If your abdomen is looking flabby, you’ve likely tried a number of common solutions. Popular diets and strenuous exercise routines may have some benefits for your health, but in a number of cases, they do very little when it comes to abdominal contouring. Sometimes stubborn fat and drooping skin just can’t be exercised away.

Abdominoplasty surgery has helped a number of people sculpt and contour their abdomen. An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a procedure that removes excess fat and sagging skin from the tummy to make it look lean and fit. It is a major treatment where an incision is made from hip to hip and another is made around the bellybutton. The entire procedure can take around three to five hours.

Those who are looking for a less complex and less invasive version of this procedure may prefer a mini abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. This technique is preferred by patients looking to achieve a smaller degree of change. Because it focuses on the area just below the bellybutton, it involves a smaller incision on the abdomen and no bellybutton incision. It only takes an hour or two to perform.

Good Candidates for a Mini Abdominoplasty

A mini abdominoplasty would be suitable for anyone who doesn’t have too much excess belly fat, loose skin, or sagging muscle tissue. It is an ideal option for people who don’t want to deal with as much downtime as the full abdominoplasty requires. Those planning to get pregnant in the future would be advised to choose a mini abdominoplasty rather than a full abdominoplasty.

The Details of the Procedure

In most cases, a mini tummy tuck is carried out using general anesthesia in order to ensure that the patient is comfortable. Dr. Patel first makes a small curving horizontal incision on the lower part of the stomach, in the area between the bellybutton and the pubic hairline. Through this, he gains access to the underlying tissues.

Liposuction is then used to remove excess fat from the area. Excess skin is trimmed away and the muscles are tightened. Finally, the incision is closed with sutures.

The patient’s condition is monitored on completion of the surgery. If there are no complications, the patient can return home the same day.

Post-Procedure Recovery and Results

It may take a couple of weeks for your recovery to be complete. Swelling and bruising will be present after the procedure, and strenuous activities should be avoided for some time. Follow-up visits will be needed to help Dr. Patel assess the process of recovery.

Once recovery is complete and the swelling has reduced, the effects of the mini abdominoplasty will become apparent. A mini abdominoplasty will lead to a firmer lower abdomen and can make one look fit, trim, and sculpted.

Find Out More About This Procedure

Scheduling a mini abdominoplasty consultation is quite simple. Contact the office of Dr. Parit Patel, an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, to set up your appointment for a helpful consultation. During this consultation, you can view before-and-after photos and speak with Dr. Patel about the results you’re looking to achieve.