Mini tummy tuck cosmetic surgery, also known as partial abdominoplasty, and liposuction are body contouring procedures designed to achieve a flatter and smoother abdomen. Both surgeries are aimed to address the specific needs of different patients. However, in certain situations, the cosmetic surgeon may recommend a combination of both to achieve more effective outcomes.
Most patients will need to know during the preliminary consultation whether mini tummy tuck or liposuction plastic surgery may be the more suitable procedure in their case. Before making the recommendation, the surgeon will assess the patient’s overall appearance as well as evaluate their unique aesthetic goals. Dr. Hisham Seify is a board certified plastic surgeon providing both mini tummy tuck and liposuction to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and other areas.
Right Candidates
A cosmetic surgery procedure such as liposuction may be more appropriate for individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of stubborn fat pockets in the abdominal area. If the fat tissue is resistant to diet and exercise, and the patient has otherwise moderate body weight except fat accumulation in the tummy area, he or she may be a stellar and terrific candidate for liposuction. A suitable candidate will have fairly impressive skin elasticity in the abdominal region so that the skin will retract and remain firm after liposuction plastic surgery.
A candidate for mini tummy tuck procedure will be someone who has excess loose skin below the navel area. For such patients, the cosmetic surgeon may recommend a mini tummy tuck. Aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy are typical causes that may lead to loss of skin elasticity in the tummy area.
The Correct Avenue to Walk Down
If excess fat tissue is not a problem and the underlying muscles are strong, a mini tummy tuck procedure may suffice. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Seify provides this surgery to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and nearby locations.
Surgical Techniques
In most cases, both liposuction and mini tummy tuck surgeries can be performed without the need for general anesthesia. Tumescent technique in case of liposuction will avoid the need for general anesthesia, and produce targeted outcomes in a less invasive manner. The surgeon will insert a cannula through a small incision in the lower abdomen and dislodge the unwanted fat cells. A syringe or suction pump will be used to draw out the fat through the cannula.
In case of mini tummy tuck surgery, the focus is primarily on the lower abdominal area. Loose skin will be excised with the help of laser or through traditional surgery. If the patient needs both fat removal and skin tightening, the surgeon may recommend a combination of liposuction and mini tummy tuck surgery.
Recovery Period
Recovery in both mini tummy tuck and liposuction may take around five to seven days. Most patients will be able to return to their work within a week. Full results of the procedure will establish over the next several weeks as the swelling subsides gradually. If both procedures are performed in combination, the recovery period may be a little longer
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