If you have loose skin around your abdomen area, you may have considered tummy tuck surgery. However, you may have other options for tummy surgery. While a full abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck) requires an extended recovery time, there’s a similar procedure called a mini tummy tuck that’s less complex, less costly, and requires less recovery time.
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is a surgery to remove loose or sagging skin in the area between your belly button and pelvic bone. It’s ideal for people who are at a healthy body weight and have a small “pooch” of skin on the lower abdomen.1
During the procedure, which is also called a partial abdominoplasty, your surgeon will excise loose skin and stitch the remaining skin together for a tighter, flatter lower abdomen. In some cases, your surgeon may also tighten the underlying muscles back together. They can also perform liposuction to contour the entire abdominal area.
The mini tummy tuck is a good procedure to hide an unsightly C-section scar. Your doctor can replace a large or prominent scar with a smaller, more discreet one positioned lower on your abdomen.2
What to Expect With a Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck requires general anesthesia, and the procedure length depends on the specifics of your particular case. Your surgeon will be able to give you an estimate of how long it will take after assessing the area.
After the surgery, you’ll be able to go home the same day, but you’ll have to factor in a week or two for your mini tummy tuck recovery. You may need prescription medication to manage the pain for the first few days, and you’ll need to care for your wound carefully to avoid infection and let your mini tummy tuck scar heal. You’ll also need to wear a compression garment for several weeks, but you’ll be able to gradually return to normal activities over a six-week span after the surgery.
You’ll see mini tummy tuck results within a month as the swelling and bruising go down, and full results will be visible after about three months.
The mini tummy tuck cost ranges from $3,850 to $16,000.3
Mini Tummy Tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck
Unlike a mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck is a more complex operation that treats a larger area of the body.4 A full tummy tuck can remove stretch marks and tighten the entire belly. It’s best for people who have significant excess skin that hangs down from the abdomen, such as loose skin post-pregnancy or after significant weight loss.
During a full abdominoplasty, your doctor will make an incision from the pubic area to the sternum. The procedure involves tightening all the abdominal muscles, creating a new opening for your belly button, and removing excess skin and fat before stitching the flaps of skin together.
A full tummy tuck requires up to six weeks of recovery time, with activity in the first two weeks being severely limited. You may need prescription medication to manage the pain, and it may be several months before the swelling goes down enough to see full results.
The cost of a full tummy tuck ranges between $4,500 and $20,000.5
If you’re interested in learning more about a mini tummy tuck or other sculpting procedures, like liposuction, contact a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area, or visit My Body Treatment for more information.
Sources:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “There’s more than one type of tummy tuck.“
- RealSelf: “Mini Tummy Tuck: Everything You Need to Know.“
- RealSelf: “Mini Tummy Tuck: Everything You Need to Know.“
- RealSelf: “Tummy Tuck Surgery: The Ultimate Guide to Abdominoplasty.“
- RealSelf: “Tummy Tuck Surgery: The Ultimate Guide to Abdominoplasty.“