal muscles above and below the belly button
  • Recreating the belly button

The best surgical technique depends on your needs and aesthetic goals. A mini tummy tuck is likely best if you’re concerned with loose skin and lax muscles in the area below your belly button. However, a full tummy tuck is more likely to achieve the results you want for skin and muscle tightening above and below your belly button. Additionally, a full tuck is best for repairing Diastasis recti, the separation of ab muscles often associated with pregnancy.

What are the benefits of a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck in Houston offers the following benefits:

  • Reduced scarring compared to a full tummy tuck
  • Minimally invasive
  • No belly button repositioning
  • Quick procedure time
  • Reduced recovery, as you can resume daily activities in one to three weeks versus a minimum of six weeks
  • Nearly permanent results
  • Tighter, flatter lower stomach
Abdominoplasty in Houston TX

Mini tummy tuck procedure and recovery

During a mini tummy tuck, Drs. Michael and Bradley Eisemann will make a small incision similar to the incision made during a cesarean section. If liposuction is necessary to remove excess fat, your surgeon will do this first. The next step is to tighten loose muscles and remove excess skin, flattening and smoothing your abdominal wall.

Surgical drains may be inserted to prevent fluid buildup, and the incisions are closed. Once you recover from the anesthesia, you can head home with your designated friend or family member.

Here is what you should expect during your recovery from a mini tummy tuck:

  • While the surgery isn’t painful, expect some discomfort during recovery
  • You can resume some light activity within a few days of the procedure
  • You may be able to return to work and drive within one week, but waiting three to four weeks post-op to resume work is best
  • Dressings are removed after one to two weeks
  • You’ll wear a compression garment for up to six weeks to limit swelling and maintain your new contoured physique
  • Limit most physical activity for six weeks post-procedure

You may see immediate results, but the full results emerge around six weeks when the swelling has subsided. These stunning results should be permanent so long as you do not become pregnant or gain and lose excessive weight.

Why choose the Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center for a mini tummy tuck in Houston?

When you choose Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center, your mini tummy tuck is performed under the care of among the most acclaimed plastic surgery teams. Dr. Bradley Eisemann and Dr. Michael Eisemann perform with a sophisticated sense of artistry, sharing the benefits of their combined thirty years of expertise, skill, and in-depth anatomical knowledge.

Dr. Michael Eisemann is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon who is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Dr. Michael Esiemann enjoys educating young surgeons on advanced surgical techniques, including mini tummy tuck surgery.

Dr. Bradley Eisemann is a board-certified plastic surgeon who brings an extraordinary level of surgical skill to every procedure and sincere dedication to every patient. He provides patients with unstoppable aesthetic talent that can accomplish nearly anything they desire. Call us today for a stunning transformation and a more youthful physique, and schedule your confidential consultation.

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Tummy Tuck FAQs

What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?

Liposuction addresses excess fat, removing it through the use of a cannula, or slender suctioning tube. Abdominoplasty, on the other hand, can address loose, drooping skin and weakened six-pack muscles. It can also improve the appearance of the belly button.

What can I expect in terms of scarring after abdominoplasty?

Tummy tuck surgery typically has a scar that stretches from hip to hip but is well-hidden within the bikini or panty line. We will recommend scar creams and laser therapy that can help fade your incision. It’s essential that you wear sunscreen for the first few months as your skin heals.

Can I combine a tummy tuck with other procedures?

Yes! Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction and a mommy makeover to effect comprehensive improvement in the physique.

Can I get pregnant or have children after a tummy tuck?0

There is no reason why you wouldn’t be able to have children after a tummy tuck. However, most surgeons do not recommend this due to the fact that pregnancy can distort the body and potentially result in the need for a revision procedure.

Will a tummy tuck help get rid of stretch marks?

Stretch marks located on the lower abdomen can be addressed with abdominoplasty. Those located above the navel may remain. The skin tightening that occurs with a tummy tuck will help to improve the appearance of the marks left behind, however.

Will I have drains after my surgery?

Drains may be necessary after surgery to escort excess fluids and blood out of the body. They are typically left in place for around one week.

How long does a tummy tuck take?

The entire tummy tuck procedure usually takes from two to four hours. The time necessary for your abdominoplasty procedure will depend on how extensive your surgery needs to be.

What is the recovery time after a tummy tuck?

During tummy tuck recovery, you will be limited in your activities for the first couple of weeks following surgery. By four to six weeks, you should be cleared to return to your normal daily activities. Our team will follow you closely to make sure you are healing appropriately and to help guide your recovery process.

Mini Tummy Tuck

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