If you are the right person, there is nothing mini about the results of a mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty). Part tummy tuck, part liposuction, the procedure combines the skin tightening ability of a tummy tuck with the spot fat removal of liposuction.

Liposuction of the Abdomen - Before (Left) / After (Right)

Liposuction alone is great for the tight belly that has a collection of disproportionate fat. This fat usually collects on the lower abdomen and can be easily pinched. It is also the major cause of “muffin tops”. With good skin tone, liposuction can vacuum away the fatty bulges and return pleasing proportions to the abdomen, flanks and lower back.

Full Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) of the Abdomen - Before (Left) / After (Right)

When skin is loose, however, liposuction may leave the skin with more laxity. Moreover, the risk of causing waviness or ridges in the contour goes up with loose skin. In this situation, a tummy tuck is the most reliable method of skin tightening.

Since tummy tucks tighten the abdominal skin, the looseness is removed and ridging relieved. The tried-and-true tummy tuck is a well established procedure which can provide a dramatic improvement appearance. It can tighten the skin from the ribs to the pubic bone in my Walnut Creek tummy tuck patients. When combined with a back/buttocks lift, a tummy tuck becomes a lower body lift, which can help people who have accomplished massive weight loss, but are left with a skirt of loose skin around the trunk.

Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty) with Liposuction - Before (Left) / After (Right)

For lesser problems with abdominal wall laxity, a full tummy tuck may not be necessary. When the laxity in the skin is isolated to the skin between the umbilicus (belly-button) and the pubis. The lesser skin resection allows for a less involved surgery and faster recovery. It can also be combined with more aggressive liposuction of the upper abdomen for an enhanced result.

Another Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty) with Liposuction - Before (Left) / After (Right)

Patient selection is the key to a good result with a mini tummy tuck. It is important for San Francisco Tummy Tuck patients to seek out a cosmetic plastic surgeon who is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and who is familiar with the unique abilities and the limitations of the mini tummy tucks.

For additional information comparing liposuction and tummy tuck visit www.DrMele.com here. Information on Board Certification is here. You will need to create a free account, but the information is up to date and your information is not shared. Lastly, it is also a good idea to check you prospective plastic surgeon’s license with your state’s medical board. For California check here.