Partial Abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck,” is similar to a complete abdominoplasty. Dr. Lopez proposes this procedure in patients with a small amount of excess skin only below the navel (belly button). The method includes removing any excess skin is and muscles may be repaired or sutured together. Surgical time is usually shorter and implies a shorter incision when compared to a complete tummy tuck.
Excess or loose skin
When a patient has sagging and excess skin from above the navel, we usually perform a complete tummy tuck.
When a patient has a small amount of loose skin just below the navel, we perform a mini tummy tuck.
When a patient only needs to restore the divided muscles and have little to no loose skin, we perform a plicature (Usually included in a tummy tuck).
In some cases, several techniques are conducted, like TULUA: A tummy tuck in which excess skin is removed with a transverse elliptical plication (folding) of the area below the belly button, making less skin tension on the abdominal scar and with the formation of a new belly button. (neo-umbilicoplasty).
Belly Button
The belly button is handled differently according to the patient’s needs. Dr. López designs the belly button’s size according to the patient’s proportion. In the doctor’s preference, a vertically oriented small oval belly button is ideal.
The new belly button is naturally depressed, resulting in natural results.
We achieve a flat abdomen with tighter and firmer skin. The scar is positioned as low as possible in the pubic region following the inguinal line towards the flanks.
We position them as low as possible to hide with underwear or some types of swimsuits easily.
10-15 days after the surgery, you can return to office work, avoiding physical effort for 4 to 6 weeks. 6 to 8 weeks later, patients will be able to exercise.
We recommend patients rest in bed during the first week. However, it is essential to move out of bed for a few minutes every hour to eat, walk, move, go to the restroom and perform Isometric exercises during rest to improve blood flow (contract and relax calf muscles).
Patients must maintain a flexed posture at their hips when walking. By walking bent, the abdominal muscles and fascia repair protected from being pulled.
How long after a cesarean section(C-section) should I wait to get this procedure done?
You should wait after six months of your cesarean and once you stop lactating
How long after a natural birth should I wait to have surgery?
You can have surgery after 4 to 6 months and after finishing the lactation period.
Can I have a tummy tuck a second time?
Some patients get pregnant after a tummy tuck or experience significant weight changes that cause excess skin. In some cases, they may require another tummy tuck.
