The truth is, to be an ideal mini tummy tuck candidate is quite rare. This is simply because mini tummy tuck surgery is only meant for a very specific situation in which there is excess loose skin only on the lower portion of the abdomen. And for most people who struggle with loose abdominal skin, it is a problem that affects the entire abdomen — above and below the belly button.
With that said, there are some advantages to undergoing a mini tummy tuck as opposed to a full tummy tuck if you are indeed a good candidate for the former. So, if you think this might be a surgery that fits your needs, it’s definitely worth looking into.
Mini Tummy Tuck Overview
Mini tummy tuck surgery, sometimes referred to as mini abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to target excess skin and excess fat on the lower abdomen. It is less extensive than a full abdominoplasty (full tummy tuck), so it is best when the patient has minimal excess skin to remove. In addition, the excess skin and tissue must be below the navel.
The procedure involves a smaller incision, typically resulting in a quicker recovery and less scarring. It’s an effective option for those looking to achieve a flatter, more toned abdominal area without the need for major surgery.
Mini Tummy Tuck Recovery
Mini tummy tuck recovery is generally faster and less intensive than full tummy tuck recovery. Most patients can return to light activities within a week or two and resume exercise after around one month or slightly longer.
Swelling and bruising are common symptoms. These typically subside within a few weeks. It’s essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, including avoiding strenuous activities and wearing compression garments to support healing and optimal results. Full recovery and final results may not be achieved for six months to a year in some cases.
Scarring After Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery
A mini tummy tuck scar is usually minimal compared to a full tummy tuck scar(s). The incision is typically smaller and placed just above the pubic area, allowing it to be easily concealed by underwear or bathing suits.
Over time, your scar should blend nicely with surrounding skin and become far less noticeable. Proper post-operative care, including keeping your incision site clean and protected from UV rays can help minimize scarring.
For most patients, the benefits of a flatter, more toned abdomen far outweigh the appearance of a small scar.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Again, ideal mini tummy tuck candidates are rather few and far between. More patients qualify for full tummy tuck surgery because they have loosened abdominal muscles throughout their abdomen and excess skin on both the upper and lower abdomen.
Still, we do provide the option of a mini tummy tuck procedure for those who qualify because it has some special benefits.
First, most mini tummy tucks require only a lower abdominal incision, and this incision tends to be shorter than will full tummy tuck surgery. Next, because this cosmetic surgery only removes excess skin, fat, and stretch marks from the lower abdomen, it tends to cause less trauma, which can lead to an easier recovery process in some cases.
A patient who is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck surgical procedure is someone who:
- Is in good physical health
- Is struggling with skin laxity located predominantly on the lower abdomen
- May have some stubborn fat on the lower abdomen but is not significantly overweight or obese
- Does not require muscle repair above the belly button
- Will not require belly button repositioning
- Has realistic expectations about their procedure
FAQ: Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery?
What are the cons of a mini tummy tuck?
All elective cosmetic procedures have pros and cons. With a mini tummy tuck, the major drawback is that you won’t be able to address any excess skin, excess fat, or loose abdominal muscles above the navel. Of course, candidates for a mini tummy tuck already know this and are typically happy with this arrangement.
How much fat is removed with a mini tummy tuck surgery?
While fat can be removed with a mini tummy tuck (via liposuction), do keep in mind that this is not the primary goal of mini tummy tuck surgery. It is not a weight loss procedure either.
Rather, removing excess skin from the lower abdomen is the main goal of a mini tummy tuck. Most patients who also have a bit of fat they’d like to get rid of on the lower abdomen lose a few pounds with a partial abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck).
Schedule a Mini Tummy Tuck Consultation Appointment
Though mini tummy tuck procedures are rarer than full tummy tuck procedures, they can be the perfect solution for certain patients who want to remove excess skin from the lower abdomen only.
If you would like to find out if you’re a candidate for mini tummy tuck surgery, please contact our office today to set up a consultation appointment with experienced, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raja Mohan
Dr. Mohan performs this and other types of plastic surgery — including liposuction, breast lift surgery, breast augmentation, and more — at his Dallas practice. Call today to schedule your appointment.