The mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty) is a popular procedure with patients from Green Bay, Neenah, Fond du Lac, and surrounding Wisconsin cities who need limited improvement of the midsection. This technique involves the removal of excess skin and fat beneath the navel only, thereby reducing downtime and surgical costs.
Patients opting for a mini abdominoplasty do not have conditions advanced enough for a moderate or full abdominoplasty; generally, they are fit and only want to deal with that stubborn stomach “pouch”. Mini tummy tucks primarily tighten a limited area directly above the pubic mound, and result in a small and easily hidden scar. The procedure is also ideal for resolving Caesarean section scars.
Downtime is greatly reduced, making the mini tummy tuck a good choice for patients who want to get back to work or childcare quickly.
Unlike full and moderate abdominoplasties, the mini abdominoplasty is performed under local anesthesia only. The patient is conscious the entire time, and can return home the same day. The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdominal wall reaching to the navel – unlike other abdominoplasties, the navel does not have to be repositioned. Then, the surgeon removes excess skin and pulls the remaining skin down to close the incision.
Dr. David Janssen and Dr. William Doubek are experts in tummy tucks. The Wisconsin plastic surgeons are helping women and men from places such as Green Bay, Appleton, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan perfect their personal Renaissance. Contact Fox Valley Plastic Surgery at 920-233-1540 to request your consultation in either the Oshkosh or Appleton office. The non-refundable $100 cosmetic consultation fee can be applied towards the cost of the procedure.
With the use of medication and the avoidance of heavy physical activity, the average mini tummy tuck patient is able to resume regular activities in less than a week. The resultant scar is small and easily hidden. Quick showers are permissible 24 hours after the procedure.
After an abdominoplasty, the patient wears an abdominal binder which holds the dressings in place. Unless showering, the patient must wear the binder at all times until the physician tells the patient otherwise. A drain will come out through the pubic area under the skin to remove excess fluid. Discomfort, including swelling and bruising, is common but controlled with medication.
The ability to return to work at a desk job depends on a patient’s individual healing ability, pain tolerance and motivation. Mini abdominoplasty patients typically take off 2-4 days before returning to a desk job. Only a highly motivated patient can return to a desk job in 2 days because there will still be discomfort from the surgery and the drains interfere with clothing options. Lifting is absolutely forbidden for the first 5-7 days, so an early return to work is not suggested for patients with active jobs.
An abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure, which is not paid for by insurance. In general, a mini abdominoplasty costs approximately $6,000. The price includes the surgeon’s fee, the facility fee at the Theda Care Surgery Center, and anesthesia. The pricing is subject to change, and will change if the surgery is done at another facility, and if there are unique circumstances surrounding the surgery, etc.
The use of Strataderm® immediately after wound closure and for several weeks afterwards, is highly recommended for optimal healing. Stratamed is the first film-forming silicone gel-based wound dressing approved for the use on open wounds and compromised skin. Depending on the length of the incision, a tube of Strataderm® costs $32-$54.
Usually there are multiple procedure discounts for cosmetic procedures: 15% off the surgeon’s fee for the 2nd cosmetic procedure, and 30% off the surgeon’s fee for the 3rd procedure. The operating room fee is discounted 50% for the 2nd+ procedure, while anesthesia is based solely on time. There are zero interest financing options available through Care Credit and Alphaeon Credit. There may be additional discounts, which are too varied to be mentioned here.
If you would like to find out more about mini tummy tuck, request your consultation online or call the office at 920-233-1540 to set up your appointment. The non-refundable $100 cosmetic consultation fee can be applied towards the cost of the procedure.
A consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Janssen or Dr. Doubek, will allow you to understand your specific goals for your procedure. During the consult, an evaluation of your physical and emotional health will be used to create your personal care plan. Based on the findings of a physical exam, a determination of your best surgical or nonsurgical procedures will be discussed and presented to you.
