Mini Abdominoplasty Procedure in Norwalk, Connecticut

Conveniently Located: Every patient is a VIP. For your mini tummy tuck surgery appointment, you will see Dr. Kirwan himself at every single appointment. Our Norwalk, CT location is conveniently located in between Manhattan, New York and New Haven, Connecticut. Patients regularly visit from across Connecticut (Stamford, Greenwich, Stratford, Fairfield, Westport, Bridgeport, Darien, New Canaan, Trumbull), New York ( Manhattan, NYC, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Port Chester, White Plains, Harrison), New Jersey and other neighboring cities/towns for their mini tummy tuck and other plastic surgery procedures. Our office is close to all of the New York Airports for patients who are coming from out-of-state or other countries.

What is Mini Abdominoplasty?

Mini Abdominoplasty or a mini tummy tuck differs from a full abdominoplasty in at least one respect; only the skin below the belly-button is elevated and “redraped”. The umbilicus is usually left alone although the skin around it may be temporarily detached to allow access to the upper part of the abdomen and tightening of the muscles. This surgery is for women with a little extra skin confined to the lower abdomen, often above a tight C-section scar and with a minimal stretching of the abdominal muscles. It is also an option for women who do not want a full abdominoplasty and a longer recovery. An alternative procedure is a panniculectomy  or apronectomy for women with a fatty pannus or apron that hangs down over the pubic area.

Some women with limited or no extra skin, have significant stretching of the paired abdominal rectus muscles. These can be tightened, just as in a full abdominoplasty by repairing the gap between the rectus muscles from the pubic area to the top of the abdomen (xiphoid). The benefits of a mini tummy tuck extend to the pubic area which is lifted and tightened, but not to the upper thighs as in a full tummy tuck. Mini-abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction of the upper abdomen. A full tummy tuck is needed for significant extra skin, fat or stretch marks above the belly-button.

A mini tummy tuck is also done to improve results of a previous full abdominoplasty. Extra skin above the abdominoplasty scar and dog-ears at the ends of the previous scar, can be corrected with excision of skin or liposuction alone. Further liposuction can be done of the front and sides of the tummy to improve the overall contour.

Age

20 years of age and older after pregnancy, c-section, weight loss or with a fatty apron. Tight indented C-section scars with a skin overhang and stretched stomach muscles are additional reasons for surgery. As with a full abdominoplasty, surgery should be done at least six months after pregnancy and no further pregnancies should be anticipated. 

Surgical Technique

Excess skin folds are removed and any caesarean section scar is revised in the lower abdomen. The rectus abdominal muscles are tightened, if split. 

Philosophy

An incision that is hidden in a bikini bottom and a flat tummy.

Surgical time and recovery

Surgery is done on an ambulatory basis. Surgery takes two to three hours depending on the procedure. It will take longer if there are additional procedures such as liposuction or a breast lift. All stitches are absorbable. The wounds are healed at 2 weeks but strenuous sports are limited for several months if the muscles are repaired. Back to work in 10 to 14 days.

Related Procedures

Three Dimensional Superficial Liposculpture of other areas such as the upper part of tummy, hips, thighs, and knees. A mini tummy tuck is often part of a mommy makeover surgery.

SEE THE TRANSFORMATIONS & BEAUTIFUL RESULTS

Before & After Photos