Mini Tummy Tuck Seattle

Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure in which excess fat and skin is removed from the abdominal area. It can reshape a patient's abdomen for a firmer, smoother, and flatter appearance. But some patients with a smaller amount of abdominal tissue to be removed may opt to have a less invasive surgery called the "mini tummy tuck." The "mini" removes excess fat and skin and tightens abdominal muscles below the belly button. Visit Dr. Sajan for practically seamless results from a mini tummy tuck Seattle patients have raved about.

Like the other tissues of our bodies, the abdominal area reflects many of the natural transitions of time. Gravity, heredity, illness, fluctuating weight, pregnancy, diet and activity levels all affect the muscle tone and fat accumulation at our abdomen.

You may be an active and fairly trim individual whose diet and exercise program have plateaued. That stubborn pouch of fatty tissue below your belly button seems to be cemented to you. Perhaps you feel self-conscious when wearing summer clothes like your bathing suit because it seems to accentuate that less-shapely midsection. Our Seattle mini tummy tuck can help:

• Remove unwanted fat and skin
• Tighten abdominal muscles
• Tighten abdominal skin below the belly button

Whether you choose a mini or a full tummy tuck depends on the amount of excess skin and belly fat present, as well as what you hope to accomplish from the procedure. The mini tummy tuck differs from the full version in a number of ways, and being well-versed on these differences can help you determine if a mini tummy tuck with one of Seattle's best cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Javad Sajan, is in your best interest. With that said, here are the three distinct ways a mini tummy tuck differs from the full version of the procedure:

Incision

With a full tummy tuck, the incision runs from hip to hip and the belly button is removed and repositioned. With a mini tummy tuck, however, Dr. Sajan can make a significantly shorter cut, and the belly button does not have to be relocated.

Transformation

A mini tummy tuck exclusively fixes loose skin and muscles in the lower abdomen, while the full version can tighten excess skin and repair abdominal muscles throughout the entire stomach. As such, the mini procedure is best for patients who don't require the dramatic transformation the full tummy tuck can deliver.

Recovery

In general, a mini tummy tuck in Seattle involves a quicker surgery and recovery period because the procedure is less intensive. As such, most of Dr. Sajan's mini tummy tuck patients are back to work and their normal daily routines more quickly than those who underwent a full tummy tuck.

Because the mini tummy tuck involves a shorter incision, removing less excess volume and a quicker recovery period, it tends to be ideal for our patients in Seattle and surrounding areas who would like to tighten their abdominal area and achieve a more attractive body contour, but don't require a more comprehensive transformation. As such, most of Dr. Sajan's mini tummy tuck patients are healthy and active individuals who want to address a stubborn pouch of flab on a physique that's otherwise fit and toned.

Your mini tummy tuck will be done on an outpatient basis in our state-licensed surgery center. An anesthesiologist will administer general (deep sleep) anesthesia. You will be monitored throughout the procedure and recovery period for your safety and comfort.

Dr. Sajan will make a short incision, similar to a cesarean section, at or slightly above the pubic bone. Excess fat will be removed and abdominal muscles will be tightened. He will remove enough skin to take out the slack (left by the removed fat and tightened muscles) to create a flatter, tightened appearance. The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures and Dr. Sajan does not place drainage tubes.

Some abdominal swelling, redness, and bruising are normal following this procedure. You may be asked to wear a compression garment for a period of time to help reduce swelling and promote the healing process. The bruising and redness generally resolve within 14 to 21 days after your procedure. Although there will be a small scar that follows the pubic line, it will fade somewhat with time and is usually easily concealed (even with most bikini bottoms) under clothing.

The general results of your mini tummy tuck will be immediate and the full results will become gradually more apparent over the following two to three months as the swelling completely resolves. Although each patient will have a unique experience, most are able to return to work and their normal activities within two weeks and more vigorous activity within about six weeks.

Dr. Sajan will provide pain management medications, wound care instructions and detailed information for your recovery period. It is important that you closely follow those instructions to facilitate your healing and positive results.

When you feel more confident about your appearance, you feel more confident in general. Our Seattle mini tummy tuck may be just the refreshing touch that gives your abdominal area a shapelier, leaner, and more attractively contoured look. Contact Dr. Sajan's Seattle Plastic Surgery office for a consultation today and discuss how a mini tummy tuck procedure can benefit you.