What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck? 2024

What is a mini tummy tuck?

Compared to a full abdominoplasty, 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, 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 to 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?

The 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 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. Your stretch marks may be removed depending on where your stretch marks are located and how much excess skin you have.

Pregnant women are often affected by diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles. 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. If you've had a C-section, a mini tummy tuck may require a longer incision.

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

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 to flatten your stomach.

An overview of what to expect

You'll need to wear an abdominal binder for several weeks 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

To perform a full tummy tuck, your doctor will administer anesthesia. 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. Board-certified plastic surgeons should only perform mini tummy tucks.

If possible, check out before-and-after photos of actual 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.