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    What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

    Otherwise known as mini-abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and tissue from the midsection. What makes a mini tummy tuck different from the standard tummy tuck is that mini tummy tucks only treat the area between the navel and the pubic line. Patients who choose to undergo a mini tummy tuck procedure get to enjoy shorter surgery time, smaller incisions and scars, and a shorter recovery period.

    What is the difference between a full and mini tummy tuck?

    The standard, or full, tummy tuck procedure removes loose skin and tightens the abdominal muscles to create an improved aesthetic in the entire midsection. A mini tummy tuck, on the other hand, is designed to treat a ‘belly pooch,’ which develops in patients who are a bit slimmer. As such, the mini tummy tuck procedure focuses entirely on the lower abdominal zone (below the belly button).

    What is an Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck?

    Everything you Need to Know about Abdominoplasty

    Who are ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck?

    Ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck in Houston have the following conditions:

    • Have a moderate amount of excess skin and fat in the abdominal region
    • Have strong muscle tone 
    • Are of sound body and mind 

    During the private consultation, Dr. Arroyo assesses the condition of the patient’s stomach to determine if a mini tummy tuck is right for them. It is important for patients to let Dr. Arroyo know what their aesthetic goals are and ask any questions they may have during the consultation.

    I want to thank Dr. Arroyo for the amazing work he did on my tummy tuck with  liposuction. I did my research on a couple of Dr.s before choosing the right Dr who I felt was going to give me the results I wanted. After meeting Dr. A I automatically felt I was in the right hands, he has a great bed side manner and answered all my questions and then some. He is young and fresh and eager to make our (woman and men ) dreams come true. I am 6 weeks postop and I look amazing,  I am so glad I choose him, and I want to mention Gustavo who works there also he also was a Big help. He went above and beyond to put my needs to rest. He took my text, calls on weekends even at 9:00pm at night just  to help me ( like who does that lol) He has been holding my hand from day 1, i cant thank him enough. I highly recommend this surgeon, if you want amazing results  and a great team look no more Dr Arroyo is your go to Dr.

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    What does the procedure entail?

    Dr. Arroyo begins the process by making a horizontal incision below the navel, through which he will extract excess skin. This incision also serves as an entryway for Dr. Arroy to reach the abdominal muscles and tighten them, achieving the desired contours. The incisions are then closed with sutures. Patients should be aware that belly button repositioning is not a part of this procedure. Once the procedure is finished, bandages are applied to the treatment area and the patient is watched for a period of time before being discharged. 

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    Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) Sedation

    With mini tummy tuck procedures, Dr. Arroyo uses Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) Sedation. This is a special sedation method that gives patients the ability to breathe by themselves without requiring intubation during the procedure. TIVA also comes with less of the side effects that have been linked to general anesthesia, such as nausea, pain, and vomiting. Prior to the surgery, Dr. Arroyo administers an oral medication to calm the patient’s nerves and reduce discomfort. The IV sedation then commences. Both before and during the surgery, patients are closely monitored to ensure that they are comfortable and safe throughout the process. 

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    What is the recovery process like?

    Patients can start engaging in light activity about 48 hours after the surgery. At the 2-week mark, the sutures are removed. Patients can usually get back to work in just 1 to 2 weeks and start doing moderate exercise by around 5 to 6 weeks. 

    How much does a mini tummy tuck cost?

    The cost of the procedure can vary based on multiple factors. That said, most patients pay somewhere between $7,000-$10,000. Patients will receive an estimate on their procedure during the consultation process. 

    Mini Tummy Tuck FAQs

    Are there any noticeable scars?

    What procedures can be combined with a mini tummy tuck?

    How long does the mini tummy tuck procedure last?

    What should I expect during my mini tummy tuck consultation?

    Will I need to wear a compression garment after a mini tummy tuck?

    When will I see the results of my mini tummy tuck?

    Are there any noticeable scars?

    Any procedure that involves incisions will undoubtedly result in some amount of scarring. That said, patients who undergo a mini tummy tuck procedure will walk away with less noticeable scarring, as the incisions are incredibly small. In addition, Dr. Arroyo makes sure to make all incisions in the lower areas of the abdomen where they will be hidden by clothing.

    What procedures can be combined with a mini tummy tuck?

    A mini tummy tuck is often performed in tandem with other procedures, such as a breast lift, breast augmentation, liposuction (of the hips, back, or thighs), arm lifts, and thigh lifts.

    How long does the mini tummy tuck procedure last?

    The duration of a mini tummy tuck is typically between one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and any additional surgeries performed at the same time. Dr. Arroyo will give you a more precise timeframe during your consultation.

    What should I expect during my mini tummy tuck consultation?

    In your consultation, Dr. Arroyo will assess your abdominal area, talk about your cosmetic goals, review your medical history, and explain the mini tummy tuck process in detail. He will also answer your questions and design a treatment plan customized to your needs.

    Will I need to wear a compression garment after a mini tummy tuck?

    Yes, wearing a compression garment for a few weeks after the surgery is typically required. This helps minimize swelling, supports your healing abdomen, and assists in achieving the best contour results.

    When will I see the results of my mini tummy tuck?

    You may notice some initial changes right after surgery, but the final results will become clearer as swelling decreases and your body heals, which can take several weeks to a few months.

    Why Choose Dr. Arroyo for Your Mini Tummy Tuck?

    Dr. Christian Arroyo’s extensive training and commitment to excellence make him a sought-after plastic surgeon for body contouring procedures like the mini tummy tuck. The Houston Chronicle honored him as Houston’s Best Plastic Surgeon in 2022, and his expertise and patient care set him apart.

    A proud graduate of the University of Puerto Rico Medical School, Dr. Arroyo went on to complete general surgery residencies at the University of Connecticut and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

    He further advanced his skills during a prestigious plastic surgery residency at Houston Methodist Hospital. With a multicultural background and bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, Dr. Arroyo connects deeply with patients from diverse backgrounds. Dr. Arroyo emphasizes safety and comfort by often utilizing Total Intravenous Sedation (TIVA), providing a safer alternative to general anesthesia with a quicker recovery. When you choose Dr. Arroyo for your mini tummy tuck, you can trust that you’re in the hands of a highly skilled and compassionate surgeon dedicated to achieving your aesthetic goals.

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