Worried about ending up with a mini tummy tuck scar after surgery?
A lot of patients hold back from plastic surgery procedures because they’re worried about scarring. And while scars are a very real part of any surgery that requires incisions, mini tummy tuck scars are typically able to be well hidden beneath the bikini line.
To answer the question of whether a mini tummy tuck incision will be shorter than a full tummy tuck incision: Yes, this is usually the case. Still, any type of surgical tummy tuck will require an incision and will result in some kind of scar.
Full Tummy Tuck vs Mini Tummy Tuck
Before we dive right in to discussing mini tummy tuck scars further, let’s first differentiate between a mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck.
Full Tummy Tuck
Full tummy tucks are the most commonly performed type of tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck aims to reduce loose skin on the entire abdomen, tighten the abdominal muscles, and get rid of any excess fat in the region as well.
This is achieved by making an incision right above the pubic hair line from hip bone to hip bone. This lateral incision is quite long, but that is necessary so that all of the loose skin on the abdomen can be gently pulled down, the excess cut off, and the stomach smoothed.
With a full tummy tuck, because the skin is pulled down sometimes rather significantly, we’ll also have to make an incision around the belly button. This will allow us to reposition the belly button.
Of course, during the process, liposuction can be used to remove unwanted fat, and your plastic surgeon will also adjust and tighten the abdominal muscles.
Take note that there is also a variation of the full tummy tuck that requires a vertical incision on the abdomen (fleur de lis tummy tuck) or an even longer lateral incision (extended tummy tuck). This is usually required when a lot of loose abdominal skin and stretch marks need to be taken off from the front and sides of the abdomen.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck procedure (mini abdominoplasty) is much like full tummy tuck surgery, but the patient cannot have too much excess skin to begin with. In fact, the loose skin they do have needs to be located on the lower abdomen only because the belly button cannot be adjusted with a mini tummy tuck.
Furthermore, no loose skin can be removed from the upper abdomen. And finally, if the abdominal muscles have separated, this can generally only be corrected on the lower abdominal area.
The incision required for a mini tummy tuck is also made on the lower abdomen just above the pubic hair (as with a fully tummy tuck). This way, it can be well hidden beneath bathing suit bottoms or underwear. However, mini tummy tucks don’t remove as much excess skin or adjust the underlying muscles as much, so the incision is typically shorter than a full tummy tuck scar.
Mini Tummy Tuck Scars
Minimizing Your Mini Tummy Tuck Scar
During your mini tummy tuck recovery, do the following to minimize the appearance of your scar:
- Avoid exerting yourself during the healing process
- Care for your wounds correctly
- Sleep in the correct position to protect your incision site as it heals
- Stay out of direct sunlight
- Use silicone gel scar correcting sheets or topical treatments
- Monitor your scar for abnormalities such as keloid scar formation (rare)
- Attend all followup appointments
Mini Tummy Tuck Scar Right After Surgery
To see examples of a new scar mini tummy tuck before and after photos can be helpful. You’ll see that scars are red or dark pink at first. Slowly, the skin will heal together, and the actual appearance of the incision will disappear as the skin mends.
Mini Tummy Tuck Scar After 1 Year
Most plastic surgeons have before and after mini tummy tuck scar pictures in their procedure galleries. Examining these should give you a better idea of what you can expect in terms of longer-term scarring.
After one year, most mini tummy tuck scars are faded to a light pink or even whitish hue, blending around the edges. They should be flat and flush with the rest of the skin.
FAQ: Mini Tummy Tucks
How much does a mini tummy tuck cost?
Mini tummy tuck cost varies based on your surgeon’s experience, location, surgical facility, anesthesiologist, and surgery details. You’ll need to consult directly with your preferred plastic surgery practice and schedule a consultation for further details about cost.
Can I get a mini tummy tuck after a C section?
Yes. In fact, some surgeons will even use the same mini tummy tuck C section scar. Just remember that you must wait at least six months after giving birth before you can undergo a mini tummy tuck.
Set Up a Tummy Tuck Consultation Appointment
If you have minimal excess skin on your lower abdomen and pubic area, a mini tummy tuck may be right for you. You can avoid a longer standard tummy tuck incision if you are a good mini tummy tuck candidate.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Galanis would be delighted to speak with you about your tummy tuck options. Book your consultation appointment with Dr. Galanis today.
