MINI ABDOMINOPLASTY
Mini Abdominoplasty Consultation
At The Graivier Center, we value our personal relationships with our patients. Each patient is treated as an individual, and as such, is given a personal consultation prior to any treatment. Dr. Graivier and his staff will meet with you to help you make decisions regarding which procedure(s) or treatment(s) will result in achieving your aesthetic goals. The consultation will conclude with a discussion about the desired treatment, your expectations, the benefits and risks associated with the treatment and post-treatment recovery.
Mini Abdominoplasty Surgery
A mini tummy tuck usually does not involve an incision from hip to hip and around the belly button itself (like in a regular abdominoplasty). The abdominal skin is elevated to the level of the belly button and the bulging lower abdominal muscle is repaired. During Dr. Graivier’s mini-abdominoplasty, laser-assisted liposuction is also performed on the upper, lower and outer abdomen to create a more aesthetically pleasing feminine contour.
In some patients, upper abdominal tightening can be performed with the use of an endoscope. An endoscope is a small camera that allows the surgeon to view the internal structures through a smaller incision.
The special instrumentation allows the surgery to be performed with fewer traumas to the surrounding tissues, decreasing overall recovery time. Usually a mini abdominoplasty is performed for people who have bulging of the lower abdominal musculature with the upper abdominal musculature still retaining good tone and firmness.
Mini Abdominoplasty Surgery Recovery
Following your abdominoplasty surgery, dressings and bandages will be applied to the incisions and you will be placed in a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals following surgery.
Small drainage tubes will be temporarily placed and will come out of the outer end of the incision. No new punctures or incisions are necessary. These will drain any excess fluid and will be removed usually within 5-10 days following surgery.
Patients will be able to do light aerobics three to five days after surgery and increase their exercise level after that. Patients are asked to refrain from serious exercise for at least four weeks after surgery, though it usually takes up to six weeks to return to your pre-surgery energy level.
When to Consider Liposuction
- If you have localized areas of fat deposits that are disproportionate with the rest of your body
- If you would like more definition or a sleeker contour in certain areas of your body
- If your skin elasticity is good (liposuction removes fat, but does not tighten skin)
- If you have maintained a stable body weight for one to two years
