For many people, there comes a time when diet and exercise are no longer an effective means of tightening and toning the abdomen. For whatever reason, some people experience a plateau in their weight loss journey that is not easily overcome. One type of surgery, however, removes the obstacle blocking the realization of your aesthetic goals. At Reflections Cosmetic Surgery Center in Cartersville, GA we are proud to offer both tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck, two of the most effective slimming surgeries available to patients.

What Is Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck are easily one of the more recognizable surgical procedures around. If you are looking for a way to slim down and tone your abdomen, then a tummy tuck might have been one of the first treatments to come to mind. Both tummy tucks address body concerns on the abdomen such as:

• Excess skin
• Unwanted fat
• Loose muscles

Both a tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck are usually used to correct abdomen-related appearance concerns, particularly after weight loss or pregnancy. Each surgery is capable of tightening looks muscles that have been stretched, eliminating mild to moderate amounts of excess fat, and removing excess skin, including skin that has grown lax as a result of aging.

What Are the Main Differences?

Although each of these procedures is similar, there are a few differences that may determine the surgery that is ideal for your concerns and appearance goals. To start, a mini tummy tuck is intended for mild concerns, while a full tummy tuck is intended to address more pronounced concerns. A mini tummy tuck also involves fewer and smaller incisions, making it less invasive than a full tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck is also sometimes used to maintain the results of a full tummy tuck several years after the initial surgery.

What Can You Expect Before and After Treatment?

Consultation

A consultation will be required to determine your eligibility for either surgery and to outline your treatment plan. Your consultation will include discussing your expectations and goals for treatments, as well as examining the condition of your abdomen, particularly the amount of excess skin and fat that is present. We will also go over your lifestyle habits and your general medical history, including any drug allergies you have or any cosmetic treatments for body contouring you have previously had.

Pre-Procedure Guidelines

You will be given a list of pre-procedure guidelines to help you prepare for surgery. Please follow all directions carefully to ensure your surgery is successful. Some pre-procedure guidelines may include:

• Do not eat or drink after midnight
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Discontinue taking blood-thinning medications
• Do not take certain supplements

Because this is a surgery you will need to arrange for transportation after your procedure is complete as you will be unable to drive yourself home.

Post-Procedure Guidelines

After your surgery, you will be given a list of post-procedure guidelines to guide you through your recovery period. It’s important to follow these directions to minimize your discomfort and ensure you heal well from your treatment. Some post-procedure guidelines may include:

• Avoid strenuous activities
• Engage in light exercise such as walking
• Do not drink alcohol
• Drink plenty of water, at least 48 oz
• Take prescribed medications
• Regularly clean and change bandages
• Avoid exposure to excessive heat, such as hot tubs and saunas
• Avoid direct sunlight on surgical site

We may provide you with additional directions, such as advice on how you can sleep and how to bathe without damaging the surgical tape over your incision site.

Recovery

Both a tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck will require significant recovery periods, although a mini tummy tuck will require less time. On average, most patients are recovered 4 to 8 weeks, which is when you can resume most normal daily activities including work, moderate exercise, and sexual activity. Your recovery will involve wearing a surgical garment that is meant to be worn continually for the next 6 weeks after your surgery. You are encouraged to walk around every day to help in recovery, although you may want to avoid using the stairs if possible.

When Will You See Results?

It will take several weeks for you to see the final results of this procedure. For most patients, you will be able to see final results 3 to 6 months after treatment. You may be able to see some initial results after 10 to 12 weeks, which will include a tighter abdomen with a slimmer overall body shape.

 How Long Do Results Last?

Results for both of these procedures can last a lifetime. The majority of patients can expect to enjoy permanent results from these treatments, provided care is taken to maintain results.

 Are You a Good Candidate?

The majority of adult patients healthy enough for surgery with general anesthesia are qualified for either of these treatments. Qualification is sometimes determined by the amount of fat and excess tissue that needs to be eliminated. You may be a good candidate for this treatment if you would like to:

• Reduce belly fat
• Tighten loose skin
• Tone abdominal muscles
• Slim body shape
• Feel more confident

Tone Up With Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck

One of the most trusted cosmetic procedures is a tummy tuck, which can correct the shape and flatness of the abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have milder concerns, such as tightening loose muscles on the stomach. Both a tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck can be used to perfect the shape of the body.