What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck? 2023

Tummy Tuck Gone Wrong

Updated on 3/26/2023

Table Of Contents

What is a mini tummy tuck?

Compared to a full abdominalplasty, a mini tummy tuck is less invasive.

Under the belly button, a mini tummy tuck targets your stomach. Diet and exercise alone often don't work for people with extra skin or fat, known as a pooch, that are within their recommended weight range.

Do mini tummy tucks cost a lot?

Mini tummy tuck prices vary based on the surgeon and location.

In the United States, a tummy tuck generally costs between $3,500 and $8,000. Tummy tucks cost an average of $6,092 in 2019, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

For this reason, you may want to seek out several opinions so that you can find a plastic surgeon who fits your budget. Mini tummy tucks are not covered by insurance since they are elective cosmetic procedures.

What is the procedure for a mini tummy tuck?

Lower abdominal pooch can be eliminated with a mini tummy tuck, which flattens the lower abdomen.

Your lower abdominal muscles may be sutured together during the procedure, but this won't be visible from the outside. A flat surface will be created by trimming and laying down excess skin.

Excess fat may be removed through liposuction in some cases.

Stretch marks may also be removed with a mini tummy tuck. Depending on where your stretch marks are located and how much excess skin you have, your stretch marks may be removed.

Pregnant women are often affected by diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles. In order to fix this, a full tummy tuck is the best solution (think of the six-pack muscles).

Tummy tuck procedure for small women

The lower abdomen will be incised between 4 and 8 inches during a mini tummy tuck.

The average scar from a C-section is about this long. A mini tummy tuck may require a longer incision if you've had a C-section.

Lower stomachs are flatter when loose muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed. When you're not planning to become pregnant again and close to your original weight, you're most likely to get good results.

Areas to be treated

It targets part of your tummy, specifically the lower part between your belly button and pubic area, as you probably guessed from the name.

Mini tummy tucks don't change your belly button, but full abdominoplasty does.

An entire tummy tuck may be the better option if you're looking to flatten your entire stomach.

An overview of what to expect

For several weeks, you'll need to wear an abdominal binder to support your abs while they heal.

The swelling will subside within six weeks, so you'll see some results immediately.

Unless you gain weight or become pregnant, the results should be permanent.

Mini tummy tuck preparations

You'll probably need a blood test a few days before your mini tummy tuck appointment.

Other instructions may include:

Don't smoke

Alcohol consumption should be limited

A few herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs can worsen bleeding and prevent proper clotting.

Compared to a full stomach tuck, a mini tummy tuck is less invasive

In order to perform a full tummy tuck, your doctor will administer anesthesia to you. Your pubic hairline will then be incised horizontally.

You'll be able to tighten your muscles if they have stretched. Fat can also be removed by liposuction.

Afterward, your stomach will be flattened by pulling the skin taut around it. There will be a cut off of excess skin. Your belly button may be reshaped by a surgeon in some cases.

Pregnancy-related diastasis recti can be corrected better with a full tummy tuck.

Mini tummy tucks are performed only on the lower abdomen, whereas full tummy tucks cover a larger area.

Choosing a provider

If the price for the procedure seems too good to be true, it probably is. Mini tummy tucks should only be performed by board-certified plastic surgeons.

If possible, check out before-and-after photos of real clients and discuss your desired results with the surgeon beforehand.

Find a board-certified plastic surgeon near you with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' surgeon finder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to tighten and tone the skin and muscles of the lower abdomen. It is a less invasive alternative to a traditional tummy tuck and is often used to treat small areas of excess skin or muscle laxity.

Who is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck?

A good candidate for a mini tummy tuck is someone who has good skin elasticity and is in good overall health. Mini tummy tucks are typically recommended for people who have small amounts of excess skin or muscle laxity in the lower abdomen, but do not have significant amounts of excess skin or fat in the upper abdomen.

How long does the surgery take?

The surgery typically takes between one and two hours to complete.

How long is the recovery period after a mini tummy tuck?

Most people can return to work and other normal activities within a week or two after a mini tummy tuck. However, it is important to follow your surgeon's instructions for post-surgery care to ensure proper healing.

Are there any risks or complications associated with a mini tummy tuck?

Like any surgery, a mini tummy tuck carries a risk of complications, including infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. It is important to discuss the potential risks and complications with your surgeon before the procedure.

How much does a mini tummy tuck cost?

The cost of a mini tummy tuck can vary widely depending on factors such as the location of the surgery, the experience of the surgeon, and the complexity of the case. On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $8,000 for a mini tummy tuck. It is important to discuss the cost of the procedure with your surgeon before the surgery.