Before and after mini-abdominoplasty and liposuction of the abdomen, flanks and pubis in a 59-year-old woman. She was planning a breast procedure and was interested in improving the contour of her abdomen but was not able to take 6 weeks off her life for a full tummy tuck recovery.
A “mini” Plastic Surgery procedure means that all components of the corresponding “full” procedure are not done. In the case of a mini-tummy tuck, muscle repair is not performed, and the umbilicus (belly button) is not always repositioned.
No muscle repair results in less pain and swelling after surgery – but muscle separation, known as “rectus diastasis,” is still present. Abdominal drains are usually still placed as liposuction is always included and drainage of liposuction fluid greatly speeds up the resolution of surgical swelling and edema.
Her mini-abdominoplasty involved removal of excess lower abdominal skin and fat, shown in the last set of photos. Her umbilicus was left in position, as most of her excess abdominal skin was in the lower abdomen. Liposuction removed unwanted fat from the upper and lower abdomen, flanks and pubic region. Follow up photos are shown 6 months after surgery with scars that are starting to fade and a smooth, taut abdominal contour.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
