Mini Tummy Tuck

A partial abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a mini- tuck, is a body contouring procedure used to target and trim the lower abdominal area. Traditional mini-tuck is performed surgically to remove the skin and fat tissue in the lower abdomen without any liposuction or very limited liposuction. In general, traditional mini-tuck is less likely to restore and rejuvenate the abdominal contour with a natural profile

Traditional mini tuck addresses two defective components (skin and fat) so that it benefits patients who opt for a flat lower abdomen and tight skin. Under general anesthesia, a relatively long incision on the bikini line just above the pubic area is made. The skin and fat together are separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up below the umbilicus. The skin is stretched down, and excess skin and fat are removed, the incision is then closed. The drains are typically inserted to eliminate fluid and blood buildup. The limited liposuction to remove excess fat from hips and flanks may or may not be performed in conjunction with traditional mini tuck.

Dr. Shu's Technique

Partial RejuveTummy™ Lipoabdominoplasty procedure for a safe office mini tuck totally under local anesthesia:

Dr. Shu has adopted a revolutionary minimally invasive approach to mini tucks that can be safely and effectively performed as an office procedure completely under local tumescent anesthesia. The technique, called Partial RejuveTummyTM lipoabdominoplasty, combines two procedures—liposuction of the abdomen and a mini tuck. Dr. Shu's technique involves extensive liposuction and preserves the perforating vessels and Scarpa’s fascia, providing faster recovery time and better body contour with fewer complications compared to a traditional mini tuck.  By avoiding the use of general anesthesia or heavy sedation (and complications associated with this type of anesthesia), this new procedure offers an improved postoperative recovery.

Dr. Shu's technique can remove a larger amount of fat, which can improve abdominal contour by thinning the fat layer considerably more compared to a traditional mini tuck, while also decreasing the risks of skin necrosis. In addition, Dr. Shu's approach does not require the use of traditional suction drains.

There are many advantages with Dr. Shu's technique.

• A better body contour is achieved, because liposuction decreases the abdominal measurement
• Less morbidity, due to the preservation of the perforating vessels
• Low percentage of complications
• Easier technique with addition of liposuction
• Rejuvenated abdomen with a more natural profile
• Preservation of the supra-pubic sensitivity
• Rapid postoperative recovery and shorter scar
• It is safer for smokers and post-bariatric patients

When you compare the prices offered from the traditional plastic surgeon, you should know that a partial lipoabdominoplasty is more about extensive liposuction with the new surgical technique than just removing a piece of skin or fat in the traditional way.

A partial lipoabdominoplasty provides a long lasting result as long as the patient continues to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. Although results depend on the extent of the procedure, patients usually never have to worry about a flabby stomach again.

Partial RejuveTummy™lipoabdominoplasty Recovery

• Anesthesia: local tumescent anesthesia with or without intravenous sedation (twilight anesthesia)
• Length of Surgery: 2-3 hours
• Pain level: Moderate, 3-7 days of pain medication
• Numbness: At least 6 months
• Work: Can usually return in 1 week
• Exercise: Resume after 4 weeks
• Final result: About 6-12 months after scar heals

Who is an ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck?

The mini tummy tuck procedure is ideal for patients who experience a bulging abdomen, excess fat, or sagging skin in the lower abdominal region. Candidates should not be expecting results that are similar to those from a full tummy tuck.

What are the differences between the partial RejuveTummy™ lipoabdominoplasty and traditional mini-tuck?

	Traditional Mini Tuck (Partial Abdominoplasty)	Partial RejuveTummy (Partial lipoabdominoplasty)
Anesthesia	General anesthesia  With post anesthesia reaction	Local tumescent anesthesia Awake, can eat and ambulate
Liposuction	Limited	Extensive
Bleeding and trauma	Significant	Minimal
Perforating vessels and Scarpa’s fascia	Not preserved	Preserved
Abdominal suction drains	Yes	No
Operating time	long	Relatively short
Recovery	Slow and long recovery	Fast and short recovery
Post operative pain	Moderate to severe	moderate
Supra-pubic skin sensitivity	Less preserved	More Preserved
Safety	More complications	Fewer complications
Incision and scar	Long	Relatively short
Abdominal profile	Less natural	More natural and youthful

Does a mini Tuck require a general anesthesiaor hospitalization?

No. A mini tuck can be performed under the tumescent (local) anesthesia with or without IV sedation in the ambulatory setting.

What are the risks and complications for a mini tuck?

Risks and complications of this procedure may include swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, scarring, numbness, and change in feeling. The lower abdomen area may experience some scarring and irregularity from the liposuction.

What is the recovery time for a mini tummy tuck?

Recovery typically takes one to two weeks.

Is a mini tummy tuck suitable to fix post-pregnancy excess fat?

Yes, mini tucks with liposuction are often used to get rid of post-pregnancy fat. Loose rolls of skin and fat left after a pregnancy can prove extremely difficult to remove simply with exercise and diet, so a mini tummy tuck can help. A mini tummy tuck costs less than a traditional tummy tuck and only leaves a small scar above the pubis.