Refine Your Figure: Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery By Oren Zvi Lerman, M.D. on April 06, 2015

Of the many body contouring procedures in plastic surgery, none is as time-tested and effective as abdominoplasty, better known as the “tummy tuck.” Tummy tuck surgery has enabled millions of patients worldwide to tone their midsections and eliminate stubborn excess fat and hanging skin that made them look less fit and healthy than they actually were. Tummy tuck surgery continues to be one of the most popular procedures in plastic surgery, helping patients who are near or at their ideal weights to refine their figures and look and feel their absolute best.

One of the greatest benefits of the tummy tuck procedure is that it can easily be customized to the precise needs and goals of each individual patient. For patients who wish to achieve dramatic results, the procedure can be extended beyond its conventional scope to encompass the entire abdominal region plus the flanks and the back. Conversely, for patients who wish to address just a small, isolated collection of fat from below their belly buttons and above their pubic regions, the procedure can be adjusted accordingly using the mini tummy tuck technique. This technique produces excellent results through minimal incisions, which in turn results in minimal scarring and downtime.

At the practice of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon Oren Z. Lerman in Manhattan, the mini tummy tuck technique can be used on its own or in combination with other plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction and breast lift as part of a comprehensive body contouring plan. Mini tummy tuck is commonly incorporated into the increasingly popular “mommy makeover” at our practice, as well. To find out whether you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty using the mini tummy tuck technique, you are invited to meet with Dr. Lerman at his state-of-the-art office at your earliest convenience.

What is the mini tummy tuck technique

As the name implies, the mini tummy tuck technique is a scaled-down version of the traditional tummy tuck. Instead of accounting for the entire abdominal region, the mini tummy tuck addresses only the area beneath the belly button and above the pubic region. Dr. Lerman creates a small incision in the lower abdomen, through which he removes excess fat and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles. He then pulls the skin taut and excises any excess skin. After carefully suturing the incision closed, he places surgical drains to ensure that fluids are not allowed to build up and interfere with the healing process.

The post-surgical healing period associated with the mini tummy tuck is shorter and more comfortable than that associated with the standard tummy tuck. Nevertheless, patients should expect to follow Dr. Lerman’s post-surgical instructions carefully in order to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications and side effects. Although the scar resulting from mini tummy tuck surgery will be minimal compared to that resulting from other tummy tuck techniques, it will still be visible and permanent. However, it can be concealed behind most clothing.