For individuals who want a firmer, smoother mid-section but have had no luck in achieving the results they desire, a mini tummy tuck procedure performed by Dr. Matthew H Steele at our Fort Worth office may be the solution. Certified by both The American Board of Plastic Surgery and The American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Steele can help eliminate loose or sagging skin from the lower abdomen to create a smoother and firmer look. Unlike a full tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen where loose skin tends to appear with aging, pregnancy, or weight loss.
Our bodies change over time due to aging, changes in weight or pregnancy, genetics, and environmental factors. A mini tummy tuck tightens the area below the belly button to reduce the appearance of a pouch that will not flatten with diet or exercise. The results of a mini tummy tuck are permanent and will last many years provided that you maintain a stable weight and do not have another pregnancy.
A mini tummy tuck procedure is performed in our office using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide gas, and mild oral sedation. Dr. Steele will make a small incision and use liposuction to remove extra abdominal fat and surgically remove the loose skin in the lower abdomen. He will then suture the incision closed and place you into a compression garment. A drain may be used to eliminate fluid to decrease the risk of a seroma (fluid pocket).
This procedure usually lasts one to three hours, and a full recovery can be expected within six weeks. After a mini tummy tuck, patients can expect some swelling and bruising, and Dr. Steele will suggest options for optimal postoperative pain relief. It will take up to three months for all of the swelling to subside, and Dr. Steele will encourage you to wear a compression garment to help expedite the resolution of the swelling. While mini tummy tucks are typically safe, there is an inherent risk of infection, scarring, or fluid accumulation under your skin (seroma).
Patients who are in good health are generally good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. Additional qualifications include:
Patients with considerable amounts of abdominal fat, muscle/fascia laxity, and significant loose skin throughout the abdomen are not good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. For them, Dr. Steele may recommend a traditional tummy tuck procedure instead.
If you are bothered by loose skin and extra fat around and below your belly button, Dr. Steele can perform a mini tummy tuck at our Fort Worth office to five you a firmer, smoother, and younger-looking abdomen. Our staff would be happy to discuss your options and goals to develop an individualized treatment plan to meet your aesthetic needs.
