Before your mini tummy tuck, you’ll certainly be thinking a lot about what you can do after surgery: heading to the beach with confidence, feeling more comfortable in your favorite clothes, not worrying about that extra pooch on your lower belly.
However, you may not hear as much about what you can’t — or shouldn’t — do after surgery. Of course, this period won’t last forever. But for the initial part of your mini tummy tuck recovery, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to avoid.
What to Avoid During Your Mini Tummy Tuck Recovery Time
During your recovery time for mini tummy tuck surgery, be sure to avoid the following:
Strenuous Exercise and Heavy Lifting
Any type of strenuous exercise and even household chores should be avoided right after tummy tuck surgery. Whether it feels like it at the time or not, these types of activities can put a lot of strain on your incision site and may cause unnecessary bleeding or even the separation of your incision site wound.
Likewise, your blood will need to properly clot following surgery, but physical exertion can disrupt this process and cause additional problems.
Drinking Alcohol
Not only can alcohol limit your body’s ability to recover well after surgery, but you’ll also need to make sure to avoid alcohol if you are prescribed pain medication. Mixing these two substances can cause major problems and may even be fatal.
Walking Completely Upright and Laying Completely Flat
Most mini tummy tuck patients (and tummy tuck patients in general) will need to stay slightly hunched over during the initial period of recovery. It’s also important to sleep (on your back) in a slightly bent position. These positions will minimize strain on your wound area, lessening stress and strain on the incision site itself.
Sun Exposure
Lastly, be sure to keep your incision site out of the sun after your mini tummy tuck procedure. Exposure to excessive sunlight will make your scars more noticeable over time.
We recommend a combination of sunscreen (with an SPF of 50 or higher) and protective clothing any time you go outside for an extended period. Your mini tummy tuck journey will be greatly improved if you can minimize scarring.
Mini Tummy Tuck Recovery Overview
Recovery from mini tummy tuck surgery tends to be faster than with a full tummy tuck. Most patients return to light activities within a week and normal routines within two to three weeks. Expect swelling and bruising as well as some pain initially.
Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions closely. These will include details on incision care and wearing a compression garment. Attend all follow-up appointments.
To get an idea of what your appearance will look like as time goes on after surgery, look up some mini tummy tuck recovery week by week pictures. You’ll see the incision site heal and improve day by day and with every passing week.
FAQ: Mini Tummy Tuck Beverly Hills
What makes a good candidate for mini tummy tuck surgery?
A good mini tummy tuck candidate is someone with a small amount of lower abdominal fat and skin laxity. They must be generally in good health without major medical conditions and should be looking to achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen without needing assistance reducing excess skin from the entire abdomen.
What’s the difference between a mini and full tummy tuck?
In regards to mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck surgery, the mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdomen with a smaller incision. This surgery typically focuses on removing excess skin and excess fat deposits below the navel.
On the other hand, a full tummy tuck addresses both the upper and lower abdomen, involves a larger incision, and often includes muscle tightening for more comprehensive contouring.
What kind of mini tummy tuck scar will I have?
A mini tummy tuck scar is typically a small, horizontal line located just above the pubic area. The length of the scar will vary depending on the amount of skin removed, but it is generally shorter and less noticeable than the scar from a full tummy tuck.
What does a mini tummy tuck include?
Mini tummy tuck surgery (also called mini abdominoplasty or partial abdominoplasty) is a plastic surgery performed on the abdomen. It addresses loose skin, sagging skin, stretch marks, and excess fat. Many patients who undergo these surgical procedures have experienced drastic weight gain and loss and/or gone through pregnancy at least once.
A mini tummy tuck involves reducing excess skin on the lower abdomen as well as excess fat, if applicable. If the patient also has stretched abdominal muscles in the lower abdominal area below the belly button, these can be tightened as well.
Contact Us Today to Set Up a Consultation
You deserve to look your best and feel your best every day. Join the countless individuals who have experienced life-changing results with mini tummy tucks.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Galanis performs mini tummy tuck surgery at his Beverly Hills practice. Call today to schedule your consultation and learn how this procedure can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
