(501) 224-1044
Mini Tummy Tuck
in Little Rock
A mini tummy tuck from triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Yee can complete your weight loss journey. Learn how a mini tummy tuck at our Little Rock, AR, practice can get rid of stubborn fat and excess skin after you’ve lost weight.
Why Choose a Mini Tummy Tuck
Instead of a Full Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy and full tummy tuck have similar benefits when it comes to body contouring. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck that may include a long incision the length of one hip to another, the mini tummy version requires an incision that is about three to five inches long, right below the bikini line and addresses the lower abdominal excess skin.
The results of a mini tummy tuck leave a smaller, less noticeable scar than a regular tummy tuck. If you’ve reached your ideal weight and need to remove a moderate amount of excess skin and fat, the mini tummy version of the surgery may be right for you.
Dr. Yee’s Tummy Tuck Transformations
Suzanne Yee, MD
Triple Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Suzanne Yee is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Little Rock, AR, offering a wide variety of surgical and non-invasive treatments. Her specialized training in facial anatomy and extensive experience make her a trusted choice for patients seeking natural, beautiful results.
Professional Affiliations:
- Board Certified by American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
- Board Certified by American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery
- Board Certified by American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Fellow of American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
- Fellow of American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Inc.
- Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery
To schedule a consultation at our state-of-the-art surgical center, please contact us online or call (501) 224-1044.
Who Is a Mini Tummy Tuck For?
A mini tummy tuck (or mini abdominoplasty) is usually recommended for those who have sagging skin but is not enough to necessitate a full tummy tuck (or standard abdominoplasty). A mini tummy tuck is recommended for patients not focused on the skin above the belly button but only the skin and fat on the lower abdomen below the belly button.
During your consultation at our Little Rock, AR, office, Dr. Yee will assess your overall health to see if the mini tummy surgery is right for you. Factors considered in your candidacy include:
- Excessive skin of the lower abdomen
- Fatty deposits below the navel
- No future pregnancies planned
- Weight loss goal has been reached and is sustainable
- Overall good health
“Huge Boost to My Self-Confidence.”
Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck
Less Scarring
A mini tummy tuck requires a smaller incision to access your lower abdominal area, leaving a smaller scar than a standard tummy tuck. This smaller scar is much easier to hide.
Faster Recovery
Since a mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision than a traditional tummy tuck, there is a shorter recovery period. Most patients are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
Enhanced Figure
With less excess skin and fat, your slimmer figure should give you greater confidence when wearing pool or beach attire. Combining a mini tummy tuck with liposuction can help achieve comprehensive results.
Mini Tummy Tuck Timeline
At Our Little Rock, AR, Facility
1
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Yee will review your medical history and health goals to make sure a mini tummy tuck is right for you. She will also review if your surgery will benefit from additional body contouring procedures like liposuction.
2
Anesthesia
Patients are administered anesthesia to make the surgery more comfortable and prevent feelings of distress or anxiety.
3
Surgery
Dr. Yee will make a horizontal incision below the bikini line, allowing her to trim excess skin and remove fat. The incision is sutured afterward.
4
Recovery
A mini tummy tuck surgery lasts 1-2 hours. As an outpatient procedure, you can return home to recover after resting shortly in our office.
Recovering After Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery
During your pre-operation consultation at our Little Rock, AR, office, Dr. Yee and her staff will tell you what to expect post-surgery and provide you with detailed instructions to follow during recovery. Some highlights of those instructions include:
Wear Compression Garments
To minimize post-op swelling, provide support to healing tissues, and help shape the newly contoured abdomen, patients will wear compression garments for approximately six weeks following mini tummy tuck surgery.
No Heavy Lifting
Patients will experience pain and swelling after the operation. Lifting heavy objects can slow down your recovery period. You should avoid heavy lifting for at least six weeks after surgery or until you receive clearance from Dr. Yee.
Focus on Rest
After you return home from your mini tummy tuck surgery, you will need to rest and take it easy for several days. Patients should avoid heavy lifting and take time off from work as recommended by Dr. Yee.
Engage in Light Activity
As soon as possible after mini tummy tuck surgery, it is important to engage in light physical activity to promote circulation. Walking every 2 hours for 10-15 minutes each day can aid in the healing process and prevent blood clots.
Follow-up Visits with Dr. Yee
Patients will attend follow-up appointments with Dr. Yee to make sure the recovery process is going smoothly. If you experience any excessive pain, bruising or bleeding, contact our Little Rock, AR, office immediately. These may be warning signs of a complication that requires professional care and attention.
Side Effects
After Mini Tummy Tuck
Patients experience the following side effects up to a week after surgery:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Numbness
- Itchy or tight feeling
Dr. Yee can prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort. Staying hydrated and eating a low-sodium diet can help reduce swelling. Feelings of itchiness and numbness should subside as the nerves heal in the months following surgery.
Maintaining Your Results
A mini tummy tuck can eliminate excess skin and flatten your abdomen. However, substantial weight gain or becoming pregnant after surgery could affect the results. Here are recommendations to maintain your mini tummy tuck results:
Keep a Healthy Diet
Eating leafy greens, lean proteins, beans, and whole grains can help prevent weight gain. Avoiding refined or simple carbs. Drinking water will also help you stay in a healthy weight range.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight. At minimum, try to get 20-30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week.
Finished Having Children
Dr. Yee always recommends that female patients wait to have a mini tummy tuck until they are done having children. If women become pregnant after the procedure, it can stretch the skin and stretch abdominal muscles, reversing the results of the surgery.
Minimize Scarring
Though the scar from a mini tummy tuck is concealable with clothing, there are additional things you can do to minimize its appearance. Covering the scar from sun exposure will prevent the scar from becoming thicker and darker. Use skin products after scars have healed to keep them lighter and thinner. Laser treatments can also be performed after surgery to make them less noticeable.
If You're Not a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck
Consider a Full Tummy Tuck
If you’re not qualified for a mini tummy tuck, ask Dr. Yee about a full tummy tuck. An abdominoplasty can address the following after major weight loss or pregnancy:
- Sagging or excess skin
- Stubborn fat
- Stretched or displaced belly button
- Loose or separated abdominal muscles
Revising your abdominal muscles, reshaping the belly button, and tightening wrinkled skin will give you a more toned appearance.
The full abdominoplasty generally requires a longer horizontal incision than the mini version, placed between the hip bones.
Telephone No.501-224-1044
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