Mini Tummy Tuck - Panniculectomy

Overview

A taut tummy can be within your reach when you choose to have tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, performed at the Aesthetic Center of Gainesville. Loose and saggy skin is removed and weakened stomach muscles are tightened to strengthen them for a smoother, flatter tummy.

In some scenarios, patients may qualify for a mini tummy tuck, where there’s only a small amount of skin that needs to be removed to improve the stomach. For patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, an apron of skin and tissue can hang beneath the belly button. This apron is known as the pannus and can be removed through a surgery known as panniculectomy.

Techniques

Surgical Technique

Mini Tummy Tuck

Individuals who are in relatively good shape but desire a flatter tummy may be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. These patients have loose abdominal fascia, but the muscles aren’t stretched to the point where a full tummy tuck is necessary. During surgery, a smaller incision is made along the lower abdomen, liposuction is used to remove excess fat, and the remaining skin is pulled tight. The belly button is not affected by this surgery.

Full Tummy Tuck

A traditional (full) tummy tuck is suitable for both men and women who have a moderate amount of excess skin in their midsection. It is commonly performed on women post-pregnancy. During this surgery, the incision extends from hipbone to hipbone, which grants the surgeon access to a greater portion of the internal structures. Liposuction is used to remove fat and the abdominal muscles are pulled and tightly secured. The belly button is usually repositioned for natural placement.

Extended Tummy Tuck

The extended tummy tuck is reserved for patients who require major skin tightening and body contouring following a major weight loss. The extended tummy tuck requires a longer incision that extends beyond the hips, as well as another one around the navel. Liposuction is used and the excess skin is trimmed away and tightened. The belly button is repositioned during this surgery.

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During / After Surgery

A tummy tuck is usually performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes around 2 – 3 hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure. After surgery, patients will wear a compression garment and will need to rest for the first 48 hours. They should make a concerted effort to move around in order to help promote blood circulation, but should only attempt to initially stand at a 45-degree angle to protect the incision. Pain medication will be provided to help with post-operative pain. Clearance to resume exercise is usually given around 4-6 weeks.

Tummy Tuck

FAQS

Should I get a tummy tuck or liposuction?

Patients who have loose skin in the lower abdomen may be better candidates for a skin tightening procedure such as a tummy tuck. If a patient is battling unwanted belly fat, but otherwise has good skin tone, liposuction (which removes fat only) may be all that is needed.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Patients who have loose skin in the lower abdomen may be better candidates for a skin tightening procedure such as a tummy tuck. If a patient is battling unwanted belly fat, but otherwise has good skin tone, liposuction (which removes fat only) may be all that is needed.

Will a tummy tuck leave a scar?

Unfortunately, scarring is a part of this procedure. However, every effort is made to minimize scarring, and the incisions are generally placed in locations easily concealed by undergarments. For women who have had a previous C-section, the original C-section scar will be replaced with the tummy tuck incision. Most patients feel the physical results of this surgery far outweigh any scarring left behind.

What happens to my results if I get pregnant or gain weight?

For optimal results, it is recommended that patients wait to have abdominoplasty until after all pregnancies have been completed. This is to ensure the stretching and weight gain that occurs with pregnancy does not compromise the results of the surgery.

Want a Flat Tummy?

Who doesn’t want that flat, tight tummy? You, too, can have that dream stomach with a tummy tuck surgery. Whether you need a full-on tummy tuck or a mini one, we are here to get you started. To find out more, give us a call to schedule your consultation.


Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

“Treated me like family through the whole process”

Amazing physician and staff. Dr. Schaheen took extra time to explain everything to me and allowed me to ask questions, insured I had no complications after surgery, and treated me like family through the whole process.

- Paul W.

“Professional, knowledgeable, and communicative”

Professional, knowledgeable, and communicative. I’ve only seen her once but she analyzed my hand, recommended a course of action, followed through, and it all worked fine. I can’t say enough about how much I’m impressed. Need a recommendation? Choose her.

- John K.

“Dr. Schaheen is professional, upbeat, encouraging & skilled!!!”

Dr. Schaheen is professional, upbeat, encouraging & skilled!!! Her surgery on my hand far exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend for your surgery needs.

- Sherri

“Dr. Schaheen explains everything top to bottom”

I cut my pinky flexor tendon mid-July, and had a different doctor operate. When I hadn’t seen the greatest results, I went to Dr. Schaheen and she scheduled me for surgery immediately with full communication on what needed to be improved. My surgery was early October, and the scar is already almost non-existent! She is EXTREMELY knowledgeable, and a joy to talk to. She has the sweetest, most nurturing personality. Dr. Schaheen explains everything top to bottom. The only negative thing about her is that I can’t rate above five stars. Dr. Scaheen, you are a JOY!!!!!

- Miranda P.

“She really cares about her patients”

I had surgery for dupuytren’s contracture and trigger finger. two successful surgery’s. Dr. Schaheen is a very good Dr. and a wonderful person, her staff is very competent and are there to help you. She really cares about her patients.

- Tim M.

“He was very open and honest”

“Highly recommended Dr. Abell. I was very nervous about getting some work done but Dr. Abell made me feel very comfortable and he also takes a very conservative approach. He was very open and honest, so I knew what to expect. I was very pleased with the results and highly recommend him. He is awesome!”

- Vikki F.

“My hand was fixed right up!”

“Dr. Emily performed surgery on my hand after breaking it with a spiral fracture. I received plates and pins. Her bedside manner, professional, and knowledge were amazing! My hand was fixed right up! I have zero pain and full movement in my hand and fingers. And as a bonus, the scar from surgery is not even noticeable 🙂 I would recommend Dr. Emily time and time again!”

- Martha B.

“Dr. Walton was absolutely wonderful!”

“We trusted Dr. Walton with our 4 year old who needed repairs on his little finger after a bad cut. We were very nervous to say the least! But Dr. Walton was absolutely wonderful! We still have a few more weeks of physical therapy but it looks like this very difficult surgery was completely successful! Not only is Dr. Walton a joy but the entire office staff and nurses! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!”

- Lori P.

“I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Davoodi”

“My overall experience with this office has been great. All of the nurses as well as the front office staff are kind, patient and willing to answer any questions. Dr. Davoodi is a great doctor. He made me feel comfortable about the procedure and walked me through step by step. He personally called me after surgery to follow up which i greatly appreciated. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Davoodi, and I am very pleased with the results from my surgery!”

- Caitlin B.

Care That's Close To Home

Locations & Contact

Gainesville


Northeast Georgia Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center of Gainesville

1296 Sims Street, NE Suite B Gainesville, GA 30501

770-534-1856

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday: 8AM – 5PM
Friday: Availability varies, please call to confirm

Braselton


Northeast Georgia Plastic Surgery

Medical Plaza 1, 1515 River Place, Suite 365 (3rd Floor) Braselton, GA 30517

770-534-1856

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday: 8AM – 5PM
Friday: Availability varies, please call to confirm

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