Why Mini-Abdominoplasty?

    PHOENIX, AZ, December 06, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- There comes a time in many people's lives when they realize that all of their exercise, dieting, creams, supplements, and other efforts to get rid of their "pooch" just aren't working. There are several causes of larger, flabby bellies, and the ability to reverse this depends on a variety of factors.

Pregnancy and weight loss are two common causes of excess or stretched skin and lower abdominal fat. Hereditary factors might be among the causes to consider. Skin gradually loses its elastic quality with age, so, it is common for older people to have loose skin around their abdomen, thighs, neck, and upper arms. Surgical procedures, such as a previous bariatric surgery, affect skin elasticity, and the long-term expectations from abdominoplasty are different after that specific surgery.

Mini-abdominoplasty is a modification of the full abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. Other common names for the "mini" procedure are mini-tummy tuck and partial abdominoplasty. Like the full tummy tuck, the purpose of the mini-abdominoplasty is to flatten your stomach.

Mini-tummy tuck is one of many body contouring procedures that reshape areas such as the thighs, buttocks, groin, abdomen, upper arms, breast and upper body. The mini-tummy tuck specifically reshapes the lower abdomen. Unlike the full abdominoplasty, mini-tummy tuck requires only one, shorter incision, and the area treated is limited to below the navel. Basically the mini-tummy tuck involves an incision across the pubic bone, suturing of separated or weakened stomach muscles, possibly a liposuction, and trimming the excess skin away before suturing the incision closed. Advantages include shorter recovery time, less time in surgery and a smaller scar than with the full tummy tuck.

Mini-abdominoplasty is appropriate if most of your abdominal fat or excess skin is below your navel. It can be combined with liposuction for a more slimming effect when excess fat is present. If your skin has lost too much elasticity, a normal result of aging, or if you have significant fat or loose skin above the navel, the mini-tummy tuck would not be effective, but you may be a candidate for a full abdominoplasty.

As with any surgery, you should have all of your questions answered completely and to your satisfaction. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has a list of suggested questions as well as more information about mini-abdominoplasty surgery. Watch the animation presented by ASPS for a clear illustration of the incision, suturing and closure, and the placement of drains. The procedure is explained in detail including a brief description of the recovery stage.

If you would like to learn more about the mini-abdominoplasty procedure, and whether it's right for you, you can set a consultation appointment by contacting Dr. Paul Angelchik.

Source: Dr. Paul Angelchik
Website: http://www.doctorangelchik.com

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