When to Consider a Mini Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck is one of the top requested 5 cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. It’s chosen by women and men alike to resculpt and tighten the abdominal muscles and to eliminate loose, wrinkled skin, excess fat tissue and even stretch marks.
Today, I want to talk about the mini abdominoplasty (often referred to as the “scarless tummy tuck” or the mini tummy tuck).
Mini abdominoplasty
The mini abdominoplasty is a variation on the traditional abdominoplasty, suitable for those who have excess fat and/or loose skin only below the navel. Mini abdominoplasty calls for a smaller horizontal incision than the traditional full abdominoplasty, and it’s made near the top of the pubic hair line, enabling you to wear two piece bathing suits and other types of clothing that reveal the mid-body. Excess skin and fat are removed and slightly loosened muscles tightened. Then the skin is pulled downward and sculpted into place. Sometimes the procedure is combined with liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue.
7 possible indicators for a mini-tummy tuck
1. You are within 10% of the ideal weight for your age and height and have good skin elasticity and tone.
2. You have only a small amount of excess fat and loose skin and it’s localized below the navel line (lower abdomen).
3. You are not planning to get pregnant again.
4. You don’t have significant stretch marks that extend over your entire belly & abdomen. Stretch marks are not addressed by a mini-abdominoplasty. However, a full tummy tuck may be able to hide stretch marks.
5. You have a firm upper abdomen with no separation of the muscles, but have some weakness or protrusion between your navel and the top of the pubic mound.
6. Subcutaneous fat (fat that is situated just under the skin) is limited above and below the belly.
7. You have a disciplined diet and exercise regimen. You’ll want to avoid future weight gain to maintain your new shape.
