The mini tummy tuck, which is a modified procedure based off of the abdominoplasty procedure, targets and removed the excess and saggy skin that is below the bellow button. The result is a firmer and flatter tummy, with a much slimmer silhouette. The procedure can also be used to tighten up muscles that separated during pregnancy.
This plastic surgery procedure addresses that stretched and sagging skin that is often left behind after pregnancy. It can also be the result of the genetic luck of the draw. Even with a healthy diet and active lifestyle, it can prove to be impossible to tighten up the loose and sagging skin. Diet and exercise are important, however, to ensure that fat is minimised in these areas.
If you are considering the mini tummy tuck, you may be wondering just how difficult the recovery from the surgery is going to be. Women with small children in the home may be concerned about how this procedure is going to impact their family.
Maintaining a healthy weight can help
Not only will a healthy diet and plenty of good exercise help to minimise the fat on the belly, but it can help with the recovery phase. The tummy tuck procedure should be avoided until the patient has maintained a steady and healthy weight for at least six months.
A healthy weight often translates to a healthy body with good healthy blood pressure. You’ll be in a much better position to heal quickly if your body is at its healthiest best.
According to the lead surgeon at the top Kogarah plastic surgery clinic, Dr. Zurek, if you are planning on future pregnancies or further weight loss, you should consider postponing the procedure until after.
Recovering from the surgery, day one
The mini tummy tuck procedure is typically performed as an outpatient day surgery. The surgery itself should take between two and three hours, unless it is being combined with another procedure. Immediately after surgery you will be allowed to recover from the anaesthesia, and you’ll be monitored for any potential complications. Your pain levels will be managed with medications, so you should feel no pain. You will be encouraged to get up and move when you are able, and at this point you should be able to be discharged so that you can recover in comfort at home.
You will be provided with prescription pain medications so that you can continue to manage your pain as needed at home. It is important that you have someone to drive you home and help you with things that need tending to at home. You won’t be able to do any heavy lifting, and that includes lifting babies and children.
Recovering from the surgery, going forward
The first few days after the procedure could see you feeling somewhat stiff and tender. It’s important to stay on top of your pain management so that you don’t find yourself in a significant amount of pain those first few days.
After several days you’ll find that your pain has subsided to discomfort and continued stiffness. The incision will continue to look inflamed for a few days, and you may have some bruising. All of this should subside after the first full week of healing. At this point you’ll find that you’re able to be much more active, and can increase your physical activity. Normal activities should be held off until about the six-week mark, at which time you should be feeling almost completely recovered from the procedure.
