What Is A Mini-Tummy Tuck?

While the incisions for a "full" Tummy Tuck can extend from hipbone to hipbone, those of a Mini-Tummy Tuck are much shorter, usually extending only the width of the pubic area and similar to a C-section scar.

During your consultation Dr. Younai reviews your treatment options for body contouring and tummy tuck, including pros and cons, potential risks and complications, recovery course, pre and post operative instructions, and esthetic outcomes. There are also many before-and-after pictures, high resolution images of abdominoplasty available in our photo gallery.

There are several life changes that cause your abdominal wall to lose its strength and tightness, and to develop excessive, loose skin. Examples of these are pregnancy and massive weight loss — such as the large weight losses from Gastric Bypass or "Bariatric" surgery.

Pregnancy

Almost all women develop stretch marks and loose lower abdominal skin as a result of pregnancy. They often complain of a lower abdominal pouch that protrudes and is unsightly when wearing tight clothes or low-cut shirts.

Do I have to lose weight before undergoing a Tummy Tuck?

It is wise to have reached an ideal body weight before undergoing a Tummy Tuck. However, we do not live in an "ideal" world. Therefore, you can have your remaining excess abdominal and body fat removed either before, or during, a Tummy Tuck, with Liposuction – provided that you plan to maintain your weight and stay healthy

Can a smoker undergo Tummy Tuck or Body Lift surgery?

NO. Patients, who are currently smoking, use tobacco products, or nicotine products (patch, gum, or nasal spray) are at a greater risk for significant surgical complications. These complications include skin death, delayed healing, and additional scarring. Individuals exposed to second-hand smoking are also at potential risk for similar complications attributable to nicotine exposure. In addition, smoking can have a negative effect on anesthesia and post-anesthesia recovery, with increased coughing and possibly bleeding. Therefore, you need to refrain from smoking at least several weeks before and after your surgery.

Can I Become Pregnant Again Following a Tummy Tuck?

In most cases, women considering a Tummy Tuck should not be planning additional pregnancies. Although it is possible to have more children following a Tummy Tuck, another pregnancy could impact your Tummy Tuck outcome, and lead to the need to have your abdomen “re-tightened.” Therefore, a responsible cosmetic surgeon will advise you that it is preferable to be satisfied with the size of your family before undergoing a Tummy Tuck.

There are no creams, or laser treatments that can erase stretch marks. However, because an Abdominoplasty removes most of the stretched out skin below the level of the navel, it does get rid of most of your stretch marks — at least those on the abdomen.

How Is a Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Performed?

There are several types of Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, procedures. These differ depending on the extent of the abdominal wall tightening and removal of loose skin and stretch marks.
Dr. Younai often performs "High-Tension Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty." It is unique in that it not only tightens the abdominal wall but also pulls up and tightens the thighs and the buttocks. By repairing the loosened abdominal muscles, this also narrows the waistline. It removes a majority of the stretch marks by removing the loose skin below the "umbilicus," or navel. Finally, it re-creates the belly button by removing the stretched out skin around it, making it look deeper and tighter.

How is this accomplished? The first step is an incision that extends from hip to hip along lower pubic area. A skilled surgeon makes this incision so that the resulting scar will be hidden under a bikini or by undergarments. The loose abdominal skin is lifted off the abdominal wall and the separated loosened “rectus” muscles (those used in doing sit-ups) are tightened with sutures. This achieves the effect that an old-fashioned girdle would.

In people with excessive fat in the hips and flanks, these areas are suctioned in order to shape the waist and to form the buttocks and flanks. The umbilicus (“belly button”) is disconnected from the abdominal skin, and after removing the loose skin along with its stretch marks, it is reattached to the abdomen. Drains are inserted to remove excess fluid as it accumulates.

How is a Mini-Tummy Tuck Performed?

A Mini Tummy Tuck or Mini-Abdominoplasty is not as extensive as a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty, requiring only one hour of surgery as opposed to the three to four hours needed for a Tummy Tuck. Since it does not usually involve tightening of the abdominal muscles, it is reserved only for those who only have limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen or above the pubic bone. Also, it does not alter the shape of the belly button. A Mini-Tummy Tuck does not involve an extensive undermining and tightening of the abdominal skin, so it can be safely combined with full Liposuction of the abdomen and flank. Therefore, the combination of Mini-Tummy Tuck with Liposuction might be a better choice for those with excessive fat, but limited looseness of the abdomen.

