The first, a full tummy tuck, is a very invasive procedure that requires the removal of excess fat and tissue as well as the repair of any damaged abdominal muscles via an incision between the navel and public hairline. A mini tummy tuck, which is less invasive as a full tummy tuck, is the second type of surgery doctors are performing.
A mini tummy tuck is done when the patient does not require extensive plastic surgery to streamline the stomach. This may the option a doctor gives a candidate when all they need is sculpting done to the abdominal area. If upon examination of the patient the doctor does not find any protrusions in the muscle wall of the stomach and simply find sagging do to age or even pregnancy, they will often recommend the mini tummy tuck procedure.
The mini tummy tuck is also known as the scarless tummy tuck due to the size of the incision. It is usually smaller than the one needed for a traditional tummy tuck and the size is determined by the quantity of skin that will be removed. Also, with a mini tummy tuck, the navel usually does not have to be repositioned, something that is very common with a traditional tummy tuck. Occasionally the patient having a mini tummy tuck will also require some mild liposuction. This simply helps the doctor sculpt the abdomen into the shape that was discussed prior to the surgery.
One of the advantages of a mini tummy tuck is that there is a minimal amount of the abdominal wall exposed. The incision area in this procedure is limited to the area below the navel and if the needs to repair any muscles, he or she will do so from this position. From there the skin will be stretched downward. Any excess tissue will be removed and then the skin will be stitched into place. If necessary, the doctor will place a temporary drainage tube in the incision that will be removed at a later time, usually before the patient is discharged from the hospital or at the follow-up visit.
With a mini tummy tuck procedure, patients are not required to stay in the hospital overnight for observation. In most cases that have no complications, patients are released within a few hours of coming out of post operative care. Patients may experience some post operative pain, but it can usually be tamed with extra strength over the counter products such as Tylenol and Advil. Most patients are able to return to normal activities, including work, within a few days of the procedure. They should, however, avoid any strenuous activities for at least three to four weeks.
As with any other surgery, patients should make sure that they follow their physician's instructions in caring for the incision. They should also make sure they keep their follow-up appointments. And above all else, they should enjoy the new figure they have.
Choose the right type of tummy tuck
The mini tummy tuck procedure is best suited to people who only have a small amount of fat and skin to be removed from the lower belly area. People with more serious excesses of skin and fat are best advised to research a major panniculectomy, the full tummy tuck option as opposed to a mini tummy tuck procedure. The lower part of the tummy is the main focus of attention during a mini tummy tuck; women who have given birth and whose lower abdomens have been weakened by pregnancy generally gain the most benefit from this procedure. Although abdomen muscles can be tightened during both mini and full tummy tuck procedures, the best results are generally achieved from a full tummy tuck.
A more contoured appearance of the lower abdomen is generally one of the main benefits of a mini tummy tuck this is accomplished by manipulating the surplus skin and fat around the naval area.
The less invasive mini tummy tuck operation is ideally suited to the person looking for minimal correction with the least intrusive surgical procedure. Hospital outpatient surgery centers and office surgical suites are both capable of carrying out the mini tummy tuck procedure. Normally the choice of anesthesia for the mini tummy tuck operation is a general anesthesia but it is not uncommon for a local anesthesia to be used with sedation.
The majority of mini tummy tuck procedures rarely extend beyond the 1-2 hour mark but individual circumstances have been known to warrant a hospital stay. After you surgery you will feel tender and sore in your abdomen area due to some swelling and bruising. This will lessen after a day or two and any stitches will dissolve leaving just the bandages and any support garments to protect the lower stomach area. Your progress should be monitored after surgery in a series of follow up visits to make sure everything is ok. Any discomfort that is apparent after the mini tummy tuck operation can be relieved easily with orally taken pain killers.
The recovery time for mini tuck surgery can depend on each individual patient in most cases patients can get back to normal activities within a few days of the procedure. Vigorous exercise should be avoided but light exercise is recommended to aid the healing process and in the majority of cases most patients can return to work in two weeks. Taking regular exercise and following a balanced diet are crucial to maintaining the normally long lasting results of a tummy tuck. Be realistic about the results you expect to achieve from your tummy tuck and you will not be disappointed.
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