Abdominoplasty Sydney (Tummy Tuck)

Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck) Sydney

A minor or mini abdominoplasty is a smaller and generally less invasive alternative than a full abdominoplasty. In this procedure, the loose skin and excess fat are removed from the lower abdomen, and the underlying muscles are tightened.

Typically, a very low incision will be made at the pubic hairline on much the same level as a caesarean scar (but about 5cm longer). The skin is tightened, and excess skin is removed from a smile-shaped flap. The resulting scar usually lies within the bikini line, and the belly button is not interfered with.

The detailed steps of the procedure will depend on each patient’s surgical needs and will need to be determined during a consultation with Dr Rastogi at our Double Bay, Sydney, location.

What is the difference between a full abdominoplasty and a mini abdominoplasty?

A full abdominoplasty:

• Removes excess skin and fat from the entire abdomen.
• Repairs loose muscles in all areas of the abdomen.

A minor abdominoplasty:

• Removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen.
• Tightens lower abdominal muscles.
• Generally leaves less obvious scarring.
• Generally requires far less recovery time.

Reasons why patients might consider mini abdominoplasty

A mini abdominoplasty removes unwanted pockets of fat that do not respond to diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle. The procedure can be sufficient for those requiring excess skin and fat removal and muscle tightening on the lower abdomen only. When only focusing on the lower abdomen, scarring can be less obvious, and recovery time can be less extensive than after a full abdominoplasty.

The outcomes will correspond to the unique circumstances and treatment plan of the patient, which you can discuss in your consultation with Dr Rastogi.

Your consultations

Meeting with Dr Rastogi, your consultations will be important to discuss your motivations for surgery and your personal expectations. The consultation process will help to determine if you are suitable for the procedure, the detailed steps of your procedure and other personal information that will be useful ahead of time.

Your first consultation is typically a 20 to 30-minute video call, such as via FaceTime, before an in-person consultation for one to one-and-a-half hours.

During your consultation, you will discuss the results you want to achieve, and any important health and lifestyle factors that need to be considered before planning your surgery. You will also be able to discuss the costs of your procedure and receive preparation and recovery information specific to your personalised surgery.

Your consultations are obligation-free, meaning that you can decide if you want to go through with the procedure after discussing the essential details and determining your suitability.

The mini abdominoplasty procedure

A mini abdominoplasty will be performed under general anaesthesia. You will discuss your personalised procedure plan during a consultation before your surgery.

To perform the surgery, a smaller incision is made, typically just above the pubic area and shorter than the incision used in a full abdominoplasty. The length and shape of the incision may vary based on the individual’s anatomy and the specific concerns being addressed. The details of your incision size and placement will be explained during your consultation.

Excess skin and fat are removed from the lower abdominal area. The extent of tissue removal is generally less than in a full abdominoplasty, but the amount that will be removed will be determined during your consultation. If necessary, Dr Rastogi may then tighten the underlying abdominal muscles. In some cases, the navel (belly button) may also be repositioned. The details of your personalised procedure will be discussed during your consultation, as all surgery steps will depend on your individual needs.

Once the skin, fat and underlying muscles have been addressed, the incisions are sutured closed. Surgical drains may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation during the early stages of healing. You will be advised on when the drains can be removed.

After the surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery area, where you’ll be closely monitored. Patients typically complete their recovery at home, following personalised recovery instructions.

Recovery after a mini abdominoplasty

After a mini abdominoplasty, you will have your own recovery instructions to follow, provided by Dr Rastogi. You can also discuss what to expect during your recovery, such as a recovery timeline that includes when you can expect post-surgery symptoms like swelling and bruising to subside.

Should you have any questions or concerns while recovering at home, you’ll receive contact information for Dr Rastogi and our nurses. You will be able to contact our team after hours should you need assistance.

Straight after your procedure, you won’t be able to drive, so it is important to organise for a support person to pick you up from the hospital. It can also be helpful to arrange for someone to stay with you at home for the earlier days of your recovery, so that you have assistance with household tasks.

