Age, pregnancy or simple weight fluctuations can contribute to the appearance of a not-so-appealing abdominal area. While a full tummy tuck is a very effective and popular procedure to restore a tighter, smoother appearance to the upper and lower abdomen, not all patients need the full version of this tummy tuck plastic surgery. A mini tummy tuck not only restores the lower abdominal area to a tighter, more youthful appearance, but It can also restore your confidence.
As experienced, aesthetic plastic surgeons, Dr. Ross and Dr. Holmes have a genuine understanding of the changes a woman’s body goes through and carefully takes this into consideration during her surgical planning. Through thoughtful consultations with their patients, Dr. Ross and Dr. Holmes make it a priority to understand each woman’s specific goals and desires for mini tummy tuck plastic surgery.
Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Right for Me?
A mini tummy tuck, or mini abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that tightens the inner abdominal muscles and removes excess fat and skin to restore a youthful contour to the lower abdominal area. This “mini” version of the tummy tuck procedure is best for patients who have a mild to moderate amount of loose skin below the belly button. If you have lax skin below the navel only and require the removal of a minimal amount of skin, you may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck plastic surgery.
Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure With Dr. William Ross or Dr. Casey Holmes
A mini tummy tuck is designed for patients who have lax skin limited to below the navel and require the removal of only a minimal amount of skin. This procedure will tighten the muscles of the abdomen for a fitter, more contoured appearance while correcting stubborn deposits of fat as well as loose skin and stretch marks. Mini tummy tucks are commonly performed with liposuction to address fat on the hips or flanks that the mini tummy tuck procedure alone will not improve. During your consultation, Dr. Ross and Dr. Holmes will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your concerns and thoughtfully design a unique surgical plan that will safely and effectively meet your goals.
Mini Tummy Tuck Technique
During tummy tuck plastic surgery, Dr. Ross or Dr. Holmes will make an incision just above the pubic hairline. This incision is used to both tighten the muscles and remove excess skin of the lower abdomen. Dr. Ross or Dr. Holmes will suture the abdominal muscles together for support, then remove excess skin and fat. Liposuction may also be performed to sculpt the stomach and remove additional fat. The mini tummy tuck procedure preserves your navel and leaves a shorter scar compared with the full tummy tuck.
Related Procedure:
Brachioplasty (Arm Lift Surgery),
Liposuction, Body Contouring After Weight Loss, Labiaplasty, Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure
Mini Tummy Tuck FAQs
Here are answers to some common queries about mini tummy tuck procedure:
This procedure can be the ideal option for patients who do not require a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), but who can benefit from surgery that removes excess skin and fat below the belly button. Ideal candidates have a small “pooch” below the belly button.
The recovery time for this procedure is similar to that for liposuction. Most patients are able to resume work after a few days. While some amount of post-operative pain and discomfort should be expected, this can be controlled well with over-the-counter medication or prescription oral pain medication. Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for a few weeks to allow the abdomen and incision to heal.
After tummy tuck plastic surgery, patients will wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and speed healing. You should be able to stand up straight after surgery versus a full tummy tuck, which may leave you unable to stand fully upright for a few days.
Dr. Ross and Dr. Holmes use precise surgical techniques to ensure the best possible scar. The resulting scar from this procedure will be very well hidden below the bikini line, and it will not be visible while wearing underwear, a swimsuit, or clothing.
The main difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck plastic surgery is based on who the plastic surgery benefits. A mini tummy tuck plastic surgery is ideal if you just want a youthful, firmer skin in their abdominal area, whereas a full tummy tuck is beneficial for patients who have gone through major weight loss or multiple pregnancies. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine whether a mini tummy tuck or full one is right for you during your consultation.
Why Choose Dr. William Ross for Surgery
Dr. William A. Ross is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He performs the full spectrum of tummy tuck plastic surgery, including aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Ross performs brow lifts, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), face lifts, neck rejuvenation and reconstruction of the eyelids, nose, cheeks and ears after cancer surgery. He has extensive experience in breast enhancement, breast reconstruction, and body contouring, which includes liposuction, abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”), and rejuvenation of the arms, legs and hands.
Dr. Ross utilizes traditional and cutting edge therapies to deliver the best results possible. Naples Illustrated magazine featured him as one of their “Top Doctors” in 2019.
Dr. Ross graduated with honors from the University of Missouri with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. He then worked in the Clinical Trials Unit at Mount Sinai Medical School in New York City before beginning work at the National Institutes of Health. His scientific work was published in one of the most prestigious scientific journals in the world, Nature Medicine, and in several other peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Why Choose Dr. Casey Holmes for Surgery
Dr. Holmes grew up in Sargent, Nebraska, a small town of 500 people. While in college at Nebraska Wesleyan University, Dr. Holmes was a member of numerous honor societies and graduated with “highest distinction”, with a major in Biology and minors in Psychology, Chemistry and Spanish. Knowing that his future was in medicine, Dr. Holmes attended medical school at UNMC (University of Nebraska Medical College).
Dr. Holmes is trained in the full breadth of plastic surgery but specializes in aesthetic surgery. He performs blepharoplasty, facelift surgery, neck rejuvenation, and reconstruction of the eyelids, nose, cheeks, and ears after skin cancer surgery. He has extensive experience in breast reduction, breast reconstruction, and body contouring, which includes liposuction, abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”), and mommy makeovers.
Dr. Holmes’s philosophy is best summarized by his own statements: “I treat all of my patients like I treat my own family members. I want them to be happy with themselves and will work with their goals and desires to give them the best and safest results possible.”