Best Mini Tummy Tuck- Dallas-Top Plastic Surgeon, Dr. John Burns
Best Mini Tummy Tuck in Dallas, Texas- Dr. John Burns MD
For individuals in Dallas, TX struggling with stubborn pockets of abdominal fat and loose, sagging skin that just won't seem to budge despite their best efforts with diet and exercise, a mini tummy tuck might be the solution. Dr. John Burns, Jr, MD, has helped thousands of women achieve flat and toned midsections via mini tummy tuck.
Unlike traditional abdominoplasty procedures that require a larger incision spanning from one hip to the other, a mini tummy tuck offers a smaller and easier-to-conceal incision for patients with less significant muscle laxity and skin excess.
What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery is a surgical procedure designed to restore the abdomen and waist after pregnancy. It involves 3 components:
-Removing skin and fat from the lower abdomen,
-Tightening the abdominal muscles that were stretched during pregnancy: rectus plication, and
-Removing excess fat from the upper abdomen and sculpting the waist using liposuction.
In a standard tummy tuck procedure the amount of skin and fat that is removed spans from the pubic area to just above the belly button. A mini tummy tuck is designed for those patients who don’t have as much excess skin and fat. The inferior aspect of the incision still starts at the pubic area but does not extend as far up as the abdomen.
How Long Is A Mini Tummy Tuck Scar?
The mini tummy tuck: involves a shorter scar that sits low and inside the hip bones.
Standard tummy tuck: the scar is positioned low and runs from hip bone to hip bone.
Extended tummy tuck; the scar is low and extends beyond the hip bones so that excess tissue can be removed laterally on the sides of the lower abdomen.
Circumferential tummy tuck: designed for patients with excess skin on their abdomen extending around their torso, the scar extends onto the back and around the torso. This is commonly used for massive weight loss patients.
Who Are The Best Candidates For A Mini Tummy Tuck?
Ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck are fit or thin patients with slight excess skin at stable weight who have had a pregnancy in the past. These patients typically have a mild to moderate amount of loose skin on the abdomen, are at their ideal weight, and have stretched abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis). The amount of excess skin on the lower abdomen is not enough to accommodate a traditional abdominoplasty scar.
Does A Mini Tummy Tuck Correct Diastasis Recti?
During a mini tummy tuck, the abdominal muscles are strategically tightened, addressing any separation that may have occurred. This process not only enhances the tone and strength of the abdominal muscles but also contributes to a more sculpted and contoured appearance. The removal of excess skin further refines the results, creating a smoother and firmer abdominal contour.
Yes, but this might depend on the plastic surgeon. Some surgeons do not address loose abdominal muscles, or diastasis recti, with their mini tummy tuck and simply focus on excess skin removal. However, Dr. Burns will always repair the muscles with his mini tummy tucks to give the best result. Tightening the loose muscles will flatten the abdomen and pull in the waist giving a flatter abdomen and a more hourglass shape.
Do I Get Lipo With My Mini Tuck?
Like with muscle repair, this is surgeon-dependent. Dr. Burns performs 360-degree liposuction with all his tummy tucks. Liposuction allows the scars to be smaller and more discreetly placed as much of the contouring can be done with liposuction. Patients qualifying for a mini tummy tuck are typically thinner and the amount of liposuction is generally less in terms of volume. However, liposuction needs to be done more carefully to avoid contour irregularities while removing pockets of fat. In these cases, Dr. Burns typically uses VASER liposuction which dissolves fat and tightens skin giving a smoother appearance. (link to VASER blog)
How is A Mini Tummy Tuck Done?
Similarly to a standard tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck aims to remove excess skin using a well placed bikini incision which is placed below the panty or bikini bottom line just inside the hip bones. A mini tummy tuck incision is often lower and always shorter than a standard tummy tuck scar which extends from hip bone to hip bone.
Dr. Burns always performs muscle plication with a mini tummy tuck but some surgeons do not so it is important to discuss muscle plication with your surgeon when considering a mini tummy tuck procedure. For his mini tummy tuck, Dr. Burns plicates the muscles from the central rib cage, xyphoid process, to the pubic area which flattens the abdomen and narrows the waist.Dr. Burns also performs liposuction with almost all of his mini tummy tuck procedures. These patients are typically thin so the liposuction is typically lower volume. For better precision Dr. Burns uses VASER ultrasound assisted liposuction which melts fat before removal. The result is often smoother with less bruising and swelling.
Learn More: The VASER® Liposuction Difference: Hi-definition Body Contouring
Umbilical Float Technique
The belly button is often treated differently. For long waisted patients, the belly button can be “floated’ using a popular technique which avoids any scar around the belly button. When the belly button is “floated,” it is divided at the base and receives blood supply from the surrounding skin. After the excess lower abdominal skin is removed and abdominal muscles plicated, the belly button is reattached to the underlying muscle at a slightly lower position. The advantage of this technique is to avoid a belly button scar and the disadvantage is the slightly lower new position of the belly button.
Belly Button Resection
For patients that are shorter-waisted, a more traditional approach is indicated where an incision is made around the belly button which is left attached to the abdominal wall. When excess skin is removed, the belly button is brought back up through the abdominal flap and inset at its original position. The umbilical defect is pulled lower and closed as a small vertical incision on the abdomen. Note: in a standard tummy tuck, the umbilical defect is removed with the skin flapl.
Firm The Skin While Removing Fat
Mini tummy tuck patients are typically thin but do benefit from further sculpting of the waist with liposuction. VASER is an ultrasound based liposuction device which melts fat prior to removal. With thin patients the risk of contour irregularities is higher and the VASER can provide more precision and precise fat removal. Vaser also is associated with less bruising and swelling.
