A mini tummy tuck procedure in Los Angeles is a great option for patients who do not have a large amount of extra skin on the abdominal wall. A mini, or minor tummy tuck is often combined with abdominal liposuction to remove both fat and skin excess. The final result is a flatter, tighter appearance without the downtime and recovery of a full tummy tuck.
One major difference between a full tummy tuck in Los Angeles and a (mini) minor tummy tuck is how much skin is removed. For Los Angeles mini tummy tuck patients, only skin below the belly button is removed, so there is no scar around the belly button. In a full tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, skin is removed from above and below the belly button. A scar is created around the belly button when it is moved to its new location.
Because less skin is removed, it’s possible to safely liposuction the stomach in order to remove as much fat as possible during a mini tummy tuck. Also, the abdominal wall is not plicated (tightened) during the mini tummy tuck, so the recovery is much faster than during a full tummy tuck. Los Angeles mini tummy tuck patients will have a drain for the first week or so after the procedure, and will need to wear some type of compression for 3-4 weeks or longer if liposuction is performed. In most cases, patients can return to full activities including exercise in 4-6 weeks after minor tummy tuck surgery.