For many people (even those in excellent physical shape) exercise isn’t always the answer for stubborn loose skin. With a mini tummy tuck, you can address excess skin below the belly button, without having to go through a full abdominoplasty. The mini tummy tuck is also a great option for correction of large c-section scars resulting in a belly fold.
In contrast to a traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery, a mini tummy tuck will only remove the excess fat and skin just above the pubic area. This surgery leaves a smaller scar than a drain-free tummy tuck, and has an even faster recovery time.
In a traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgeons are able to tighten muscles all the way up the abdominal wall, and remove quite a bit of excess skin. But for patients with a tight abdominal wall that doesn’t protrude significantly a mini tummy tuck might be a better procedure.
There are many benefits that are associated with a mini tummy tuck. First, it is much less invasive than a traditional abdominoplasty, which means a much shorter recovery period for the patient. Other benefits include:
For those patients who don’t require any additional contour sculpting above the belly button, and do not have a significantly protruding abdominal muscle wall, the mini tummy tuck is the procedure of choice.
A mini tummy tuck is typically performed under general anesthesia although in some cases the procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Your surgeon will help you determine the best type of anesthesia based on the procedure and your specific needs.
At the time of surgery, an incision is made horizontally across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic mound. Unlike a full tummy tuck, the incision does not go from hip bone to hip bone, but rather from mid thigh to mid thigh.
The skin is then loosened from the abdominal wall. Mild abdominal separation in the lower abdomen can be repaired, and then excess skin below the belly button is removed. Compared to a full tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck is not as painful. There will be discomfort, which will be managed by prescription pain medication.
There are many differences between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck. The main difference is that with a mini tummy tuck the area at and above the navel is not treated, so there is no scar around it or repositioning of the navel. Other differences include:
| Differences | Mini Tummy Tuck | Tummy Tuck |
|---|---|---|
| Goal: | Goal: Remove loose skin in the lower abdomen only |
Goal: Treat muscle separation above and below the navel; remove excess skin above and below the belly button. |
| Procedure: | Procedure: Incision above the pubic bone. Excess fat is removed; skin and muscles are tightened. |
Procedure: The surgeon elevates skin to the top of the abdomen, repairs abdominal separation, and creates a flat contour from the top of the abdomen down to the pubic bone, removing all excess tissue. |
| Suitable for: | Suitable for: Those with a minimal amount of loose skin in the lower abdomen only. |
Suitable for: Most patients with stretched skin from multiple pregnancies or weight loss, and any considerable muscle separation. |
| Anaesthesia: | Anaesthesia: General anesthesia or local with sedation |
Anaesthesia: General |
| Scarring: | Scarring: Slightly shorter scar |
Scarring: Longer scar from hip bone to hip bone |
| Recovery: | Recovery: 2-3 weeks |
Recovery: 4-6 weeks |
The best candidates for a mini tummy tuck are patients with excess skin and fatty tissue that is limited to the area below the belly button.Women who have a little pouch above their C-section scars are the ideal candidates. Patients may have a slim abdomen, but want it sculpted into a more attractive look. The patient should also have good muscle tone to the abdominal muscles and be in good health.
You should also be in good health, as this is key for proper healing and recovery after your procedure.
The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for the mini tummy tuck surgery versus full abdominoplasty is to schedule a consultation.
(additional liposuction: $ 1500 – $ 6500 per additional area to be liposuctioned)
per additional area to be liposuctioned – please note liposuction fees differ greatly depending on the area and and expected volume of liposuction)
(when added to liposuction or BBL)
(when added to liposuction or BBL)
(when added to liposuction or BBL) (already includes VASER fee) PLEASE NOTE BMI Requirement must be UNDER 25
Many patients opt to have liposuction done at the same time as a mini tummy tuck, to address areas of stubborn fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. These may include love handles, fat pockets above the belly button and other areas. Liposuction is usually performed in conjunction with a mini tummy tuck to help contour the waist area and de-fat the upper and lower abdomen, flanks and pubic area, helping shape the entire midsection. Liposuction involves placing several small incisions, followed by fat extraction using a cannula. The procedure causes some bruising and swelling, along with mild discomfort at the incision sites. When combined with a mini tummy tuck, it is done immediately before the mini tummy tuck procedure to contour the problem areas in one operation.
The SixSurgery team can discuss this procedure with you at the time of your consultation, and determine the best approach based on your goals and unique anatomy.
Although complications following a mini tummy tuck are infrequent; the following may occur:
Bleeding, which in rare instances could require hospitalization and blood transfusion. Blood clots may form under the skin and require drainage.
Skin irregularities, lumpiness, hardness and dimpling may result; some problems disappear with time and from massage, other problems may persist and additional treatments may be necessary. Loose skin in the treated areas may not shrink to conform to the new contour. Skin resection may be necessary.
Infection is rare but may occur and treatment with antibiotics and/or drainage may be required. In rare instances surgery may be required for severe infection (when abscesses form or necrotizing fasciitis develops.) Numbness or increased sensitivity of the skin over treated areas may persist for months. Localized areas of numbness or increased sensitivity may be permanent.
Objectionable scarring is rare because of the small size of the incisions used in liposuction surgery, but scar formation is possible.
Dizziness may occur during the first week following liposuction surgery particularly upon rising from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, extreme caution may be exercised while walking. Do not drive a car if dizziness is present.
Deep Venous Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism and Fat Embolism may occur. A clot or a fat globule may get lodged in the blood vessels in your lungs leading to poor oxygenation.
Abdominal perforation may also occur in rare instances. The risk of these specific complications is increased in patients with increased BMI and previous abdominal surgeries.
