Mini Tummy Tuck – Mini Abdominalplasty

A mini tummy tuck is a smaller version of regular abdominoplasty that can help one to achieve the flat, toned stomach they’ve always desired. After a minor weight loss or pregnancy, the stomach normally stretches, but for some women, the stretch is just minimal. In most cases, women with this mild stretch are able to achieve a tighter and flatter tummy with diet and exercise alone. However, Irvine cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Marguerite Bernett, suggests the mini tummy tuck for those who want the small “pooch” removed and/or tightened. This surgery uses a smaller incision and is not as invasive as a regular or full tummy tuck. The skin will be evaluated and the correct tummy tuck surgery will be recommended for the optimal result.

A mini tummy tuck is reserved for patients who have minimal skin stretching, sag, and small pockets of fat that they desire to have removed. Overall, the candidate should be in relatively good physical shape and good health, and have good skin tone. Patients who have moderate to excessive skin sag may need to consider a full or regular abdominoplasty procedure, which places the incision from hipbone to hipbone.

Performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, a mini tummy tuck typically takes under an hour to complete. A small incision, typically two inches or less, is made under the belly button and the excess skin is removed and the underlying tissue tightened. Sutures are used to close the incision, which typically nicely and can be concealed by undergarments.

A full recovery from this procedure can take up to 4-6 weeks and it varies as to when the patient can resume a regular exercise routine, but most patients ready to resume their activities in a couple of weeks. After surgery and recovery, patients will be able to show of their new toned and tightened midsection with confidence. Surgery results are considered permanent unless a major change in the body, such as an excessive weight gain or pregnancy.

A mini tummy tuck is a simple way to regain that tight and toned tummy you once had. Less invasive than a regular abdominoplasty procedure, this technique has less downtime and minimal scarring. If you believe you may be a candidate for this procedure, we invite you to call our cosmetic surgery practice for more information and to schedule your consult today.