“A good mini tummy tuck candidate is hard to find.” No, really! It’s true that while many people may qualify for tummy tuck surgery in general, mini tummy tucks are not as commonly performed.
Below, we’ll take a look at what mini tummy tucks are, how they differ from traditional tummy tuck surgery, and who makes a good mini tummy tuck candidate.
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
The goal with any type of tummy tuck surgery is to reduce excess skin on the lower abdomen. Along with a reduction in excess skin, excess fat is also removed via liposuction, and the abdominal muscles will be tightened if needed. Most patients are individuals who have gone through pregnancy or weight loss, so their abdominal muscles have been stretched.
A mini tummy tuck procedure (mini abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery that specifically targets the lower abdomen or the area below the belly button. Both women and men may struggle with a “pooch” here, which can be made up of loose skin and/or excess fat and that may be exacerbated by loose ab muscles. During surgery, we remove excess skin and fat from this area.
When it comes to a mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck is not going to address any excess skin or excess fat on the upper abdomen, nor will it tighten the abdominal muscles in this area.
The target area is, in fact, much smaller with a mini tummy tuck versus a full tummy tuck procedure. Therefore, a mini tummy tuck scar is typically shorter than a full tummy tuck scar. Likewise, you don’t need a belly button incision with a mini tummy tuck (as you do with a traditional tummy tuck) because the belly button will not be adjusted or affected.
Note that there is also another variation of a full tummy tuck called an extended tummy tuck. This goes the opposite direction of a tummy tuck in that it actually targets more of the abdomen to get rid of excess skin and excess fat. Therefore, the extended tummy scar is going to be longer than the full tummy tuck scar.
Who Is a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
As stated above, mini tummy tuck candidates tend to be women who’ve had multiple pregnancies and are done having children. Alternatively, they may be individuals who have undergone a significant weight loss — either with weight loss surgery or lifestyle changes. Recently, we’re seeing a lot more patients come in with loose skin on their abdomens after weight loss with medications like Ozempic.
Regardless of the reason, all mini tummy tuck candidates will have excess skin (and usually also fat) on their lower abdomen only. If a candidate comes in with even a little bit of skin they’d like to get rid of on the upper abdomen, we would opt for a full tummy tuck. And because both weight loss and pregnancy usually cause excess skin all around the abdomen, it’s actually quite rare for someone to be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck.
FAQ: Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery
Who is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck with liposuction?
In fact, most mini tummy tucks include liposuction. So, really anyone who is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck in general should be able to get liposuction as well.
What is mini tummy tuck recovery like?
During mini tummy tuck recovery, you can expect some soreness, which can be managed with the pain medication your plastic surgeon will prescribe. Swelling and bruising are also to be expected.
You’ll need to take it easy for the first few weeks following your mini tummy tuck. You should get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, eat nutritious meals full of protein, and limit your movements because even normal everyday movements like driving or cooking can actually contribute to pulling and straining near your treatment area. And this may actually delay or mar your results.
What are the cons of a mini tummy tuck?
As with all plastic surgeries, there are some drawbacks to mini tummy tuck surgery.
Naturally, you’re going to have to go through the recovery time, which can be somewhat challenging. Mini tummy tuck surgery is also a major procedure that comes with a significant price tag. Of course, because incisions are necessary for this surgery, you will have one significant scar as well — placed laterally on the lower abdomen beneath the bikini line.
And finally, tummy surgery is only going to address the lower abdomen. So, if you undergo the surgery but you actually have loose skin above your belly button, your results may not be entirely satisfactory. With that said, no board certified surgeon with experience should perform a mini tummy tuck on a patient who is not actually a good candidate.
Call Today to Schedule an Appointment
Considering a mini tummy tuck Beverly Hills? Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Galanis can help tighten your abdominal muscles while reducing loose skin on your lower abdomen with mini tummy tuck surgery.
Mini tummy tuck procedures, when performed on the right candidates, can be completely transformative, providing just the right amount of skin tightening and fat reduction to give you a radiant silhouette. Learn more about undergoing a mini tummy tuck procedure by booking a consultation appointment with us today.
