Your Trusted Kirkland Mini Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Surgeon

A mini tummy tuck is a modified version of a full tummy tuck procedure. Typically, a mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower stomach–below the belly button. Otherwise, the goals of a mini tummy tuck are exactly the same: to flatten, tighten the muscles, remove excess skin and fat, and provide a slimmer contour to the stomach. Dr. Ludwig Allegra at Northwest Face & Body offers mini tummy tuck procedures to Kirkland and the surrounding areas.

How Is A Mini Tummy Tuck Different From A Full Tummy Tuck?

Like mentioned, a mini tummy tuck focuses on the portion of the stomach below the belly button. Sometimes–due to genetics, hormones, weight loss,  or other factors–fat and skin can accumulate in the lower stomach. Even with a strictly followed diet and regular exercise, this extra skin and fat may not go away. A mini tummy tuck aims to correct this problem through surgical intervention.

In a traditional tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon will create an incision, often spanning from hip to hip. Through this incision, they will remove unwanted skin and fat, tighten the abdominal muscles, and create a more flattering, toned look.

A mini tummy tuck–for those who only need a limited procedure–can accomplish these same goals through a smaller incision and less invasive surgery. The incision is located in roughly the same place as a full tummy tuck–just below the pubic line or panty line–but it shorter than in a full tuck. While this limits how much skin and fat Dr. Allegra can remove, good candidates for a Kirkland mini tummy tuck will not need as much removal as during the full version of surgery.

During a full tummy tuck, Dr. Allegra utilizes general anesthesia because the procedure requires more time and a larger incision. A mini tuck, however, Dr. Allegra often uses local anesthesia paired with IV sedation. Using local anesthesia lowers side effects associated with general anesthesia and–for some patients–is safer than undergoing full sedation. You will not feel any pain with local anesthesia and it often leads to an easier and more comfortable recovery.

Benefits Of A Mini Tummy Tuck:

The procedure carries many benefits to Kirkland area patients. Obtaining a slimmer figure and flatter tummy is just one of the benefits, others include:

• Correction of loose skin
• Tightening of muscles and skin
• Removal of stubborn fat
• Non-invasive procedure
• Smaller scar
• Shorter procedure and recovery time
• Procedure does not require repositioning of the belly button
• Can be combined with other procedures such as a thigh lift

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Does The Scar Look Like?

Dr. Allegra will take every precaution to ensure your scar is inconspicuous and easily concealable by a bathing suit. While a full tummy tuck scar can run from hip to hip, a mini tummy tuck scar is similar to the scar from a C-section. If you have a previous C-section scar, it is likely your surgery scar will replace it. Since Dr. Allegra makes the incision below where a bathing suit should hit, you don’t have to worry about showing off your results.

Will My Results Be Permanent?

Your mini tummy tuck can provide long lasting results as long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise. Any significant weight change–loss or gain–can cause a change in the lower abdomen. When you seek out a mini tuck, you should be close to or at a healthy weight and finished having children.

The weight gain and abdominal stretching associated with pregnancy will likely cause permanent changes in your mini tummy tuck results. Even if you return to your pre-pregnancy weight, the stretch of the skin can compromise the final results you saw. This is why Dr. Allegra recommends that patients seeking tummy tucks no longer plan to have more children.

Assuming you maintain your weight and keep up with a healthy lifestyle, your can expect to enjoy your results for many years after the procedure. You cannot expect a mini tummy tuck to last a lifetime, but it is likely to last a long time with the proper care.

How Long Is Recovery?

Compared to a full tummy tuck, the recovery for a mini tummy tuck is shorter and generally easier. Because less tissue and skin is removed during a mini tuck, patients can expect to return to work and their daily activities within a few weeks. Some patients return to work within a week, but Dr. Allegra will give you a better idea of when you can go back to work during your consultation and immediate post operative appointments. Every patient’s recovery is different and Dr. Allegra will ensure your recovery is tailored to your needs and unique body.

Immediately following your procedure, swelling, some bruising, and redness are normal side effects of surgery and can last for a few weeks. Dr. Allegra will make multiple recommendations to help along your recovery. He will also provide medications that will make your recovery less painful and promote your health after surgery.

On average, patients can return to full strenuous exercise about six to eight weeks following surgery. Again, this depends on your recovery and the extent of your surgery.

How Do I Know If I Need A Mini vs. Full Tummy Tuck?

If your stubborn fat deposits and extra skin are concentrated on your lower abdomen and below your belly button, you may be a good candidate for mini tummy tuck surgery. If your needs extend above the belly button, a full or extended tummy tuck may better suit you.

Who Is An Ideal Candidate?

An ideal candidate for a Kirkland mini tummy tuck procedure is someone who has excess fat and skin in the lower abdominal region that does not go away with diet, exercise, or other lifestyle changes. Often, mini tummy tuck procedures benefit those who lost a significant amount of weight and need surgical intervention to give them the flat, toned look they desire.

A candidate must have good general health and not smoke. Certain health conditions and lifestyles can compromise the surgery and recovery process, so it is important to discuss the full scope of your medical history and lifestyle with Dr. Allegra during a consultation at Northwest Face & Body.

Knowing what you want to accomplish with your surgery and having realistic expectations for the procedure is the final qualification in the ideal candidate. It is understandable that you may not know exactly what a mini tummy tuck can do for you, but after a discussion with Dr. Allegra, you can expect to fully understand your future results and procedure.

Why Northwest Face & Body and Dr. Allegra?

Northwest Face & Body was first established in 1983 to provide medical and aesthetic services to the Greater Seattle area. Combining medical expertise, passion, and compassionate care, the Northwest Face & Body team aims to provide every patient with an individualized and thoughtful experience.

Our facilities are certified by the most rigorous Medicare standards and you can feel confident in knowing that all of the physicians and medical staff are experienced and board-certified. Northwest Face & Body also accommodates Vancouver tummy tuck patients by offering virtual consultations and discounts on lodging.

Dr. Ludwig Allegra is double board-certified and has over a decade of experience performing mini tummy tuck procedures. During your consultation at Northwest Face & Body, Dr. Allegra will discuss your medical history, goals for the procedure, and your lifestyle. After gaining a good understanding of what you want to accomplish and what your lifestyle consists of, Dr. Allegra will take measurements and examine your abdomen. He then can decide if you are a good candidate for a Kirkland mini tummy tuck surgery.

State-Of-The-Art Mini Tummy Tuck At Northwest Face & Body

Contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Allegra. Call us at (425) 576-1700 or connect with us online via Price Simulator™ or our contact form.