A mini abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is limited to supra-pubic skin removal (skin above the pubic area) and fat removal using liposuction. The patient must have minimal to moderate skin redundancy, a small amount of abdominal fat, and minor to moderate muscle flaccidity. The surgeon aspirates the abdominal fat, removes the supra-pubic skin redundancy, and in cases of muscle flaccidity, the medial part of the abdominal skin is removed. Finally the skin is sutured with the umbilicus preserved.
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Length
One to three hours.
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Anesthesia
This surgery can be performed under general, epidural or local anesthesia with sedation, according to surgeon/patient preference.
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Inpatient/Outpatient
Either is possible depending on the patient’s medical condition and the preference of the surgeon.
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Possible Side Effects
Infection, bruising, delayed healing of the wound or keloid scaring in patients with this predisposition, and post-operative complications. Numbness of abdominal skin will recover after several months.
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Risks
In young, healthy patients the risk is low. Pulmonary embolism is possible but very rare.
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Recovery
The same attention should be taken as for a general or gynecological surgery: seven to ten days of post-operative care. Elastic compression of the abdomen must be used for four weeks.
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Results
The result will last many years, unless the patient gains weight or becomes pregnant.
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