What is Mini Abdominoplasty?
Mini Abdominoplasty or a mini tummy tuck differs from a full abdominoplasty in at least one respect; only the skin below the belly-button is elevated and “redraped”. The umbilicus is usually left alone although the skin around it may be temporarily detached to allow access to the upper part of the abdomen and tightening of the muscles. This surgery is for women with a little extra skin confined to the lower abdomen, often above a tight C-section scar and with a minimal stretching of the abdominal muscles. It is also an option for women who do not want a full abdominoplasty and a longer recovery. An alternative procedure is a panniculectomy or apronectomy for women with a fatty pannus or apron that hangs down over the pubic area.
Some women with limited or no extra skin, have significant stretching of the paired abdominal rectus muscles. These can be tightened, just as in a full abdominoplasty by repairing the gap between the rectus muscles from the pubic area to the top of the abdomen (xiphoid). The benefits of a mini tummy tuck extend to the pubic area which is lifted and tightened, but not to the upper thighs as in a full tummy tuck. Mini-abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction of the upper abdomen. A full tummy tuck is needed for significant extra skin, fat or stretch marks above the belly-button.
A mini tummy tuck is also done to improve results of a previous full abdominoplasty. Extra skin above the abdominoplasty scar and dog-ears at the ends of the previous scar, can be corrected with excision of skin or liposuction alone. Further liposuction can be done of the front and sides of the tummy to improve the overall contour.
