Mini Tummy Tuck
in Bucks County, PA, and Hunterdon County, NJ

Excess fat and loose skin is a stubborn issue that plagues men and women who are in otherwise excellent condition and who maintain a healthy and stable weight. The lower stomach area that lies just above the pubic region is a specific trouble spot that can sag and bulge despite exercise and diet changes. Located in Doylestown, PA and Flemington, NJ, Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian R. Buinewicz, offers the mini tummy tuck for men and women who live in Hunterdon County, NJ and Bucks County, PA.

What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is very similar to the full tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck requires only a short scar and is beneficial for individuals with a limited amount of fat and saggy, excess tissue in the area that lies just beneath the belly button. A horizontal incision is made above the pubic region, and this incision creates a minimal scar that can be more easily concealed than the scars that are created by a full tummy tuck. The second incision that circles the belly button and is required in a full tummy tuck is not used in the mini tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck also requires less recovery time. This cosmetic procedure is not appropriate for everyone. A consultation and approval are required by Dr. Buinewicz.

Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck

The mini tummy tuck is not as invasive as the traditional tummy tuck, thereby decreasing the amount of discomfort, the risk of complications and the recovery period. Additional benefits include:

• Less scarring as opposed to the full tummy tuck.
• The mini tummy tuck does not require the repositioning of the belly button.
• Candidates who are denied approval for a full tummy tuck due to scar tissue that has been generated by prior surgeries are approved candidates for the mini tummy tuck.
• The mini tummy tuck is more affordable.

Am I a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?

The ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck is a patient who has a small amount of fatty tissue and loose skin in the area below the belly button. Women who are experiencing an extended pouch of belly fat just under the belly button due to a C-section scar are excellent candidates. Individuals who are slim and at their ideal weight, but who also desire a beautifully contoured silhouette, are also excellent candidates for a mini tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck is the perfect procedure for individuals who have good skin tone and elasticity, strong muscle form in their abdominal wall and who are in good physical health.

The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure

The mini tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision just above the pubic area. Traditional tummy tucks require a longer incision. After the incision, step one is to loosen the skin from the abdominal wall. The muscles of the lower abdomen are then pulled into a tighter position, excess fat is removed, and the muscles are sutured. Once the procedure is completed, the incision is sutured and bandaged.

Mini Tummy Tuck Recovery

Patients walk and move around shortly after a mini tummy tuck procedure. A minor amount of discomfort is expected. The patient's comfort and energy levels will then noticeably improve in approximately 48 hours. Strenuous activity should be avoided for four to six weeks after the surgery.

Differences Between a Mini Tummy Tuck and A Tummy Tuck

The largest difference between a traditional tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck is that the mini tummy tuck is less invasive. The traditional tummy tuck is a complex operation, and the mini tummy tuck is a minor operation. The mini tummy tuck only treats the abdominal area that lies beneath the belly button and does not require its repositioning. The full tummy tuck requires the belly button to be repositioned, and an additional scar is created. Additional differences are seen in the goals, procedures, candidate suitability, anesthesia, recovery, and price.

Goal

The mini tummy tuck is used to tighten the lower abdominal muscles and to remove excess, saggy skin from below the belly button.

The traditional tummy tuck tightens the muscles above the navel and below the navel. The extra, sagging or loose skin is then removed from the stomach area.

Procedure

The mini tummy tuck procedure uses a short incision at the bikini line. The skin and muscles are tightened, and the excess fat and tissue are removed.

The traditional tummy tuck procedure separates the belly button from the abdominal wall, and the created flap of skin is then stretched downward, and the excess tissue and fat are removed.

Suitable for

The mini tummy tuck is suitable for those who are healthy, near their ideal weight and who currently have firm abdominal muscles without significant protruding fat.

The traditional tummy tuck is suitable for patients who have stretched, hanging skin and weakened abdominal muscles created by pregnancies or due to extreme weight loss.

Anesthesia

The mini tummy tuck is commonly performed under either general anesthesia or minor local sedation.

The traditional tummy tuck requires mandatory general anesthesia.

Scarring

The mini tummy tuck creates a very thin, short scar that extends horizontally across the base of the belly and is measured from mid-thigh to mid-thigh.

The traditional tummy tuck requires a longer scar that measures from hipbone to hipbone and a second scar around the belly button.

Recovery

The recovery time of a mini tummy tuck is one to three weeks.

The recovery time of a traditional tummy tuck is four to six weeks.

Can I Have A Mini Tummy Tuck Between Pregnancies?

Dr. Buinewicz recommends that patients postpone the mini tummy tuck procedure until after the birth of all planned pregnancies. A pregnancy could alter the results of a mini tuck procedure.

How Much Does A Mini Tummy Tuck Cost in Bucks County, PA?

Buinewicz Plastic Surgery provides affordable aesthetic procedures, such as the tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck, for all our patients by offering financing options. Personal checks, cash and credit cards are also accepted.

Individuals who have a small pouch of saggy skin and loose fat deposits just below the belly button are likely good candidates for the mini tummy tuck. If you live in Hunterdon County, NJ or Bucks County, PA, contact Buinewicz Plastic Surgery, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian R. Buinewicz, for a mini tummy tuck. Our offices are located in Doylestown, PA, and Flemington, NJ.