Because Vaser generates heat upon application there is also a beneficial tightening effect on the skin. Common areas for liposuction with a mini tummy tuck are the love handles/flanks, upper abdomen, bra fat/axilla, and upper back. Combining these areas is frequently termed Lipo 360.
Dr. Burns' Advanced Tummy Tuck Techniques
The Corset Technique
A corset tummy tuck refers to a more sophisticated tightening or plication technique where the abdominal muscle is tightened in the mid-line and also on each side in a more oblique vector. This is also called a 3-vector plication. The purpose is to further tighten the abdominal wall and give a more hourglass and tighter shape to the abdomen/waist. A corset technique will pull the oblique muscles inward the narrow the waist giving a more dramatic hourglass appearance.
High-Definition Vaser Liposuction
Mini tummy tuck patients are typically thin but do benefit from further sculpting of the waist with liposuction. VASER is an ultrasound-based liposuction device that melts fat before removal. With thin patients, the risk of contour irregularities is higher and the VASER can provide more precision and precise fat removal. Vaser also is associated with less bruising and swelling. Because Vaser generates heat upon application there is also a beneficial tightening effect on the skin. Common areas for liposuction with a mini tummy tuck are the love handles/flanks, upper abdomen, bra fat/axilla, and upper back. Combining these areas is frequently termed Lipo 360.
How Do I Tell If I Need A Mini Tuck or Lipo?
If you’ve had a pregnancy then you’ll likely need a tummy tuck. Liposuction alone will not address loose skin, stretch marks, or muscle laxity. In patients with loose skin, liposuction can often worsen the problem as removing fat makes the skin even looser and more wrinkled. However, in patients who have never had a pregnancy and who have good skin quality, no stretch marks, and mild to moderate fat deposition around the waist, liposuction can be an excellent option. In these patients, liposuction can flatten the abdomen, cinch in the waist, and create a beautiful shape. The skin will contour nicely with compression garments.
How To Prepare for Surgery
A mini tummy tuck will require about a week of downtime with a gradual increase to normal activity over the first month. Make sure to arrange for help at home during the first week. Make sure to get adequate rest before the procedure and be free from any illness. Don’t smoke, don’t take aspirin or blood thinning products, and don’t take diet pills or medications that might interfere with your anesthesia. You will be provided with compression garments at the time of surgery as well as written detailed instructions explaining what to expect and post-op care during your healing process.
Tummy Tuck ConsultHow Long Is Recovery From A Mini TummyTuck?
You will need to rest the first week at home. We encourage you to ambulate around your house to prevent blood clots (DVTs) but avoid any strenuous activity. Stay well hydrated and get good protein intake to help with healing. Many patients will supplement their diet with vitamins and protein supplements like Ensure or Boost.
The second week you should be able to drive off all pain medications. You’ll be functioning about half of your full capacity so leave extra time for your routines. Avoid any strenuous activity but light walking is fine.
At one month, you’ll be feeling almost normal. You can advance your activity to include lifting up to 25 pounds and light cardio activities such as walking, spin classes or exercise bikes, elliptical machines, or stair master.
At three months, you can return to full activities without restrictions. For weight training, please advance slowly to give your body time to adjust.
When Will I See My Final Results?
You will always be smaller but the final results are evident at 6 months when all the swelling has fully resolved. Your scar will continue to improve for up to 24 months and should become an almost imperceptible thin, white line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I Get to Keep My Belly Button In A Mini Tuck?
At your consultation please share honestly with Dr. Burns your goals and objectives. It helps to have a goal photo or outcome to discuss. For goal photos try and choose cases where the before photo resembles your starting point.
How Much Does A Mini Tummy Tuck Cost?
The cost might vary depending on a variety of factors such as the need for the overnight facility, time in the operating room, and multiple areas of liposuction. In most cases, the cost will be between $8000 - $11,500 depending on these factors.
How Long Is Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Your procedure will take between 2 and 3 hours also depending on a variety of factors: size of the patient and amount of liposuction being done.
What Is The Difference Between A Tiny Tummy Tuck And A Mini Tuck?
We use these terms interchangeably and they are meant to convey a smaller, shorter, and lower incision with more delicate liposuction.
Can You Get Rid of My C-section Scar With A Mini Tummy Tuck?
Yes, in almost all cases Dr. Burns’ tummy tuck scar will be LOWER than your C-section scar so that the C-section scar is removed during your mini tummy tuck procedure.
When Can I Work Out After A Mini Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Burns advises taking one month off from exercise. At one month, light exercise can be resumed with no weight lifting or high impact bouncing. Examples of this type of exercise is walking on a treadmill at an incline, stair climbinb, elliptical trainer, or spin/stationary bike. Patients should continue to avoid stenuous activities until cleared.
At 2 months post op, patients can begin lightweight toning exercises using light weight and high repetition type movements.
By 3 months, patients can begin heavier lifting and core exercises. once the core ab muscles are fully healed, you'll be stronger than ever!
Can I Finance My Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Yes, you can finance your tummy tuck. We offer simple third party financing options through CareCredit, PatientFi, or Alphaeon. Many of these plans offer no interest options. We are happy to help you guide you through the process during your consultation.
Request FinancingTummy Tuck Before and After by Dallas Mommy Makeover Expert, Dr. John Burns
Schedule Your Mini Tummy Tuck Consult with Top Plastic Surgeon, Dr. John Burns
Schedule your private consultation with Dr. John Burns. Dr. Burns offers both virtual and in-office plastic surgery consultations for women considering tummy tuck surgery in Dallas, throughout the United States, and the world.
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