A mini tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen area (between the navel and the pubic bone).
Unlike a traditional abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck is less invasive. It only targets only excess skin and tissue below the belly button.
The recovery time for a mini tummy tuck is shorter than for a traditional abdominoplasty. The procedure focuses on improving the appearance of the lower belly that gets affected by pregnancy or weight loss.
Ideal candidates have a mild to moderate excess skin below the belly button with good belly button position. Unfortunately, a mini tummy tuck will not treat stretch marks, or lax skin above the navel. Rectus diastasis repair can be performed with a mini tummy tuck.
A typical mini tummy tuck procedure requires local or general anesthetic.
This outpatient treatment takes 2 hours to complete. The surgeon will first make an incision on the lower belly area in. the underwear line. They stitch the separated muscles together before removing any loose or excess skin. In some cases, an additional liposuction procedure may be necessary. After the treatment, patients need to wear an abdominal binder for a few weeks to ensure that the abdomen is supported.
The surgery will leave a scar across the lower belly that can be easily covered with clothing. Sometimes, scars may be longer than usual, especially if surgeons remove more skin. While complications from a mini tummy tuck are rare, infections and hematoma (severe bruising) may occur. More rare and serious complications include blood clots.
