DR. GRUNWALD WILL MEET WITH YOU TO DISCUSS YOUR GOALS

Everyone undergoing a tummy tuck wants the smallest scar possible. The mini-tummy tuck removes a smaller amount of skin than the tummy tuck, leaving a shorter scar. However, because far less skin can be removed through this procedure, most patients achieve better, more complete results through the traditional tummy tuck. The mini-tummy tuck only removes excess skin on the lower abdomen; therefore, if you have excess skin above your belly button, you are a better candidate for the full tummy tuck.

For the 20 percent of patients who are good candidates for the mini-tummy tuck, Dr. Grunwald can remove excess lower abdominal fat with a small scar, and no incision around the belly button. The mini-tummy tuck should not be considered a treatment for obesity and is not recommended for individuals planning to lose considerable amounts of weight in the near future. As is the case with the tummy tuck, women seeking a mini-tummy tuck should wait until after childbearing to undergo this procedure.

ABOUT MINI TUMMY TUCK SURGERY

Before choosing whether to undergo mini-tummy tuck surgery, you will have a consultation with Dr. Grunwald. She will discuss your goals, explain the procedure, and assess your abdomen for hernias, previous scars, excess skin or fat, and the integrity of your abdominal wall muscles. You will need to obtain pre-operative blood work and an internist exam, and may be required to have an EKG and chest X-ray prior to your mini-tummy tuck. You will need someone to drive you to the surgicenter on the day of your surgery.

The mini-tummy tuck procedure takes between two to three hours depending on your size and other factors. Board certified anesthesiologist with active hospital privileges will administer anesthesia, and you will be required to spend one night in the recovery care center. Patients are allowed to return home the morning following their mini-tummy tuck surgery.