Mini Tummy Tuck
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.
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 is Certified By Multiple Boards Contact Her Little Rock, AR, Plastic Surgery Practice Today
Having a triple board-certified plastic surgeon can help put your mind at ease when it comes to mini-abdominoplasty.
Dr. Suzanne Yee is board certified by:
- The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery
- The American Board of Otolaryngology
- The American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Yee prides herself on her honesty and her ability to make patients feel comfortable about their decision to undergo cosmetic procedures. If you're ready for a leaner, toned abdomen, send our practice a message or call:
"I Am Extremely Happy With the Results"
Visited with Dr. Yee about cosmetic surgery and elected to have a procedure. I am extremely happy with the results. Dr. Yee and her staff were very professional and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. She has created a very customer-centric business that operates like clockwork. Everything was explained, timetables were met, goals were achieved and follow-up has been fantastic. They do all that and still make you feel like you have been a customer for years.
Scott Hastings
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).
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
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 one to three weeks after surgery.
Enhanced Figure
Patients will have a tighter waistline after the swelling has faded. 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
A typical mini tummy tuck surgery lasts around 1-2 hours.
Chose an Award Winning Surgeon For Your Plastic Surgery in Little Rock, AR
When undergoing a mini tummy tuck, it’s important to pick a plastic surgeon with a record of successful results. For the past decade, Dr. Suzanne Yee has received numerous awards as a doctor and businesswoman here in Little Rock. In 2021 alone, Dr. Yee was awarded:
- "Top Doc" by the Arkansas Times
- "Best Of" recipient by About You Magazine
- "Most Admired Business" by Arkansas Money & Politics Magazine
Since 2004, Dr. Yee has consistently received awards at the state and national levels for her work as a cosmetic surgeon. Experience her award-winning work yourself. Contact our office to set up an appointment or call her today at:
"Highly Recommended"
So happy with my results! Dr. Yee was very professional and gave great advice. The surgery went super well, and she was supportive throughout the process. Would highly recommend Dr. Yee, and will personally revisit her! Thanks to Dr. Yee and her staff, I had a successful surgery and fantastic results. Thanks again! Brittany Allen
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.
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.
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.
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.
As soon as possible after mini tummy tuck surgery, it is important to engage in light physical activity to promote circulation. Walking a little bit 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 move 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.
If You're Not a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck
Consider a Fully 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 requires a longer horizontal incision than the mini version, placed between the hip bones.
Do I Need Liposuction?
Liposuction is not always necessary for a mini tummy tuck. Combining the two procedures can provide great benefits for the right patient. Combining a mini tummy tuck with liposuction can help flatten your abdomen while targeting excess fat around your hips and love handles.
Many of the requirements for a mini tummy tuck crossover into the medical criteria needed for liposuction. Good candidates for liposuction must be within 30 percent of their ideal body weight, have good overall health, and have sufficient skin elasticity.
During a consultation at her Little Rock, AR, facility, Dr. Yee can review your health history and discuss combining liposuction with a mini or full abdominoplasty.
"A Great Experience"
I had a great experience with Dr. Yee and her staff. Always feel comfortable in my office visits. Very friendly and professional. Life changing results from my procedures. Mindy Myers
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