Mini Tummy Tuck

While traditional abdominoplasty surgery is designed to tighten and tone the appearance of the entire abdomen, a mini tummy tuck focuses on just the lower abdomen. Mini tummy tuck is often ideal for patients who seek localized improvement of lower abdominal contours and do not desire extensive surgery, but require more than liposuction. Since a mini tummy tuck only addresses the area below the navel, the incision length, scarring, duration of the procedure, and recovery time are all typically reduced when compared to a full tummy tuck.

• What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
• Candidates for Mini Abdominoplasty
• Mini Tummy Tuck Consultation
• Mini Abdominoplasty Procedure
• Mini Abdominoplasty Recovery
• Mini Tummy Tuck Results
• Mini Tummy Tuck Scars
• Mini Tummy Tuck Cost

What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is an abbreviated version of the full abdominoplasty procedure that is aimed at addressing the lower portion of the abdomen below the belly button. A mini-tummy tuck is typically well-suited for patients struggling with a protruding and/or lax lower abdomen consisting of excess skin, unwanted fat, or stretched abdominal muscles. With a surgical plan customized for your needs, the result of a mini tummy tuck can be smoother, leaner, more taut lower abdominal contours. When compared to a full tummy tuck, the benefits of a mini-tummy tuck include a shorter procedure, reduced recovery time, and a smaller scar.

Who is a Candidate for Mini Abdominoplasty?

The best candidates for a mini tummy tuck are men or women who maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, but still struggle with excess abdominal skin, loose abdominal muscles, and stubborn pockets of fat along the lower abdomen. Many mini tummy tuck patients are women who are at or near their ideal weight, but have muscle laxity and excess skin in the lower abdominal region from recent pregnancies. Patients who plan to lose a significant amount of weight or have future pregnancies are recommended to postpone surgery until their body shape stabilizes.

What Can I Expect at My Mini Tummy Tuck Consultation?

During your initial consultation, Orlando plastic surgeon James Matas, MD will review your goals and expectations for surgery, assess your physical and emotional health, and ask about your use of nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and pharmaceutical medications. After an examination of your abdominal region, Dr. Matas will assess your unique needs, discuss your expectations for the procedure, explain the associated risks and benefits, and enable you to make an educated choice about whether a mini tummy tuck is right for you.

Some patients may be asked to change their eating, drinking, or smoking habits prior to surgery. Dr. Matas may also recommend avoiding certain medications and vitamins in the weeks before and after the procedure. To maximize results, some patients may be asked to lose some weight before mini abdominoplasty.

How is Mini Abdominoplasty Performed?

First, Dr. Matas will make an incision just above the pubic area. This incision is typically shorter than the hip bone to hip bone length incision required for full tummy tuck. The skin above the incision, up to the navel, is then separated from the underlying stomach muscles to allow them to be tightened. Finally, the skin and accompanying fat is stretched downward and any excess skin is removed for a smoother, flatter lower abdomen.

Typically performed under general anesthesia, mini tummy tuck surgery can take one to three hours to complete. Though usually an outpatient procedure, our specially-trained registered nurse will care for you if an overnight stay is necessary.

What Happens During Recovery from Mini Abdominoplasty?

Though less intense than recovery from a traditional abdominoplasty, mini tummy tuck patients should expect tightness of the stomach muscles, mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days. Any physical discomfort can be managed with oral pain medication, and most patients are back to their normal daily activities within one to two weeks. Dr. Matas recommends patients avoid strenuous exercise for about four to six weeks to allow the body to fully heal.

What Are Mini Abdominoplasty Results Like?

After your recovery, you can enjoy a flatter, more toned abdominal silhouette. Most patients find their clothing fits better and feel a renewed sense of confidence in their appearance. The outcome of mini tummy tuck surgery is considered permanent; however, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise can help maximize your results.

Will I Have a Scar After a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Visible scarring is to be expected following a tummy tuck; however, for the majority of patients the scar is easily hidden beneath a bathing suit or bikini bottoms. During surgery, Dr. Matas is mindful of keeping the incision as small and discreet as possible to minimize its appearance once it heals. In the initial phase of incision healing, your scar will likely appear reddish in color and raised; however, over the next few months the color should fade and the texture should flatten. To aid in the scar healing process it is important to keep your incision concealed from UV rays, which can cause scar tissue to darken. Included in your post-operative patient care kit is an effective 100% silicone gel scar reduction product called Silagen^®. When used as directed, Silagen can yield outstanding results. For patients who desire additional scar reduction, microneedling treatments performed at the proper phase of healing may provide a satisfying outcome.

How Much Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Cost?

At the Advanced Centre for Plastic Surgery the average price for a mini tummy tuck can cost between $6,000 and $10,000. The exact cost for your custom mini tummy tuck can be determined after a personal consultation with Dr. Matas. During the consultation, Dr. Matas will develop an individualized surgical plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Based on the details of your surgical plan, an estimate for your surgery will be calculated by our office team and presented to you. You will also have the opportunity to discuss payment arrangements, procedure scheduling, and financing options. Qualified applicants can take advantage of financing through third-party lender CareCredit^®. CareCredit offers a variety of loan options and flexible payment plans to make treatment more affordable.

If you are considering a mini tummy tuck, please contact the Advanced Centre for Plastic Surgery to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Matas.