While the incisions for a "full" Tummy Tuck can extend from hipbone to hipbone, those of a Mini-Tummy Tuck are much shorter, usually extending only the width of the pubic area and similar to a C-section scar.

What Are the Potential Risks, Complications, and Shortfalls of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Scars — The trade off for your flatter and tighter abdomen will be surgical scars that are permanent. While no surgeon, however skilled, can perform surgery without scars, scars do usually fade with time, taking up to 18 months.

Bleeding — It is possible, though uncommon, to experience some bleeding during or after surgery. Should excessive bleeding occur, it might require a blood transfusion, or even emergency surgery. But most commonly, localized small amounts of blood collected under the skin (hematoma) can be easily treated through aspiration or the placement of a drain. Dr. Younai, like majority of other plastic surgeons, routinely uses drains that help remove any excess fluid or blood collection.

Infection — There is a very small chance of developing infection after any surgery. You will be given antibiotics during your surgery and be given a prescription for antibiotics to take after your surgery, in order to reduce the risk of infection.

Pain — While people have varying thresholds for pain, it is an expected result from any surgery. This can be addressed through a prescribed medication from your cosmetic surgeon. Nevertheless, you should be aware that although pain medications do help reduce the degree of pain and make it more tolerable, there is no pain medication that will completely eliminate pain.

Nausea — Anesthetics, narcotics, and antibiotics do cause nausea. You will be prescribed an anti-nausea medication, both just-before, during, and after your surgery. Taking your medications with food helps to reduce the incidence and degree of post-operative nausea.

Persistent Swelling & Bruising — It is normal for skin of the abdomen, navel, genitalia, buttocks, and thighs to become inflamed, swollen, and bruised following the surgery, and to remain so for some weeks. I n rare cases, this can persist for many months or can even be permanent if patient has poor circulation. To minimize swelling and bruising after surgery patients are required to wear a support garment 24 hours a day for three weeks, and then only during the daytime for the following three weeks. Massaging these areas as much as three to four times a day is also very helpful.

Change in Skin Sensation — The area of abdomen, pubic area, flanks, and parts of the thighs do become numb, after this surgery. This usually resolves gradually over three to eight months, but you can have residual permanent loss of sensation or even hyper-sensitivity in some areas.
Itching, tenderness, or exaggerated responses to hot or cold temperatures may occur after Tummy Tuck, Body Lift, or Thigh Lift, but is usually short-lived and can be alleviated by moisturizing, medication, and massage.

Pubic Distortion — One of the benefits of Tummy tuck and Body Lift is the lifting and flattening of the protruding and sagging pubic skin. Rarely, women develop distortion of their labia and pubic area. Usually, this corrects itself, but sometimes corrective surgery is required.

Seroma — Fluid accumulations frequently occur between the skin and the abdominal wall, legs, flanks, back, or buttocks. Dr. Younai, as well as, many other plastic surgeons routinely use drains in these areas in order to remove excess fluid. If you develop seroma, it can easily be drained in the doctor’s office.

Damage to Deeper Structures — As with any surgery there is a rare potential for injury to deeper structures including, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs (pneumothorax). Treatment may require further surgery and hospitalization.

Who Is Qualified to Perform Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty?

You would not select a dentist to perform Liposuction. Similarly, you should not jeopardize the outcome of your Tummy Tuck procedure, or your well being, by choosing anyone less than the most qualified plastic surgeon.

While many states allow any licensed physician such as a gynecologist, general surgeon, or otolaryngologist to perform cosmetic surgery, that does not mean all these physicians have had the extensive formal training in cosmetic surgery that is taught to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. In some states, even dentists are lobbying to perform cosmetic procedures.

Because a Tummy Tuck is major surgery, you should place your life in the hands of the most qualified and skilled plastic surgeon. You should also choose a surgeon who will show you solid "Before and After" examples of his or her work, and whose artistic sense is in sync with the results that you are seeking.

In choosing a surgeon to perform Abdominoplasty, you should first choose one who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS): www.abplsurg.org).

