Mini Tummy Tuck in San Antonio, TX

Persistent pockets of abdominal fat and loose, sagging skin can be extremely frustrating for men and women seeking a flat, toned mid-section, especially when exercise and diet fail to flatten them out. Dr. Michael E. Decherd and Dr. Matthew Isakson can help some patients in these situations attain the tummy tone they are looking for with a mini tummy tuck. This surgery is a great alternative to a traditional abdominoplasty for patients who do not need a full hip-to-hip tummy tuck. During consultation, Dr. Decherd or Dr. Isakson will provide every patient with a comprehensive examination and personalized recommendation. Depending on the amount of abdominal fat, muscle tone and skin laxity, there are a variety of procedures and procedure combinations that may be recommended to help the individual attain their goals. 

The technique used for a mini tummy tuck is similar to that of full abdominoplasty. However, with a mini version the incision is much smaller and the area addressed will be just under the belly button. Liposuction is usually used during this procedure to remove excess fat. The excess skin that remains will be pulled tight so that the tummy has a new toned, flat appearance. In most cases, the belly button is unaffected. Scarring, while it does exist, is minimal and is easily concealed under a bathing suit or under garments.

A mini tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes around 1-2 hours. The recovery generally takes about 4-6 weeks; this is when clearance to resume exercise is usually given. No longer forced to “suck it in”, patients love their results and feel that their abdomens look and feel more toned and fit. The results following a mini tummy tuck can be long lasting, unless a pregnancy or significant weight gain occurs, both of which could compromise the results of the surgery.

For mini tummy tuck patients, liposuction alone may be a possibility. Liposuction is a procedure that removes fat only. It is a good surgery choice for patients who have good skin tone and tight abdominal muscles. However, it will not benefit those who have sagging skin. When a patient comes to see us for the first time, we will work together to learn the patient’s aesthetic goals and review the procedures that might help meet those goals. For some, even a little hanging skin may warrant a mini tummy tuck.

Women who have had a C-section will typically have a scar that runs horizontally in the lower abdomen. During a mini tummy tuck, an incision will be made very close to the C-section incision. Once the loose skin is trimmed away and the area is pulled tight, the two incisions are essentially combined into one which will allow for only one scar to remain. This scar will still be located in an area that will be hidden by undergarments and a bathing suit bottom.

Abdominoplasty surgery should probably be delayed until after all pregnancies have been completed. The goal of a tummy tuck procedure is to tighten the abdominal wall. Getting pregnant after a tummy tuck may spoil the surgical results.