Mini Abdominoplasty - Mini Tummy Tuck - Abdomen Reshaping
Mini Abdominoplasty is similar to a full abdominoplasty but avoids re-siting the umbilicus. It is usually combined with liposuction of the abdominal skin and hips and the recovery time is invariably shorter.
Mini Abdominoplasty - Mini Tummy Tuck - Operation Details
PRE-OPERATIVE
- Weight - Should be close to ideal weight,therefore diet pre-operatively. It is not a correction for obesity.
- Smoking - Essential to stop at least 3 weeks prior to surgery,and until wounds are fully healed or at least 2 weeks after.
- Other scars - Some may prevent full abdominoplasty and the technique will be modified accordingly.
- Drugs - Avoid Aspirin/Ibuprofen type analgesics for 3 weeks before and after your surgery.
OPERATION
- Scar - Bikini line just above the hair line. Muscle tightening may be required especially following pregnancies.
- Sutures - Dissolving buried.
- Drains - Remain in place until significant drainage ceases.
- Dressings - Supportive bandaging, girdle supplied.
POST-OPERATIVE
- Posture - The abdominal skin will feel tight and you are usually unable to stand up straight for several days.
- Skin support - Firm cycling shorts or girdle type pants should be worn for 6 weeks post-operatively day and night, in order to support the abdominal skin.
- Exercise - Avoid vigorous exercise,including lifting of heavy shopping bags etc, for 6 weeks. Moderate exercise such as walking or swimming is recommended at this time.
- Care of scars - Apply Micropore tape (1 inch) along the scar for 3 months to prevent stretching and accelerate scar softening. Vit. E creams may be used after this period.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS
- Pain - Moderate discomfort can be expected.
- Avoid Aspirin/Ibuprofen type analgesics which can increase bruising.
- Bruising - May last for 2 - 3 weeks,and general post-operative swelling may last for several months.
- Wound - Occasional mild infection,invariably responds to a short course of antibiotics.
- Rarely, delayed healing or skin loss.
- Very rarely, serious infection or haematoma requiring drainage.
- Numbness - This is expected in the lower abdominal skin. Invariably lasts for 3-6 months but may be permanent.
- DVT - Leg vein thrombosis is rare. Measures will be taken to keep risk low.
Before & After Photos