What Surgical Facility is Best for a Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty/ Body Lift?

You wouldn't have your wisdom teeth pulled in your dentist’s living room. Why not give equal consideration to your physician's surgical facility? Your very life could depend, not only upon the skill of your surgeon, but upon the quality of this facility.

Dr. Younai is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with formal training in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, as well as General Surgery at some of the most prestigious university residencies in the United States. As a cosmetic plastic surgeon he has had ample experience in performing tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, Panniculectomy, belt Lipectomy, repair of ventral hernia, body lift, thigh lift, Brachioplasty, upper body lift, and breast lift surgeries on patients who have developed redundant abdominal and trunk skin as a result of pregnancy or massive weight loss/ Bariatric Surgery. At the California Center for Plastic Surgery Dr. Younai will review your treatment options for body contouring and tummy tuck, including pros and cons of each procedure, potential risks and complications, recovery course, pre and post operative instructions, and esthetic outcomes. There are also many before-and-after pictures and high resolution images of abdominoplasty available in our photo gallery.

Dr. Younai performs his surgeries at the Regency Surgery Center which is certified by Medicare, AAAHC, and AAAASF. This state-of-the-art facility is located in Encino, and near Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Thousand Oaks, & Westlake Village.

How Should I Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Prior to Surgery

The surgeon will provide very specific instructions prior to surgery so you will have an optimal and safe experience. These include- what medications to avoid to prevent excessive bleeding and bruising, required medical exams, what to eat and drink prior to surgery, and the prescription of an anti-nausea pill to take on the morning of the surgery. In all cases, you will be asked to have a reliable friend or family member take you home after the surgery, as you will not be allowed to drive. Some procedures do require overnight stay in an aftercare facility or a hospital.

Also, tend to all of your chores and to do things before your surgery so you don’t have to worry about taking care of things early during your recuperation. This means if you usually clean the house, you should do so in advance of your surgery. Have your hair cut and colored, wax your legs, pay your bills, and take your dog to the vet before your planned day of surgery!

Pre-operative Instructions from the Office of Dr. Sean Younai:

• If you are older than 45 years, or have heart disease or diabetes, we require a pre-operative EKG, which would either be done by your internist, cardiologist, or at our facility. Heart disease and all other medical illnesses need to be optimized, and you be cleared by an internist or specialist prior to surgery.
•  Pre-operative laboratory blood and urine tests are done usually within 10 days of your surgery date. If you do have health insurance this might be covered, otherwise, the laboratory will charge you.
• If you are a smoker, live with a smoker, or use Nicotine products (patch, gum, or nasal spray) notify your plastic surgeon well in advance of your surgery. You are not allowed to smoke or use Nicotine products for two weeks prior to and two weeks after your surgery, because it greatly increases your risk of having complications including loss of abdominal skin after surgery.
• If you are anemic, or have a low blood count, please notify our office well in advance of surgery so that we can start you on Iron supplement. You cannot have a Tummy Tuck if you are anemic.
• If you have specific medical illnesses, allergies, or physical handicaps, please notify our staff during your pre-operative visit.
• Please refrain from taking any Aspirin, Aleve, Advil, Motrin or other NSAID for ten days before your surgery. These drugs can increase the incidence of bleeding and bruising.
• Do not drink or eat after midnight, the night before your surgery. This means no coffee or breakfast on the morning of your surgery. You should take all your medications with a little water. If you have to take diabetic medication or insulin, be sure to have instructions from our office on how much of it to take the morning of surgery.
• Prior to your surgery you will be given a prescription for pain medication, antibiotics, and nausea medicine. Get these filled in advance and bring them with you to surgery.
• Before leaving home for your surgery, take one "nausea pill"- COMPAZINE - with a little water.

What Are the Post-Operative Considerations After Tummy Tuck?

Although these procedures are different, their post-operative course is very similar. These procedures usually take from three to five hours depending on the size of the patient, and the extent of the surgery.

• Following surgery, patients are monitored in the Recovery Room for several hours until they are stable enough to go home, or to an aftercare facility.

• In the Recovery Room, patients receive pain medications, antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and anit-nausea medications. Although pain medications help make your pain tolerable, they do not eliminate pain altogether. During this time, you are also kept warm with special warming blankets and your calves are being massaged by special stockings. Because mobility of your extremities is very important to keep your circulation going to avoid formation of blood clots, your nurse might assist you in taking a few steps.

