TUMMY TUCK IN AUSTIN

A Mini-Tummy Tuck is the same procedure as a full tummy tuck, just performed on a patient with less fat and skin to remove. The “mini” refers to the amount of fat and skin removed.

During a mini-tummy tuck, your Personique plastic surgeon will make a small incision similar to the incision made during a cesarean section. Through this incision, they will tighten loose abdominal muscles, remove excess fat, and remove excess skin to flatten and smooth your abdominal wall.

The incision, typically just a few inches long, will be made along your bikini line. Scars from this procedure are small and easily concealed by underwear and swimwear. There is also less scarring because, unlike a full tummy tuck, your belly button will not be moved or reconstructed.

This technique is similar to a standard Abdominoplasty, but the procedure also targets fat on the flanks and lower back. An extended tummy tuck is generally recommended for patients with excess tissue around the entirety of their waist, as opposed to just the stomach.

Your surgeon will make an incision under your stomach from the back of one hip bone to the other. They will make an additional incision around your navel so that it can be repositioned in a way that complements your new form. Extraneous fat and loose skin are surgically removed from your abdominal area, in addition to any undesirable tissue along your hips or behind them.

Your underlying muscles will also be tightened to create smoother curves, as will your skin, and when the contouring process is complete, your navel will be properly positioned. Once complete, your incisions will be stitched up. Many doctors recommend an overnight stay following an extended tummy tuck surgery, so please make necessary preparations ahead of time if this is discussed.

This surgery is more extensive than the traditional technique, so patients should expect a significant change in their waist size and proportions. For patients hoping to remove a larger degree of fatty tissue, liposuction may also be used for a more comprehensive body contouring procedure.

Personique® performs tummy tucks in Austin on both men and women alike. Several different tummy tuck techniques range from a mini-tummy tuck to full abdominoplasty surgery. The technique that is best for you will depend on your situation and how much excess skin and fat needs to be removed.

Once the anesthesia has been administered, a horizontal incision is made just below the bikini area. The length of this incision depends on the amount of excess fat and skin to be removed. The incision can typically be concealed under most swimsuits and undergarments.

Your surgeon will then place sutures in the fascia of the abdominal muscles. The muscles are then pulled and stitched back together at the body’s mid-line to create a flatter tummy shape.

Once the muscles have been repaired, excess fat is removed either by liposuction, manual extraction, or both.

Next, the skin is pulled down over the incision line, and the excess skin is excised.

At this point, your surgeon will cut a hole in the re-draped skin and suture it around your navel to fashion a new belly button.

Finally, once the skin is secured in place, your incisions are closed up.

The result is a tighter, flatter midsection.

Most of our tummy tucks are performed on an outpatient procedure and patients can return home the same day of the surgery. You will need to arrange for a family member or trusted friend to pick you up from the clinic. It is recommended to have someone stay with you for the first day or so to help out during this time.

The Abdominoplasty recovery process will likely consist of minor bruising and swelling for the first week. Some pain and discomfort may be experienced in the first few days, which can be controlled with medication prescribed to you by your doctor. Your level of pain will depend on the extent of your tummy tuck procedure, as well as your pain tolerance. After a few days, pain and swelling will begin to dissipate. Some bruising may remain but this will go away with time as well.

You will be given instructions on showering and changing your dressings post-op. Most doctors will recommend that a surgical compression garment should be worn the first few weeks after surgery to reduce swelling. You may also be instructed to wear a compression hose for a period of time to reduce the risk of clots forming in the legs.

Though you should minimize physical activity for the first few weeks, patients are encouraged to begin light walking as soon as they can to promote the healing process and prevent clots. However, too much exercise initially can hinder tummy tuck recovery.

As long as you follow your surgeon’s post-op directions, your tummy tuck recovery should go smoothly and most patients are back at work within 10 days. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled for after your procedure. These appointments will provide your surgeon with feedback on your tummy tuck recovery and you can get answers to any questions or concerns you may have regarding your tummy tuck recovery period.

The first follow-up appointment is typically for drain removal, which may or may not coincide with the removal of your sutures. Depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty procedure, your surgeon may require you to come in more or less frequently.

Your new weight loss and figure may be visible within a week of your surgery and will continue to improve over time as the swelling goes down, achieving a smoother contour.