MINI ABDOMINOPLASTY

A mini abdominoplasty is an operation designed to remove fat by liposuction and tighten the skin by excision of excess skin.

If:

• You have a lower abdominal over hang of skin.
• You have an excess of fat.
• Your muscles are in good condition.

Then a miniabdominoplasty may be the operation of choice for you.

Most of the patients who come to see me have an overhang of lower abdominal skin which is often made worse by a Caesar scar. In addition, they often tell me the central column of thick fat up the middle of the abdomen does not shift with diet or exercise.

This procedure is designed to remove the excess fat from areas you may find it does not shift from with diet or exercise and to remove the overhang of lower abdominal skin.

The fat removal is by means of liposuction.

The overhang of skin is because the skin has lost its elasticity by being stretched out during pregnancy and it just cannot return to its normal position. There is no option but to remove this excess of skin. Like a Caesar scar, the scar I give you will be along your lower tummy, but longer. The benefit is that you will have a much flatter tummy.

The ladies I meet really dislike the lower abdominal fullness and over hang. It shows through tight fitting clothing so they are restricted to wearing loose items that hide the area. Under these circumstances a well placed scar lying below the level of most knickers, is an acceptable option.

What is involved in the surgery?

I will reduce the fat of the upper abdomen by suction lipectomy. I then remove the excess of loose skin from below your umbilicus. If you already have a Caesar type scar, you will end up with a scar in the same position, low down at the bottom end of your tummy, but it will be longer. If you can pinch up a handful of skin in you lower tummy, that will be the bit I will take away!

Is this the right operation for you?

If what I have described does not seem to apply to you, another procedure might be necessary.

Why might you need a full abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

• There is a big excess of skin.
• The overhang of skin is very large.
• There is a lot of loose skin in the middle of the tummy around the belly button.
• There is a weakness (divarication) between the muscles of your abdomen.

How to check is you have a muscle weakness:

Lie flat on your back and put your hand flat on your tummy just above the belly button. Now lift both legs up about six inches. If you feel a bulge push up against your hand (like the Alien trying to get out), your may have a Divarication. (you need to check below the belly button as will). I will advise you whether a full tummy tuck might be better so l can repair the weakness.

You also might need a full tummy tuck if there really is a lot of fat and skin to be removed.

If things don't seem as bad as what is described above and all that seems to be the problem is a moderate excess of fat, you may only need abdominal liposuction

It can be difficult for you to decide what is best for you. Really, what you need to do is contact Janet, my PA, and come in and see me. I can examine you and then advise you what might be the best option for you.