Patients are demanding surgical procedures with smaller scars, faster recovery, and less pain. This has lead to the increased popularity of minimally-invasive procedures such as the Mini Tummy Tuck. People even go so far as to request “scarless” surgery.
It should be obvious to anyone reading this, that “scarless” surgery does not exist. As plastic surgeons, we try to make scars that are well hidden, but they are always present.
Is the Mini Tummy Tuck procedure better than their alternatives? This is difficult to answer because it is impossible to define “better.” Yes, the scars are shorter and the recovery is faster. There is generally less bruising, swelling, and pain (although pain is subjective and not related to the length of the scar) after your plastic surgery.
What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck
The problem is that the mini Tummy Tuck is just that….mini. They are a smaller version of the traditional Tummy Tuck procedure that they have evolved from. Oftentimes, there is less “internal work” performed.
A “mini tummy tuck” will improve the area of the abdomen beneath the belly button. There is a shorter scar as compared to a traditional tummy tuck and the recovery is faster; however, there is no improvement of the area above the belly button which is an area that bothers most people.
For the lucky few, a “mini” procedure may be exactly what they need – a person with early signs of aging and only mild skin excess. But for the majority of people, the decision for a traditional versus a “mini” procedure is an evaluation of tummy tuck cost and benefit.
Is the shorter scar and more rapid recovery worth the small sacrifice in cosmetic surgery results? I commonly ask my patients “would you be willing to accept a 20% less improvement in results, in exchange for a recovery that is half as long?” If the answer is “yes”, then a “mini” procedure is a viable option. If the answer is “no”, then a traditional approach is more appropriate.
Is Mini Tummy Tuck Better?
Many plastic surgeons in New York have marketed this “mini” procedure as a way to make themselves stand out in a competitive marketplace – myself included. I believe there is a role for these procedures but, it is important to be honest about the results these procedures offer. I never tell my patients that these “mini” procedures are better.
Rather, I explain that the smaller, less invasive procedure offers a more rapid recovery and potentially less pain, there may be some sacrifice in terms of overall results. Many of my patients do accept this sacrifice and elect for the “mini” procedure. In fact, I perform more of these “mini” procedures then their traditional counterparts and my patients have been happy.
It is indisputable that larger incisions lead to longer scars and more potential for post-operative bruising, swelling, and pain. But larger incisions allow for better visualization and more “internal work”, often resulting in a better overall cosmetic outcome.
Can a Mini Tummy Tuck Help Get Your Hired
Many American’s are out of work these days and are looking for jobs, many who are Baby Boomers in their 40’s and 50’s. Making a good first impression is always one of the most important aspects to starting an interview off right, but when did wrinkles count against you? Apparently NOW.
According to a recent article in Time Magazine, individuals with wrinkles are less likely to get hired for a position. Could this be caused by the tired or angry look lines and wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead can create? Possibly.
Imagine you are a business owner and you are hiring someone to represent your company, the first person your clients will often met, are you going to hire someone who looks like they are tired, mad or warn out?
Probably not. Some business owners are starting to count age against individuals. They want someone who has experience, but doesn’t show it- literally.
For this reason many individuals in industries such as sales, account management and retail or opting to undergo facial rejuvenating procedures such as Botox, eyelid surgery and Facelift. Women and men are considering it an investment in their career, similar to the way you invest in college.
Facials, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing are treatments to help improve and maintain healthy glowing skin, which people are undergoing on a routine basis.
Injectables such as Botox, Restylane and other facial fillers can help improve the signs of aging by decreasing the extent and definition of lines and wrinkles, which are other common procedures being performed. Injectables and facial fillers are non-invasive and typically require quarterly or bi-yearly up keep to sustain and maintain a refreshed appearance.
I tell my patients that in general, the more they are willing to accept in terms of scars, the better contour I can create. So, at least in terms of plastic surgery, size DOES matter.
Contact Our Office To Learn About the Mini Tummy Tuck
If you are interested in learning more about the procedures of cosmetic plastic surgery, contact my office in New York City today to schedule a consultation.