• Within the first three hours after your surgery, it is not wise to drink much liquid because of the risk of vomiting. It is best to to wet your mouth.

• After surgery it is normal to feel tight around the tummy, thighs, and buttocks. You would be wearing an abdominal or body girdle. There might be some drainage or soiling of your girdle from your wounds, which is normal. Do not change or remove, or manipulate your girdle until instructed to do so by your surgeon.

• Most people develop muscle spasm in their back or side muscles as a result of being in a bent position for several days. This can be helped by having your significant other massage your back muscles and apply gentle heat to these areas.

• Most patients are allowed to take a shower by the third day after their surgery, but wait until your surgeon specifically approves this and gives you instructions with respect to caring for your incisions and drains.

• The Skin of the areas where you had surgery does become dry, and at times, itchy. Massaging with a thick lotion is very helpful. Some people like to put vitamin-E or "scar creams" over their scars.

How painful is tummy tuck?

When Can I Exercise Again?

When can I go back to work?

This depends on the normal level of activity that is expected of you at work. There is a difference in timing for those who have desk jobs, versus those who are required to stand, walk, bend, push, and pull constantly throughout their workday. Most people return to non-strenuous jobs within 10-14 days after a tummy tuck. If your job is very strenuous, you might have to take more time off, but usually no more than four to six weeks. For those who are having Body Lift and Thigh Lift procedures, it usually it takes longer to go back to work depending on their age, stamina, extent of surgery and job requirements.

When Can I Resume Sexual Relations?

What Kind of Emotions I Might Anticipate Following My Tummy Tuck?

Before surgery most patients are very happy, excited, and looking forward to undergoing their body transformation. Afterwards, they often have mixed feelings. Some of this is caused by the period of disability. Sometimes, people have not yet adjusted to their new body and look. Depending on the person as well as their surroundings, people respond differently to this change. Although most people feel cheerful and are happy with their new body, few do feel regret or have a difficult time psychologically adjusting to it. This can affect their social or marital relations. If you are having these very normal feelings, be sure and discuss them with your family doctor or plastic surgeon.

Unsatisfactory Result

Although good aesthetic results are expected, there is no guarantee or warranty expressed or implied that these results may be obtained. A person might be disappointed with the results of their surgery, due to asymmetry, unsatisfactory or highly visible surgical scar location, unacceptable visible deformities, bunching and rippling. The skin near the suture lines or at the ends of the incisions (dog ears), may experience poor healing, wound disruption, and loss of sensation. It may not be possible to correct or improve the effects of surgical scars. Additional surgery may be required to improve results.

Decision to have surgery

Please think carefully about your decision to have cosmetic surgery, as you would decide to have any surgery. You should first be clear in your mind about what is it that you really want to achieve, and then ask questions about what are the different choices that might be available to you. Don’t have cosmetic surgery for the wrong reasons! A procedure that might be ideal for a friend or sibling might not be the right choice for you. Weigh all the pros and cons of this decision as well as all the potential risks and complications. Be practical about your expectations. Not everyone heals in the same way.Surgical results and outcomes depend on many factors, including those that are out of your plastic surgeon or your hands. It also takes time for things to heal and settle. Be patient!

Finally, it is also important to consider that you are not in this alone. Your friends, spouses and significant others will also feel the impact of your surgery.

You should not enter into having cosmetic surgery as a "quick fix" for your self-image, or take the decision to do so lightly.

With best wishes,

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is considered a major procedure and therefore carries potential risks and complications. Like many other surgeries there is a 2% risk of infection, which we will try to minimize by giving you antibiotics. There is a very small risk of developing blood clots in the legs. This risk is minimized by wrapping your legs in massage pumps during the surgery and by having you move around after surgery in order to increase your circulation. There is also a chance that a small part of your wound or even part of the abdominal skin might not heal. Although this is rare, if it happens, your surgeon can treat it. You should avoid smoking before and after your surgery because it will hamper healing. Finally, abdominoplasty involves placing a scar in the lower abdomen under where you wear your under-garment. These scars could be very faint or very noticeable depending on how your body heals.