Lower abdominoplasty is also referred to as a partial or mini-tummy tuck. Lower abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure which enhances the appearance and shape of the lower stomach area. In a lower abdominoplasty, excess skin and fat is removed, the abdominal muscles can be tightened, and the skin is smoothed and stretched. Lower abdominoplasty surgery is less invasive than a full abdominoplasty, results in a less noticeable scar, and doesn't involve repositioning the navel as the full abdominoplasty technique does.

The ideal candidate for lower abdominoplasty surgery is a patient who is close to their ideal body weight but that has excess fat and skin in the lower stomach area that does not respond to diet and exercise. Women who have loose skin because of previous pregnancy can benefit from lower abdominoplasty surgery. Older patients who have lost skin firmness in the lower abdomen and patients with extra skin as a result of significant weight loss are also good candidates for lower abdominoplasty surgery.

Good lower abdominoplasty surgery candidates are those patients who have a good understanding of what to expect before, during, and after the surgical procedure. It is important for a patient to follow all before and after lower abdominoplasty surgery instructions as suggested by the surgeon. As with all surgical procedures, there are risks and benefits associated with lower abdominoplasty surgery. Patients should have a clear understanding of these risks and benefits before undergoing lower abdominoplasty surgery.

Lower abdominoplasty surgery is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under general anesthesia or a local anesthetic plus sedation. The lower abdominoplasty procedure takes between one and three hours. During this procedure, the surgeon will make a crescent shaped incision in the lower abdominal region under where a patient's bikini or other clothing would normally cover. Through this incision, a surgeon will remove excess skin and fat and may employ liposuction techniques to excise excess fat tissues. The muscles underneath the treatment area can also be tightened during lower abdominoplasty surgery.

After a few hours of recovery in the medical facility, a patient can be brought home to continue their recovery in the comforts of their own home. Patients will normally have drains placed at the surgical site, stitches, and will be required to wear a compression garment as part of their post-operation care. Bruising and swelling are common for the first few weeks to a month following lower abdominoplasty surgery. Patients are usually able to return to work and normal activities after a few weeks of rest and recovery. The scar from lower abdominoplasty surgery will often get worse before it gets better, but after nine months to a year, the scar will flatten and lighten in color.

If you would like to learn more about lower abdominoplasty surgery, please contact us to confer with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon in your area.