If the skin in the lower part of the abdomen is sagging and hanging down, this is usually the result of severe weight loss or pregnancy. As part of a surgical mini abdominoplasty, in which, in contrast to the total abdominoplasty, only the lower part of the abdomen is tightened to the navel, excess skin can be removed and a smooth, flat abdomen can be formed.
How does a mini abdominoplasty work?
A mini abdominoplasty is less complex and therefore less time-consuming than the classic abdominoplasty. It takes about an hour and can be performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with twilight sleep. In contrast to the total abdominoplasty, the mini abdominoplasty makes a shorter incision that runs parallel to the pubic hair border on the lower abdomen. The skin of the abdomen is detached from the underlying tissue up to the navel, pulled down and tightened. The straight abdominal muscles in the lower abdominal area can also be tightened in this step. Since the tightening only takes place on the lower abdomen, the belly button does not have to be moved. Excess skin is removed and the incision is sutured with a special suture technique. After the operation, a bandage is applied and the mini abdominoplasty is completed.
What does the aftercare after a mini abdominoplasty look like?
A few hours after the procedure, the patient can leave the clinic again. Physical protection is now recommended. In the weeks after the operation, the patient must wear special compression underwear to support the healing process and avoid the development of dents and bumps. Conscientious scar care should also be carried out in the period after the mini abdominoplasty. Due to the shorter incision, the scars are smaller after the mini belly lift than with the total abdominoplasty, and they can also be easily covered by underwear. After about 1 week, the patient is socially acceptable again, a full physical load is possible again about 4 weeks after the operation.