Looking To Firm Up Your Tummy? What You Should Know About Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

If you've been struggling to get rid of the residual abdominal fat after having children, you may want to consider a mini tummy tuck procedure. Unlike a full tummy tuck, this procedure focuses solely on your lower abdominal area. The mini tummy tuck will help you to eliminate the loose skin pouch and help repair damaged muscles from childbirth. Here's a look at what you should know about mini tummy tucks before you decide to undergo the procedure.

Are You A Good Candidate?

The mini tummy tuck procedure isn't right for everyone. Since the mini tummy tuck procedure isn't intended for weight loss, you should be at a comfortable weight already. As long as you don't have a lot of weight to lose or any plans to become pregnant again, you may be a candidate for the procedure.

Make sure that you know what you hope to accomplish with the procedure. Having realistic expectations will help you to determine if this is the right option for you. The goal of the mini tummy tuck is to eliminate the extra skin and small deposits of fat that sit in the lower abdomen. Since it is such a localized procedure, it doesn't offer much for widespread weight loss or the elimination of stretch marks.

What Does The Procedure Consist Of?

The process of a mini tummy tuck involves an incision in your lower abdomen. The incision will typically be placed low enough that the resulting scar will still be covered even if you wear a two-piece swimsuit. Since the procedure is locally focused, the incision required is typically much smaller than you would have with a standard tummy tuck procedure.

After the incision, any residual fatty tissue in the area will be removed. Then, your surgeon will repair any damaged muscles in your abdominal area and trim excess skin away to firm up your lower abdomen area again. Once the procedure is finished, your incision will be closed with sutures and then it will be wrapped with compression fabric to keep swelling at bay.

How Does The Recovery Process Go?

After the surgery, you will have a couple of weeks of recovery. Luckily, the limited surgical area means that your recovery period is typically faster than that of a full tummy tuck. You can expect some tenderness in the abdominal area for several days after the surgery, especially when you try to stand upright. Follow your surgeon's recommendations for returning to normal activity, as he or she can take any additional medical considerations into account.

If you are bothered by the excess belly fat that's left after having your children, a mini tummy tuck may be an easier and more reasonable solution than a full tummy tuck procedure. Understanding the procedure and its benefits is the first step. Talk with your surgeon about your questions like "How much does a tummy tuck cost?" and "What can I expect from the procedure?"