Difference between a mini and full abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck, is the common name used to refer to abdominal wall surgery, is medically known as abdominoplasty and also one of the top body sculpting procedure. It is usually done to correct stomach flabbiness caused by excess skin, fat or loose muscles after diet and exercise have failed to restore them to their youthful contour. A abdominoplasty may be full or minimal depending on the amount of correction needed. Mini tummy tuck is a variation of the traditional full tummy tuck which targets smaller areas of the abdomen. A consultation with Dr. Bloch at Body by Bloch will help you understand the right procedure for your condition.
What is the difference between both procedures?
Before a partial or full procedure begins, you will be given anesthesia to keep you pain-free throughout the procedure. A full abdominoplasty makes use of a hip to hip incision just above your pubic hairline. Through the incision, your surgeon removes excess fat tissue, skin and tightens loose ab muscles. The navel is repositioned followed by closure of incision with sutures. Tiny tubes to drain your incision will be inserted just beneath your skin.
Dr. Bloch your tummy tuck surgeon will suggest a mini abdominoplasty for patients with less abdominal fat or mild skin laxity on their mid-abdominal area. This surgery uses a smaller incision similar to the one used in cesarean section made just above the pubic region. Through the incision, extra lower abdominal skin and fat are removed. Mini-tummy tuck doesn’t require navel relocation. Skin is then sutured and drains placed before dressing with firm gauze.
Recovery
Pain and discomfort are normal but prescription medication which includes pain relievers will help you stay comfortable. Prescribed antibiotics will prevent potential infection on your surgery sites. Drains and stitches will be removed after 1 to 3 days. You will however need to wear a compression garment for the next few weeks for support and rapid healing. Dr. Bloch will restrain you from any tedious activities for about 6 weeks. You will also be advised to rest with your knees bent to prevent pressure mounting on your abdomen. The mini one has quicker recovery compared to full procedure. In about 3 to 4 weeks after mini abdominoplasty, you will be able to go back to work. It may take similar or longer time for full abdominoplasty to allow you to resume work. Whichever the case, follow up care is always important for your safety.
What is the difference between both procedures?
Before a partial or full procedure begins, you will be given anesthesia to keep you pain-free throughout the procedure. A full abdominoplasty makes use of a hip to hip incision just above your pubic hairline. Through the incision, your surgeon removes excess fat tissue, skin and tightens loose ab muscles. The navel is repositioned followed by closure of incision with sutures. Tiny tubes to drain your incision will be inserted just beneath your skin.
Dr. Bloch your tummy tuck surgeon will suggest a mini abdominoplasty for patients with less abdominal fat or mild skin laxity on their mid-abdominal area. This surgery uses a smaller incision similar to the one used in cesarean section made just above the pubic region. Through the incision, extra lower abdominal skin and fat are removed. Mini-tummy tuck doesn’t require navel relocation. Skin is then sutured and drains placed before dressing with firm gauze.
Recovery
Pain and discomfort are normal but prescription medication which includes pain relievers will help you stay comfortable. Prescribed antibiotics will prevent potential infection on your surgery sites. Drains and stitches will be removed after 1 to 3 days. You will however need to wear a compression garment for the next few weeks for support and rapid healing. Dr. Bloch will restrain you from any tedious activities for about 6 weeks. You will also be advised to rest with your knees bent to prevent pressure mounting on your abdomen. The mini one has quicker recovery compared to full procedure. In about 3 to 4 weeks after mini abdominoplasty, you will be able to go back to work. It may take similar or longer time for full abdominoplasty to allow you to resume work. Whichever the case, follow up care is always important for your safety.