Partial Tummy Tuck as a Safe Cosmetic Surgery

Just as the name 'partial tummy tuck' suggests, this procedure is a less extensive operation than a complete tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. The risks involved are fewer, the incision scars are smaller and the recovery time is much shorter. The Partial Tummy Tuck is also known as a mini abdominoplasty and the patient just needs a local anesthesia. The duration of such an operation is maximum two hours.

Method

The operation for the Partial Tummy Tuck can vary significantly according to the condition of the lower abdomen. The job of the plastic surgeon is to remove an ellipse of skin from the lower abdomen and then tighten the abdomen muscles underneath it. That is why many surgeons prefer to combine this procedure with liposuction of the abdomen. But the whole procedure takes very little time and the patient can be discharged sometimes within an hour after surgery. For temporary protection the patient may have to wear an abdominal binder.

Who can qualify for it?

Often a Partial Tummy Tuck is recommended for a patient who is within 10% of her ideal body weight. But besides a doctor's recommendation, the desired outcome of the patient is equally important. Also the patient's physical appearance should be considered, and accordingly the decision for a Partial Tummy Tuck or a complete one is taken.

The Partial Tummy Tuck may also not be ideal for larger people. This procedure is for the person who has a little excess skin in the lower abdomen. Finally you have put your trust in your surgeon and go with his decision.


Results

The results of a Partial Tummy Tuck are not as good as a tummy tuck, because the abdominal muscle tightening and the loosening of the skin are not dramatic. In order to improve waistline and body contouring the Partial Tummy Tuck is done in combination with other surgeries like liposuction or abdominal lipoplasty.

Restrictions and Risks

For the Partial Tummy Tuck, the excess skin and fat for tightening the abdominal muscles is restricted to the body area below the navel. Since the incision is very small, the navel cannot be moved. Although, when the skin is tightened and stitched it may be pulled into a slightly unnatural position. The risk of a Partial Tummy Tuck is significantly lower than the tummy tuck, as the whole procedure is simpler and shorter.

There are risks and complications associated with any type of cosmetic surgery. There could be anesthesia complications, bleeding or an infection. Since the Partial Tummy Tuck is a smaller and shorter surgery than the tummy tuck, it is better to go in for the smaller version, then the risks are smaller too.