Mini Tummy Tuck
About the procedure
A mini tummy tuck procedure is a great option for patients who do not have a large amount of extra skin on the abdominal wall. A mini, or minor tummy tuck is often combined with abdominal liposuction to remove both fat and skin excess. The final result is a flatter, tighter appearance without the downtime and recovery of a full tummy tuck!
One major difference between a full tummy tuck and a (mini) minor tummy tuck is how much skin is removed. For Los Angeles mini tummy tuck patients, only skin below the belly button is removed, so there is no scar around the belly button. In a full tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, skin is removed from above and below the belly button. A scar is created around the belly button when it is moved to its new location. This picture shows the difference in skin removal between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck.
Because less skin is removed, it’s possible to safely liposuction the stomach in order to remove as much fat as possible during a mini tummy tuck. Also, the abdominal wall is not plicated (tightened) during the mini tummy tuck, so the recovery is much faster than during a full tummy tuck. Los Angeles mini tummy tuck patients will have a drain for the first week or so after the procedure, and will need to wear some type of compression for 3-4 weeks or longer if liposuction is performed. In most cases, patients can return to full activities including exercise in 4-6 weeks after minor tummy tuck surgery.
For existing mini tummy tuck patients, click here to download tummy tuck post-operative instructions.
Frequently asked questions about mini tummy tuck
Can I combine my mini tummy tuck with other procedures?
Yes! You can definitely combine your mini tummy tuck with other procedures. Liposuction is especially common to have with a mini tummy tuck, as well as all sorts of breast sugeries including breast lift, breast reduction, breast implant removal/revision, or breast augmentation. In fact, performing breast surgery along with the mini tummy tuck is the classic “mommy makeover” procedure.
Please browse the following links to read about tummy tucks and other procedures that be combined with a mini tummy tuck.
What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?
A full tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes skin from above and below the belly button and involves tightening (plication) of the abdominal wall. A mini tummy tuck only removes skin from the lower part of the abdomen, below the belly button. A mini tummy tuck can also be combined with liposuction of the full abdominal wall. A mini tummy tuck has a much faster recovery and is less uncomfortable as well.
Do I need a tummy tuck or liposuction?
A tummy tuck and liposuction are different procedures. A tummy tuck involves the removal of skin, while liposuction only involves the removal of fat. If you pinch your stomach skin and your fingers come together easily, you probably do not have much fat and some type of tummy tuck might be a good procedure for you. If you feel like you do not have much extra skin and you feel some fat when you pinch your skin, a mini tummy tuck with liposuction is an option.
Feel free to browse the following link to learn more about mini tummy tuck: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck
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