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Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck
in Greenville, SC

Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck in Greenville, SC

Dr. Shawn Birchenough is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery and aesthetics. Dr. Katherine Birchenough is certified in functional medicine and an expert in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. We are Greenville’s premier physician-run medical Wellness and Aesthetic center. At OptimalSelf MD, we offer tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck for men and women in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Spartanburg, and the surrounding communities in South Carolina.

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK AND MINI TUMMY TUCK?

A tummy tuck is recommended if a large amount of skin and fat needs to be removed from the abdominal area, or if the skin and fat and muscles above the umbilicus need to be addressed. Take a look at our tummy tuck before and after photos. A mini abdominoplasty (or “mini tummy tuck”) may be all you need if the shape of the lower abdomen has been changed by weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. Typically, patients are not pleased with the way their lower abdomen bulges when they are sitting or bending over. Be sure to browse our mini tummy tuck before and after photos.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A TUMMY TUCK AND MINI TUMMY TUCK?

The best candidates for a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck are ones that are in good physical condition. If you have a small area that bothers you under your belly button, a mini tummy tuck is ideal, and if you have areas above and below your belly button, then a full tummy tuck is best, especially if these areas don’t respond to diet and exercise. And while it is impossible to not have some laxity here (to allow us to stand, stretch and move!), skin and fat can be removed and the muscles can be tightened to help improve the contour.

Women who plan to have children are advised to delay their mini tummy tuck until after pregnancy. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight are also encouraged to wait until they reach their “sustainable weight” (the weight that they can maintain with an appropriate diet and reasonable exercise).

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A TUMMY TUCK AND MINI TUMMY TUCK?

If the muscle and fascia (tough tissue that connects our muscles together) have stretched out due to pregnancy, then this can be tightened. A single small roll of loose skin and fat, limited to the area between the pubis and the umbilicus, can be removed during a tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck usually takes about one a half hours to two hours, and is usually performed with oral sedation or with general anesthesia. The full tummy tuck procedure takes a bit longer.

An incision is made just above the pubic area, and excess fat and skin are removed and the muscle is tightened if needed. Liposuction of the flanks can be added on and performed through this incision. The skin is brought down and sutured closed. A drain may be placed, but typically comes out after three to seven days. For a regular tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck, liposuction can be used during the surgery to help contour the oblique areas (“love handles”) to give the best shape possible around the entire waist and hips!

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO RECOVER FROM A TUMMY TUCK AND MINI TUMMY TUCK?

Mini tummy tuck recovery is shorter than tummy tuck recovery because of the smaller incisions, no scars around the belly button, less-invasive surgery, shorter downtime, and quicker return to exercise. Social downtime is minimal, and patients can go out and do normal social activities within five days. Physical downtime usually is about three to four weeks, prior to doing strenuous exercise or stomach activities. Tummy tuck scars take about one year to fade, and the skin will be slightly darker than your natural skin color. A mini tummy tuck scar is the same as a normal tummy tuck scar.

CAN I SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION FOR A TUMMY TUCK AND MINI TUMMY TUCK?

If you are considering tummy tuck surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shawn. You can have a 15-minute consultation by phone or schedule an in-office consultation for a fee.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

Is a tummy tuck painful?

The tummy tuck procedure is performed with general anesthesia, which keeps patients safe and comfortable for the duration of the surgery. However, patients can expect varying levels of pain and other symptoms during the recovery process. Discomfort, bruising and swelling typically peak during the first week of recovery. During this time, resting and using pain medication as prescribed can help manage these symptoms and ensure a comfortable recovery period. Most pain and related symptoms will be fully subdued within two months of treatment, and often earlier if patients follow their recovery guidelines.

How much weight can I lose with a tummy tuck?

On average, most patients lose between 10 and 15 pounds from the tummy tuck surgery. This is a result of removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal region. However, keep in mind that the tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, and these numbers can vary. Patients are advised to focus on the body sculpting benefits of treatment, which can often be greater than the number reflected on a scale. Patients who are concerned with weight loss are encouraged to pursue natural weight loss strategies before pursuing a tummy tuck.

Can you gain weight after a tummy tuck?

During a tummy tuck, excess skin and stubborn fat are permanently removed to produce long-lasting results. However, the tummy tuck does not prevent weight gain. If patients fail to maintain the proper nutritional and exercise habits, weight gain will likely occur. Furthermore, weight gain may develop in the abdominal region, impacting the results of your tummy tuck. For these reasons, patients are encouraged to adopt healthy habits and routines in order to maintain their sculpted physique as long as possible.

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

3D VIRTUAL MODELING TECHNOLOGY

CRISALIX

Crisalix enables patients to answer the common question: “How could I look after the procedure?”

Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy Tuck in Greenville, SC