Mini Tummy Tuck in Houston and Lake Jackson, TX
Also known as abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic procedure for men and women that removes excess sagging skin from their lower abdominal region. It can reduce stretch marks, especially under the belly button, and narrow the waist with the added liposuction.
- The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure
- Am I a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck Houston & Lake Jackson?
- How Does the Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure Work in Houston & Lake Jackson?
- What Are the Risks of Mini Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery?
- How Much Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Cost?
- How Should I Prepare for Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery in Houston & Lake Jackson?
- What Is the Recovery From a Mini Tummy Tuck Like?
- Mini Tummy Tuck FAQ
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini-tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure designed for patients with limited skin laxity and excess skin relegated below the belly button. Many people think it implies a shorter incision, but that is not the case. It refers to removing some skin in the lower abdomen without incising around the belly button or tightening the muscles above it.
The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure
This plastic surgery procedure aims to restore firmness and smoothness to the area below the belly button. Unlike a full tummy tuck, this procedure targets a narrow portion of loose skin on the lower abdomen.
At Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, we perform liposuction as part of full abdominoplasty procedures to remove extra stubborn fat. Depending on the amount of excess fat a patient has, we may do the same for some mini tummy tucks. This helps contour the abdomen and surrounding areas, which is hard to do with surgery alone.
Am I a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck
Houston & Lake Jackson?
If you have loose or excess skin beneath your belly button that cannot be removed by exercising and a healthy diet and are near your ideal weight, then you are a good candidate for this cosmetic surgery.
In addition, you can relate to any of the following situations:
- You are not happy with how your lower abdominal region looks between the belly button and pubic bone.
- You want to remove stubborn and excess skin around your belly.
- You have weak or separated abdominal muscles that need to be tightened.
- You are not pregnant and aren’t planning a future pregnancy.
At Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, we will discuss your reasons for wanting the procedure, including your specific needs, goals, and expectations. We will also ensure you are physically fit and healthy, and emotionally stable before approving you as a candidate.
If you want to lose weight or become pregnant in the future, you should not have a mini tummy tuck. It’s important to understand that significant weight gain or loss after the procedure may affect results and cause abdominal muscles to stretch back to their previous positions.
All our patients must be willing to follow a healthy diet and exercise regime to maintain surgery results. Lastly, you should have realistic expectations of your mini tummy tuck before and after. Houston and Lake Jackson tummy tuck patients are always guided by our doctors, so they know what to expect from the surgery.
Health issues that may be a factor include:
- Diabetes
- Past reactions to anesthesia
- Disorders that impact blood clotting
- Disorders of the immune system
It’s best to make an appointment with our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Yarish or Dr. Bartlett, so they can assess your unique health profile and determine if you qualify.
Get In Touch
It’s best to make an appointment with our board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Yarish or Dr. Bartlett, so they can assess your unique health profile and determine if you qualify.
How Does the Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure Work in Houston & Lake Jackson, TX?
A mini tummy tuck may take between two and three hours to perform, depending on your surgical needs and treatment plan. All our tummy tuck surgeries are performed under general anesthesia.
During the procedure, an incision is made to your lower abdomen, above the pubic area. Your umbilicus remains intact and attached to the underlying abdominal muscles and skin.
Your abdominal skin will be elevated off your abdominal wall, after which your lower abdominal wall musculature will be tightened using a special suture. These muscles are then brought together in the midline, strengthening your core.
The abdominal skin is then pulled downwards, and the excess skin is removed. With a mini tummy tuck, there is no scarring around the navel. Sometimes, we perform liposuction to remove excess fat, especially at the flanks and hips.
What Are the Risks of Mini Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery?
As with all surgeries, there are always risks. At Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, we use the best technology and adhere to industry-standard protocols to minimize them. Below are some potential risks associated with mini tummy tucks.
