Mini
Tummy Tuck
A much less invasive procedure
Abdominal flaccidity may look anaesthetic even when it's not too pronounced. If yours bothers you and is limited to the area below the navel, the solution is mini tummy tuck surgery, a much less invasive procedure than traditional tummy tuck surgery.
What results should I expect?
What a mini tummy tuck does
- It eliminates the excess skin and fat from the abdomen, as long as it is limited to the area below the navel. If your problem is that annoying roll of fat showing above your bikini, this is the right procedure for you.
- It makes it easier to treat, at the same time, pre-existing conditions such as hernias or eventrations.
What a mini tummy tuck does not do
- Unlike traditional tummy tuck surgery, which is a much more complicated procedure, it does not eliminate flaccidity or fat in the area above the navel, nor does it allow tightening of the abdominal muscles to narrow the waist.
- When the skin has good elasticity and the fat deposits are small, liposuction is a more adequate treatment.
The surgery
Anesthesia & duration
Local anesthesia with sedation, or general anesthesia.
About 60 minutes.
There is no need to be hospitalized.
How it is performed
The surgeon makes a horizontal or slightly curved incision of about 6 inches (15 cm) just above the pubic hair. He trims the excess skin and closes the incision with stitches. Since this area is not exposed to tension, the wound tends to heal very well.
A drainage tube is placed to drain the excess fluids during the first hours, and a bandage is applied.
Recovery period
Bandages
You will have to wear a special garment on the treated area for about two or three weeks. Thin drainage tubes drain excess fluids and reduce the incidence of bruises.
Pain
Mild to moderate. The surgeon will indicate you to take analgesics every 6 or 8 hours; this will make you feel quite relieved.
Day 10
You may go back to work about 10 days after the surgery, if it is a sedentary one. If it involves lifting or physical activities, wait two to four more weeks.
Month 1
You will be able to show up in public wearing a bathing suit after about a month.
Swelling and bruises
Bruises are not likely to develop. The inflammation is moderate and takes some days to go away.
Scars
The resulting scar will be of about 6 inches (15 cm) just above the pubic hair. It will always be concealed by your underwear or bathing suit. In due time, it will turn to a pale pink and will become less and less visible.
The first weeks after the surgery tend to be long and unpleasant. During this period, some people may feel quite depressed. It's quite normal to feel this way after any kind of surgery, no matter how simple it may be. You may even come to think that you made a big mistake. But don't worry. Most of the people who are happy today and who are satisfied with the results obtained, have also felt somewhat depressed.
Risks and complications
Every surgery, no matter how simple it may be, has certain risks. However, it is very unlikely for mini tummy tuck surgery to present any complications when performed by a qualified surgeon.
Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Infections may develop but, if you take the right antibiotics, they will be less likely to develop.
Uneven scars that may need to be corrected by a simple surgical procedure.
Pulmonary thrombosis. If a blood clot travels through the bloodstream and reaches the lungs, it may cause a cardiopulmonary arrest. To prevent this, try to get up and to move your legs as soon as you can.
Large bruises that may need to be drained.
Seromas, or fluid accumulation beneath the skin, may develop. In some cases, they will have to be drained with a syringe.
Skin necrosis occurs in a very small percentage of cases, but it can be treated if dealt with in time.
Finally, the outcome…
Your abdomen will be flatter and firmer for a long time. The results of a mini tummy tuck surgery are permanent and most of the patients are satisfied with the benefits obtained. All in all, they consider that their bodies look much better after the surgery, in spite of the scar.
Our patients are provided with:
- Bilingual Assistants & Land Transportation from and to the airport, medical appointments and surgery.
- Translators during hospitalization to better communicate with the nurses.
- Cell phone to call the staff 24/7 at no charge.