For many women who have had children and still struggle with persistent fat and excess skin in the abdominal area, a tummy tuck procedure can be tempting. If your problem is limited to the lower abdominal region, you may not actually need a complete tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck procedure is similar, but it focuses only on that lower abdomen section. Here are a few things you may want to know about the mini tummy tuck if you're considering it as an option.

Who Is An Ideal Candidate?

Since a mini tummy tuck isn't designed as much for weight loss but for managing excess skin and fat deposits, this procedure isn't ideal for people who are looking to lose weight. If, however, you're already at a comfortable weight and don't plan to have any more children, you might be a good candidate for this kind of procedure. It's a localized procedure that focuses only on those small, stubborn fat deposits. That means it's not ideal for anyone looking for any kind of weight loss benefit or stretch mark elimination.

What Is The Procedure?

A mini tummy tuck procedure starts with a low incision on your abdomen. In most cases, the incision is low enough that even minimal undergarments will cover it. The incision is focused and targeted to address the tissue immediately below, so it allows for a smaller incision and scar than you might have otherwise expected.

Residual fatty deposits in the area of the incision will be removed during this process, then any damaged or strained muscle tissue in the area will be repaired. Once the tissue is repaired, the surgeon will trim away any excess skin and then close the incision. When the incision is closed, your abdominal area will be wrapped with compression fabric. The fabric will help to moderate the swelling.

What Kind Of Recovery Is There?

Recovery from a mini tummy tuck will take a couple of weeks. Since the surgical area is minimal, the recovery will typically be faster than you'd experience with a traditional tummy tuck procedure. You may have some tenderness and a little bit of swelling in the surgical area for a few days after your procedure. This discomfort may be particularly apparent when you stand upright. Your surgeon will provide you with a clear set of instructions for your ability to restore your activity levels. Follow those instructions clearly to avoid any risk of serious injury.

If you have struggled with belly fat and loose skin in your lower abdomen, it's important that you understand your options. Knowing what you can expect from this procedure may help you to make a more informed decision about your treatment options. Visit a facility like Renaissance Center For Facial & Body Sculpting for more information.