Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

How To Prepare For A Mini Tummy Tuck

Ahead of your surgery, it’s likely your surgeon will explain how you can prepare for the mini tummy tuck. For example, you may be required to undergo a series of blood tests to ensure you’re in good health for the operation.

You may also be advised to stop smoking, limit your intake of alcohol and avoid taking anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, and certain herbal supplements, as these can interfere with your recovery.

You may be encouraged to lose some weight, as this will ensure you’re at the best possible weight for your height to ensure a healthy recovery afterwards.

What Happens During Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Mini tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, and it usually takes between one to two hours. You may be asked to wear compression stockings for the operation, and during the recovery period. This is to prevent blood clots from forming in the veins in your legs.

During mini tummy tuck surgery, your surgeon will make a horizontal incision to your lower abdomen, just above your pubic hairline. This cut is usually about four to eight inches long. If you have previously had a C-section, it’s likely this incision will be used, but it may be made longer.

Using specialist equipment and techniques, such as liposuction, your surgeon will remove unwanted fat and skin from the targeted area. The surgeon will also tighten loose muscles before pulling the remaining skin into position and stitching it back into place. In some cases, the surgeon may need to reshape your belly button.

What Happens After Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery?

When your anaesthetic wears off and you wake up from your surgery, you will have a dressing over your lower abdomen, and you may have drains coming out of your wound to help remove any fluid.

Your tummy is likely to feel sore after your surgery. You will be given painkillers to relieve any discomfort. While you rest, you may be advised to keep your knees bent so as not to put any pressure or strain on your tummy muscles or stitches.

You can expect to stay in hospital for up to four days following your mini tummy tuck surgery. During this time you will be monitored closely and given aftercare advice from your nurse about how to care for your wound.

It’s important to know that you will not be able to drive after your operation, so you will need to arrange alternative travel arrangements when you’re ready to go home. It’s also a good idea to have a relative or friend stay with you for 24 hours.

Recovering From Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

Generally speaking, it takes around six weeks to recover from this type of surgery. You may find that you need extra help as you move around your home and carry out day-to-day tasks, and it’s likely you’ll need to take some time off work too.

In the first few days and weeks following your operation, you will be advised to rest and avoid doing anything that may put pressure or strain on your tummy. You may find it easier to roll onto your side to get out of bed.

You can take over-the-counter painkillers to help ease any discomfort, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Your surgeon may also suggest that you wear a support garment. This usually looks like a corset and can be effective in helping relieve pain and reduce swelling. You may be encouraged to wear this for up to six weeks.

After mini tummy tuck surgery, you will have a curved scar above your pubic area. Your belly button will be in the same place, but it may be a different shape.

Risks Of Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

As with any type of surgery, there are risks involved if you choose to undergo a mini tummy tuck, including:

• Numbness
• Swelling, especially around your scar
• Bruising
• Infection
• Bleeding under the skin

You may also notice that your scar changes in colour over time. This is normal, and you should find that it eventually fades and turns into a white line.

However, the procedure does carry risks.

Complications can include:

• fat tissue death
• blood vessel blockage
• more significant scarring than expected
• excessive bleeding
• infection
• blood clot formation

Your surgeon will discuss potential side effects and complications with you during your consultation. You will also get the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Why Choose Us?

You can trust Manchester Private Hospital when it comes to mini tummy tuck surgery. Our highly skilled and experienced surgeons, doctors and nurses are dedicated to providing you with the utmost care and respect at every stage of your journey.

During your initial consultation, your surgeon will talk to you about what you’d like to achieve from this surgery, giving you safe, comfortable space to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. We can also provide you with mini tummy tuck price information and a range of finance options.

Arrange your free, no obligation consultation today. Simply get in touch to find out how we can help you.