Your recovery instructions will include keeping incision sites clean to avoid infection and getting plenty of rest while avoiding strenuous exercise. Gradually, you can typically resume your normal daily activities during the first two weeks of recovery, but strenuous exercise may need to be avoided for up to four to six weeks. You may need to wear a compression garment to help the swelling subside and encourage the skin to tighten in the area. Your surgeon will advise you on how often and how long to wear the compression garment.

To manage discomfort, you may be prescribed pain medication. You may also be advised to gently apply ice packs to the lower abdomen, which can also help to reduce swelling. Quitting smoking will be essential during recovery, as smoking can impact the body’s natural healing process. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by following a balanced diet and staying hydrated can also help your body heal sufficiently.

To minimise scarring, you should avoid excessive sun exposure on the incision site. If the incision site will be exposed to the sun, it’s important to wear sunscreen with a high SPF to protect the skin in the area.

You will need to attend post-operative appointments to monitor the progress of your healing. Your first appointment is typically scheduled three-to-four days after surgery on a Monday morning. On the day of your first appointment, any necessary additional appointments can be scheduled. During your appointment, you will be able to ask any questions or discuss any concerns you may have with Dr Rastogi or our nurses.

The speed of your recovery will depend on factors such as the steps of your surgery and individual healing ability. Generally, patients can return to their normal daily routine in six weeks. Final results can be seen once the swelling has fully subsided, which can take a few months to a year.

Mini abdominoplasty costs in Double Bay, Sydney

As with most other cosmetic procedures, a mini abdominoplasty has a multi-faceted cost structure. The cost components of your procedure include surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist’s fees, and hospital fees.

There will also be external fees to consider, such as the costs of a compression garment and any scar care products. You may also require a lymphatic drainage massage after the procedure to support recovery. During a consultation, all of your fees can be outlined in a personalised quote. Your quote will include fees that will be required during recovery, such as scar care and medications.

Surgeon’s fees tend to differ from surgeon to surgeon, depending on their qualifications, experience, and professional recognition. Dr Rastogi has been performing this procedure for over 25 years, therefore his fees will reflect this. It’s essential to choose a highly experienced surgeon to perform your mini abdominoplasty.

Keep in mind that the cost of your surgery can also change depending on the amount of time you are in the operating theatre. Your total procedure time may be estimated during your consultation so that you can know what to expect ahead of time. The amount of time spent in the operating theatre can vary from patient to patient, depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure.

Your consultation process will cost $300, which can then be put towards the costs of your surgery, should you decide to undergo the procedure.

For an accurate, personalised quote, contact our team to book your consultation with Dr Rastogi.

Risks and complications

During your consultation, you will discuss the risks and complications of a mini abdominoplasty to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not you are comfortable with undergoing the procedure. It will also be important to assess your individual risk, discussing any past or current health conditions that can impact your suitability for surgery. You will be provided with preparation and recovery advice to help you minimise risks.

The potential risks and complications can include:

• Infection
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain and/or discomfort
• Hematoma (May require surgical drainage)
• Poor scarring
• Seroma (Collection of fluid that requires drainage and/or more surgery)
• Changes in skin pigmentation, such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
• Over-tightening of the abdominal muscles
• Wound breakdown (Prolonged healing)
• Necrotising fasciitis
• Numbness
• Temporary or permanent changes in sensation
• Changes in navel appearance
• Anaesthesia complications
• Asymmetrical results
• The requirement for revision surgery

Some of these risks, such as swelling and bruising, are temporary and tend to resolve independently during recovery. Aspects of your recovery instructions, such as wearing a compression garment, will also help to reduce swelling sufficiently. Other complications can require medical attention, such as infection or seroma. In a consultation, you will discuss the symptoms to be aware of throughout your recovery. Monitoring the condition of your incision site and general health will be important. You will also have contact information for Dr Rastogi and our nurses should you need assistance or have any concerns after your surgery.

Post-operative appointments will be required to monitor the progress of your healing. Your first post-operative appointment is typically made three-to-four days after your surgery.