Mini Tummy Tuck - No muscle repair - Recovery period
I am a male who has lost lots of weight but now is in very good physical condition. My only problem is loose skin hanging below the belly button. After doing a lot of research, could I just do a mini tummy tuck with no muscle repair? How long would the recovery be? When will I be able to get back to work? What type of pain should I watch out for?
Thanks
Mini-tuck recovery is much faster than a traditional tuck with muscle repair. My patients are allowed to resume activities without restrictions 3 weeks post-op. Returning to work depends on what kind of job you have as more physically demanding jobs require more time before returning to that job. Pain is much better than with those tucks with muscle work. The only caution is to make sure you know your belly button options as remove and subsequent reconstruction are not often discussed when they should be.
As you know the only way of removing excess skin is excising it. A mini tummy tuck would just remove the skin between the belly button and the pubic area but the scar would be midway between the two if I am visualizing what you have. Not repairing the muscles definitely makes for a shorter recovery period also. My suggestion would be to post some photos or send them to me for a better evaluation.
I can give you general information about patients having mini or limited tummy tucks, without muscle repair in our practice. Use this information to talk with your chosen plastic surgeon during consultation.
When no muscle tightening is necessary we advise patients with office type jobs that they should return to work in about one week. They should delay exercise or vigorous activities for three weeks. They should delay contact sports and adventure activities for two months. All his presumes that there are no postop issues which might individually delay their recovery. Full recovery of most surgery can take one year. Discuss this with your surgeon and Best Wishes.
For an evaluation of your case, some photos of your abdomen area from the front and each side, are needed, and check a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck will be the best procedure for your case, also if you will need some liposuction on other areas like the flanks or love handles. The recovery time is related with the type of surgery performed, the same will apply for the pain after the procedure, that in most of the cases is mild.