Mini Tummy Tuck in Temecula, CA
Weight loss, pregnancy and childbirth, or the natural aging process can cause the body to carry weight differently, leaving many with excess fat and skin on the lower-mid abdomen. While this “pouch” can be frustrating and resistant to diet and exercise, it does not necessarily mean you need a traditional tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
A mini tummy tuck from Dr. O’Neil is designed to address concerns in the lower abdomen only. It offers similar benefits to a full tummy tuck but with less downtime and recovery.
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Sometimes, what’s needed most for your desired results isn’t a major overhaul. A mini tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that targets excess skin and pockets of fat in the lower-mid abdomen. This procedure is best for localized problem areas, as it is less invasive, safer, and has a faster recovery time than a traditional tummy tuck.
What Are the Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients with localized fat and skin in the lower to mid abdomen. The benefits of a mini tummy tuck include the following:
- Eliminates excess, sagging skin in the lower abdomen
- Smooths and tightens the area of concern
- Less invasive, with a smaller incision and shorter recovery time, than a traditional tummy tuck
- Does not require a surgical drain
- Performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation
- More cost-effective than a traditional tummy tuck
Am I a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
The best candidates for a mini tummy tuck experience excess skin and fat in the lower middle of the abdomen, and mostly only in that location. Candidates may seek this procedure if they do not want or need to undergo a more invasive procedure or if they do not wish to have general anesthesia for the procedure.
Unlike the standard abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck does not tighten loose or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). If you need your abdominal muscles surgically tightened, the mini tummy tuck may not be for you. Additionally, candidates should:
- Be generally in good health
- Be nonsmokers or be willing to quit
- Have reasonable expectations for results
How Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Performed?
The mini tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. This ensures optimum comfort during the procedure without the risk of general anesthesia or adverse effects.
Dr. O’Neil will make a single incision low on the abdomen. He will remove excess fat with liposuction rather than cutting the fat out, which results in less tissue trauma and a more straightforward recovery process. Lastly, Dr. O’Neil will tighten loose skin and drape it for a more pleasing contour.
What Are My Mini Tummy Tuck Options?
While a mini tummy tuck is effective for treating the lower abdomen, you may also wish to slim and sculpt adjacent areas of the body. Dr. O’Neil’s liposculpture procedure can remove excess fat and contour the body for various regions, such as the flanks, back, and hips. It can be easily combined with a mini tummy tuck for a cohesive final result.
How Long Is Mini Tummy Tuck Recovery?
One of the benefits of the mini tummy tuck is it involves minimal recovery. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, which can take weeks to recover, you will return to normal activities within a few days.
Following your procedure, you may be sent home in a compression garment to help with swelling, but no surgical drain. Rest as much as possible for the first few days, and avoid strenuous activities. Dr. O’Neil will send you home with specific aftercare instructions for your procedure.
When Will I See My Mini Tummy Tuck Results?
You may notice that your midsection is slimmer immediately following your procedure. Still, your final results will be visible once the swelling and bruising have subsided, which should improve after about one week.
Once fully healed, you can enjoy a slimmer midsection with tightened skin and a more pleasing contour.
Mini Tummy Tuck FAQ
How much does a mini tummy tuck cost in Temecula, CA?
Generally, a mini tummy tuck in Temecula, CA, is about half the cost of a traditional or full tummy tuck. However, the cost of your mini tummy tuck will vary depending on the extent of revision necessary and whether you have combined your procedure with any others. Once Dr. O’Neil has created a treatment plan to achieve your aesthetic goal, he will provide an accurate cost estimate for your mini tummy tuck procedure.
Will I have scars after my mini tummy tuck?
All surgical procedures will result in some form of scarring. The scar will be in the lower abdomen. There will be no scars around the umbilicus (belly button).
Will the results of my mini tummy tuck be permanent?
A mini tummy tuck is intended to provide long-lasting results, which can be permanent, barring changes to the body, such as subsequent weight gain or pregnancy.
If you are interested in the mini tummy tuck and would like to see if you are a candidate for this procedure, call O’Neil Skin & Lipo Medical Center at (951) 296-1690 to schedule a consultation with Dr. O’Neil. During your consultation, Dr. O’Neil will listen to your goals for the procedure as well as any of your concerns before creating a customized treatment plan for you.