Mini Tummy Tuck in Medellín

It's the shorter version of the tummy tuck: it treats the excess skin and fat below the belly button, with a smaller scar. You'll see it called a mini tummy tuck, a mini abdominoplasty or, when it's combined with lipo, a mini lipoabdominoplasty. Here in Colombia it's mini abdominoplastia or miniabdominoplastia. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the incision usually sits just above the pubic area, the belly button generally stays where it is, and the upper abdomen isn't treated.

It depends on what your abdomen needs. The ASPS explains that, through that low incision, the surgeon can tighten the muscles in that area and remove the extra skin and, if needed, add liposuction to remove localized fat. What it doesn't change is the skin, the fat and the loose muscles above the belly button. That's why, if your abdominal muscles have separated (diastasis), we check at your consultation how far up the separation goes. Your surgeon decides what's done in your case once they examine you.

A mini isn't always the answer.

• If your skin is firm and the issue is extra fat, we consider liposuction. The ASPS points out that skin can only shrink back so much: if there's excess, it may need to be removed.
• If the looseness extends above the belly button, we consider a full tummy tuck.
• If you also want to address your breasts after pregnancy, we consider a mommy makeover.
• If you've lost a lot of weight and have extra skin in several areas, we plan body contouring after major weight loss.

At your consultation, we tell you what makes sense for you.

It isn't a way to lose weight: the ASPS makes clear that it doesn't replace weight loss or exercise, and it recommends waiting if:

• You plan to have more children.
• You plan to lose a lot of weight.

It also warns that large swings in weight can significantly reduce the result. That's why it's best to come in at a stable weight and in good health, not smoking, with realistic expectations and, if it applies to you, finished breastfeeding.

Every surgery has risks, and this one does too. For tummy tucks, the ASPS lists, among others:

• Anesthesia risks.
• Bleeding, infection or fluid buildup (seroma).
• Poor wound healing or unfavorable scarring.
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation.
• Asymmetry, or skin that becomes loose again.
• Deep vein thrombosis and heart or lung complications.
• Persistent pain or prolonged swelling.
• The possibility of needing revision surgery.

Before you decide, we go over each one with you and you sign an informed consent form.

Before surgery, according to the ASPS, you get your pre-op tests, stop smoking and go over everything you take with your specialist: aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements can increase bleeding. We tell you what to stop taking, how long to fast and what to bring. You need an adult to get you home and stay with you the first night.

Afterward, the ASPS explains that you may go home with bandages or a compression garment to control swelling and, sometimes, with thin temporary drains. During the first week you wear your compression garment and keep activity light, and we see you for follow-up visits until you're cleared.