Abdominoplasty Using the Mini Tummy Tuck Technique

Sep 5, 2014 @ 09:00 AM — by Dina Eliopoulos

Abdominoplasty Using the Mini Tummy Tuck Technique

Tummy tuck surgery, clinically known as abdominoplasty, has helped thousands of women and men refine their contours and achieve trimmer, fitter abdominal regions. As with any plastic surgery procedure, however, one size most certainly does not fit all when it comes to tummy tuck. While some patients are looking to dramatically transform their bodies, others want simply to make more subtle changes to their figures.

At the Center for Plastic Surgery in Chelmsford, the mini tummy tuck technique is designed to fulfill the needs and goals of the latter type of patient. Dr. Dina Eliopoulos has devoted her career to producing exceptional, natural-looking plastic surgery results for her patients, and she takes the time to truly listen to them and understand their needs and goals. She customizes the mini tummy tuck procedure to give her patients personalized results that will make them look and feel their absolute best for years to come.

What is a mini tummy tuck?

The mini tummy tuck is a variation of the traditional tummy tuck; however, it involves smaller incisions that do not extend from hip to hip, as would be the case with a traditional tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck also limits the scope of the procedure to the abdominal skin below the belly button.

During the procedure, Dr. Eliopoulos removes excess fat from the lower abdomen and tightens the underlying musculature. She then pulls the abdominal skin taut and excises loose, overhanging skin. Finally, she sutures the incisions closed. Surgical drains are placed to ensure that excess fluids do not accumulate in the treatment area, and the patient enters the post-surgical healing phase. Because mini tummy tuck involves smaller incisions than other forms of abdominoplasty, the healing period is proportionately shorter and somewhat more comfortable, with reduced risk of post-surgical complications such as infection, bleeding, and bruising.

Mini Tummy Tuck Candidates

Mini tummy tuck surgery is intended for patients who wish to address protruding abdominal skin only below the belly and above the pubic area. Patients who are concerned with the appearance of the entire abdominal region may be better served by full tummy tuck surgery, while those who also wish to address the flanks (“love handles”) should probably consider the option of an extended tummy tuck.

Otherwise, suitable mini tummy tuck candidates should:

  • Be in good enough health to undergo an invasive surgical procedure
  • Be reasonably close to their healthy body weights, as mini tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure
  • Have reasonable expectations of the surgery, understanding that their results will be more subtle than those possible with full and extended tummy tuck surgery
  • Be willing to follow all post-surgical instructions precisely
  • If they smoke, be willing to quit smoking during the recovery period in order to facilitate healing
  • Be willing to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain the results of their tummy tuck procedures

Learn More about Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

To learn more about abdominoplasty using the mini tummy tuck technique, or to schedule your initial consultation with top Massachusetts plastic surgeon Dr. Eliopoulos, please contact the Center for Plastic Surgery today.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Dina Eliopoulos today

(978) 275-9440

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