A mini tummy tuck, also known as a mini abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that is used to remove excess skin and fat around the lower region of the stomach. While a full abdominoplasty is a more comprehensive procedure, a mini tummy tuck allows for smaller improvements when contouring the stomach.
Men choose to undergo the procedure for a variety of reasons. Regaining abdominal firmness can significantly improve a patient’s body image and boost confidence levels. It is usually necessary after experiencing a massive drop in weight or when there is an excess amount of skin that won’t disappear after committing to numerous fitness routines.
Before the Procedure
During your initial consultation, your doctor will ask you about your full medical background, including any medications you’re currently taking and health conditions you may have. He will suggest changes that you may need to make before the surgery to limit the chances of any complications and optimize the healing process.
Patients are often required to be within or close to their ideal weight before undergoing the procedure because frequent changes in weight after the surgery can adversely affect the results you experience. If you’re not within your desired weight range, your surgeon may advise you to postpone the procedure to a later date.
If you are a smoker, it is important for you to quit a few weeks before and after the surgery to minimize risks. During your consultation, it is important to talk to your doctor about your goals and the results you expect to gain from the procedure.
Your doctor will analyze your body and create a customized solution to satisfy your specific needs. Any questions you have about the procedure will also be addressed during your initial consultation.
The Procedure
Before the procedure begins, your surgeon will administer general anesthesia to make you more comfortable. He will then make an incision along the trunk line of the lower abdominal line. This incision is horizontal and smaller compared to the incision made for a full tummy tuck and is only a few inches long.
Once the incision is made, your surgeon will remove excess skin, tighten the underlying tissues, and may also use liposuction to remove excess fat. Once the desired results are achieved, the incision is closed and dressed with bandages. In some cases, thin drainage tubes might be placed to drain excess fluid from the area.
After the Procedure
Once the surgery is complete, you will be observed for a short period of time before being discharged. It is necessary for you to receive the help of loved ones as you will be unable to perform basic tasks like driving, bending, and stretching until you recover. If the incision is held together using sutures, they will be removed one to two weeks after the surgery.
Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 2 months after the surgery. You will be advised to take a week or at least three to four days off from work to give your body time to recover. Specific care instructions will be provided to you by your doctor. Follow them to optimize the healing process. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to check on your recovery progress.
Schedule a Mini Tummy Tuck Appointment
A mini tummy tuck can help improve your appearance and fill you with confidence. It requires a skilled hand and attention to detail that you can only get from a board-certified plastic surgeon. Contact us to speak with Doctor Bivik Shah, board-certified plastic surgeon, to learn more about the benefits a mini tummy tuck can provide to men.