Abdominoplasty or a mini tummy tuck became one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic surgery. The goal of this procedure is to improve the appearance of a patient by firming and reshaping his abdomen. This kind of procedure is mainly used by women who can't get rid of excess fat with diet or exercising. There are also men who undergo this surgery, but their number is rather small - only 4%.

As we said, primary goal is to remove the fat around the abdomen and patient's lower back. The fat is removed through the incisions that are made across entire abdomen and in the same time muscles are tighten in order to create smooth and natural look. All excess skin and fat are removed so the abdomen would look flat and firm. Main difference between tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck is that the incision is much smaller.

One more important difference is that the skin and fat will be removed only bellow the navel. There will not be any work above the navel. and there will be some readjusting needed because of this. The incision will be smaller and navel will not be moved, but there's a chance it may be pulled unnaturally when the skin is stitched.

You will hear about all the details from your plastic surgeon. He and you should talk about through all the steps that await you before and after the mini tummy tuck surgery. First thing you will need to establish are you a good candidate for this procedure. Usually, women who do not wish to have children can have this surgery, since the skin will be tightened and being pregnant will not be suitable at all. This is the basic requirement for this type of surgery. And it is important that patient who wants this surgery was unable to remove the excess fat by diet and exercising.

Some other conditions that will define are you a good candidate or no are: do you drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, have lung or heart disease and so on. Anything that endangers your health is considered to be a risk for a mini tummy tuck. If you do not have admirable health, you may be declined for a mini tummy tuck. There are plastic surgeons who will accept anyone, but this really is not something you should look for. Listen to your doctor and your plastic surgeon, because they know are you fit enough to benefit from this procedure.

The operation itself lasts about 2 hours and will be done under general anesthesia. After a small incision is created, your fat will be removed and muscles tightened while the excess skin will be cut. There is a possibility that drainage tube will be placed on the incision site, just above the pubic region. Since this is a very sensitive area, expect to have troubles with moving and the pain from the stitches.

A patient will recover one month after the surgery and will then feel full benefits. He should take care not to do physical activities for one more month but after that he can return to his old lifestyle.