Mini Tummy Tuck in Houston, TX

Stubborn abdominal fat, loose muscles, or excess skin may leave you feeling less confident about yourself. While exercise and dietary measures can help, these do not always work. A mini tummy tuck – also referred to as mini-abdominoplasty – is an abdominal contouring procedure that aims to achieve a flatter and tighter abdominal profile. Many patients who undergo this procedure experience a redeemed sense of self-esteem and confidence.

Houston plastic surgeons offer mini tummy tuck procedures to both men and women in Houston and surrounding Texas areas. The surgeon uses a smaller incision to tighten loose muscles, get rid of stubborn fat, and tighten loose abdominal skin. Tummy tuck specialists understand that the needs of each patient are unique and often need a customized treatment plan. Houston mini-tummy tuck patients need professionalism and commitment to results and safety.

Mini Tummy Tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is easily confused with a full tummy tuck. However, this procedure is a less invasive version of a full abdominoplasty. The scope of a full tummy tuck is to provide muscle repair and a significant amount of skin tightening on both the upper and lower abdominal areas. A mini tummy tuck – on the other hand – is primarily designed to tighten the areas below the belly button. Incisions are shorter, leading to a smaller scar.

Candidates

Our bodies can change unfavorably with time, even when we are healthy and have a stable weight. Many people experience undesirable abdominal changes due to natural aging, previous surgeries, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. Genetics could also have an impact on how your body – and specifically the abdominal region – changes with time. You may be an ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck in Houston if:

  • You are in good physical and emotional health.
  • You live in or are traveling to the Houston, TX area.
  • You have a small amount of skin wrinkling or sagging in the lower abdomen as a result of childbirth or weight fluctuations.
  • You have stubborn belly fat that is restricted to the area under the navel.
  • You have realistic expectations about the outcome of this procedure.

While abdominoplasty is a fairly common procedure, only about 20% of all tummy tuck patients are good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. This treatment can be very satisfying when performed on the right individual. During your initial visit to a Houston tummy tuck clinic, the surgeon will listen to your concerns and examine your belly before recommending a way forward. Patients who have significant excess skin and stubborn fat on both the lower and upper abdomen may be more suited for a full tummy tuck rather than a mini tummy tuck.

Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck

For the right patients, a mini tummy tuck can offer unique benefits:

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Shorter Incision

A mini tummy tuck addresses moderate skin laxity in the lower abdomen area and does not entail reconstruction of the navel. As a result, this cosmetic procedure entails a shorter incision length and there is no risk of scarring around the belly button.
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Shorter Surgery Time

A mini-abdominoplasty is a less extensive treatment compared to a traditional tummy tuck. While a full tummy tuck takes between 2 and 4 hours, a mini tummy tuck can be completed in as little as 1-2 hours. Furthermore, the surgical team may be able to use a local anesthetic with IV sedation in the place of general anesthesia.
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Reduced Recovery Time

A less extensive surgery means less recovery time. Patients who undergo a mini tummy tuck in Houston are able to return to work within a week, compared to as much as 3 – 6 weeks after full abdominoplasty. The recovery downtime is also less tasking with a mini tummy tuck and most patients are able to complete simple tasks within just a few days.

The Mini Abdominoplasty Surgery

During your mini-abdominoplasty procedure in Houston, An anesthesiologist will sedate you to ensure your safety and keep you comfortable throughout the treatment. The surgeon will then create a small incision below the navel, along the waistline. This incision is much smaller and is limited to the center of the lower belly. The surgeon may use liposuction to get rid of excess fat before excising the excess skin. Once the desired changes have been made, the surgeon will pull the remaining skin tight and close the incision using sutures. The treatment area will then be bandaged and the patient placed in the an observation room. The nursing team will monitor your vitals for an hour or more before you are stable to go home to continue with recovery.

Mini Tummy Tuck Recovery

You will need someone to drive you home and help out with basic chores (at least for a day or two) following a mini tummy tuck. The recovery process after a mini tummy tuck is easier compared to recovering from a complete tummy tuck. You may be required to wear elastic bands for a few weeks. Many patients experience bruising and a level of discomfort. Post-operative pain relief may be achieved by using a long-duration local anesthetic. Your plastic surgeon will provide detailed recovery instructions that you should adhere to in order to help with an uninterrupted recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for a partial tummy tuck?

Taking proactive steps to prepare for your mini tummy tuck can result in favorable procedure outcomes and an easier recovery stretch. Your surgeon will recommend that you do the following (at least a few weeks before the surgery) in order to ensure a successful procedure experience.

  1. Quit smoking
  2. Limit or completely avoid alcohol intake
  3. Refrain from taking certain anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin) and herbal supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding post-procedure.
  4. Get your recovery supplies ahead of time.
  5. Arrange for a friend or close relative to drive you home and help out with basic chores after the surgery.

If you are worried about anything, make sure to let the surgeon know well before the surgery. Some anxiety is to be expected. You should feel fairly mentally and physically relaxed before this cosmetic procedure is performed.

How long will mini tummy tuck results last?

Results after a mini tummy tuck can last for many years. Your surgeon will recommend that you maintain optimal body weight and focus on a healthy diet in order to get the most out of this procedure. It is also important to note that getting pregnant may reverse the gains of this cosmetic treatment. In some cases, Your surgeon will more than likely recommend that you wait until after childbearing before undergoing a mini tummy tuck.

How much does a mini tummy tuck cost?

The cost of a mini tummy tuck in Houston can vary from $3,500 to $8,000 depending on factors such as the specifics of the treatment, experience level of the surgeon, and facility fees. Health insurers typically do not pay for abdominal surgery if it is performed for cosmetic reasons. During your first office visit to your mini tummy tuck surgeon’s Houston office, the team will provide an initial cost estimate so you can make your own financing arrangements.