- Surgical and anesthetic complications
- Bruising, bleeding, and hematoma
- Seroma
- Infection
- Skin, Tissue, or Fat Necrosis
- Nerve Damage
- Scarring
- Dissatisfaction with aesthetic results
How Should I Prepare for Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery in Houston and Lake Jackson, TX?
To undergo a tummy tuck, you will need to stop smoking or using any products that contain nicotine for at least four weeks before the surgery. You will also need to arrange help for at least a week after the surgery during your recovery period, as you won’t be able to drive or do vigorous activity.
What Are the Risks of Mini Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery?
As with all surgeries, there are always risks. At Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, we use the best technology and adhere to industry-standard protocols to minimize them. Below are some potential risks associated with mini tummy tucks.
- Surgical and anesthetic complications
- Bruising, bleeding, and hematoma
- Seroma
- Infection
- Skin, Tissue, or Fat Necrosis
- Nerve Damage
- Scarring
- Dissatisfaction with aesthetic results
How Much Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Cost?
It’s best to book a consultation so that we can provide you with accurate pricing. The cost of a mini tummy tuck depends on the extent of the surgery required, the surgeon’s expertise, diagnostics, lab test fees, operating room, anesthesia expenses, and post-op costs.
What Can I Expect During Recovery From a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Most of our Houston and Lake Jackson tummy tuck patients go home the same day after surgery. We will see you the day after surgery in the office and at regular intervals to remove drains and evaluate your progress and healing.
Our patients are expected to ambulate after the surgery to prevent blood clots. Short walks around the house are good during the early stage of recovery, and as your body heals, you can increase the frequency and length of your walks to assist the recovery process. In the initial post-operative period, we recommend keeping your hips flexed and avoiding straightening your torso to prevent incision strain.
You won’t be allowed to do any strenuous activities during the first two to four weeks after surgery. Also, avoid taking full baths for at least a month after the surgery. Do not drive for at least five days and up to two weeks.
At Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Yarish and Dr. Bartlett will monitor you through follow-up appointments to ensure your healing is on track. We customize all our surgical plans for the best results.
Mini Tummy Tuck FAQ
What can I expect after my mini tummy tuck?
After a mini tummy tuck procedure, most patients can go home the same day. You can expect to return to the office for a follow-up appointment the next day so we can assess how your body is healing. Right after surgery and for the first portion of recovery, you won’t be able to do any heavy lifting, intense workouts, or other strenuous activities. You can also expect not to be able to drive or take a bath.
How long will my mini tummy tuck procedure take?
The time varies depending on the patient and their goals. The mini tummy tuck takes around two to three hours to complete.
Will there be any pain during the procedure?
Since mini tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia, patients don’t feel any pain during the procedure. It is common to experience some pain and swelling during the first few days of recovery after surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication if needed, while anesthetic blocks will be performed during the procedure to help with discomfort for the first three days after surgery.
How long is mini tummy tuck recovery?
Mini tummy tuck recovery is faster than a traditional tummy tuck recovery. During the first phase of recovery, five days to two weeks after surgery, you will not be able to drive. Two to four weeks after the procedure, you’ll have to continue to refrain from intense physical activity. Many patients are fully recovered around six weeks after surgery.
When can I expect results from my mini tummy tuck?
After surgery, the swelling in the treatment area will initially prevent you from seeing the full extent of your mini tummy tuck results. Everyone’s body heals at different rates, so you may experience swelling for a few months. Once your body has fully recovered, you can see and enjoy your firmer, flatter, and smoother lower abdomen.
What are the best procedures to combine?
Mini tummy tucks are often combined with liposuction for patients who have a lot of excess fat in their lower abdomen. Many women who are having a mini tummy tuck after pregnancy may choose to have a Mommy Makeover, adding liposuction and some type of breast procedure (breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction).
At Town and Country Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Yarish and Dr. Bartlett will monitor you through follow-up appointments to ensure your healing is on track. We customize all our surgical plans for the best results.
Get In Touch
