Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive plastic surgery procedure to permanently improve the appearance of the stomach area for a smoother, tighter midsection.

Mini Tummy Tuck Overview - 1043

The Skinny


Average Recovery

7 weeks

Permanence

Permanent

Application

Surgical Procedure

Surgical

Yes

Cost

$4000 - $5500

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Before & After Images by Provider

Sensitive Content

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Mini Tummy Tuck Before, Female 38 - 2577Mini Tummy Tuck After, Female 38 - 2577
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Mini Tummy Tuck Before, Female 48 - 2416Mini Tummy Tuck After, Female 48 - 2416
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The Specifics


What is a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure used to contour and define the abdomen. In a mini tummy tuck, excess skin, loose skin, and excess fat is surgically removed, and the abdominal skin is repositioned into a tighter, smoother position. Candidates may seek a mini tummy tuck due to aging, pregnancy, or weight loss.

The Anatomy of the Abdominal Wall

Abdominal Wall Anatomy Illustration

A mini tummy tuck may be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as a liposuction, umbilicoplasty, abdominal muscle tightening, or breast augmentation. A mini tummy tuck differs from an Abdominoplasty in that there is a smaller incision with a smaller scar, less recovery, and it can only address mild to moderate concerns.

What cosmetic concerns does a Mini Tummy Tuck procedure treat?

  1. Abdominal Contour: Removal of excess skin, loose skin, and excess fat creates a tighter, more contoured mid section.
  2. Mommy Makeover: For mothers seeking a less invasive abdominal slimming procedure, a mini tummy tuck can correct skin laxity following pregnancy.

Who is the ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck procedure?

The ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck is in generally good health, at a stable weight, and looking to address muscle separation, skin laxity, and excess fat. A mini tummy tuck is not recommended for those who are significantly overweight, those who require belly button repositioning, or those looking to correct the entire abdomen.

What is the average recovery associated with a mini tummy tuck procedure?

Complete recovery from a mini tummy tuck may take up to three months, however, individuals usually begin to resume light activities after two weeks. Most candidates return to work after two weeks. Restrictions on strenuous exercise persist for up to four weeks. A compression garment is to be worn daily for the first three to four weeks.

To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to tummy tuck recovery.

What are the potential side effects of a mini tummy tuck procedure?

Possible side effects following a mini tummy tuck include bruising, swelling, blood clots, pain, infection, scarring, and asymmetry.

What can someone expect from the results of a mini tummy tuck procedure?

The results of a mini tummy tuck are immediately visible and permanent improvements to the abdomen. The results will finalize over three months, and can be affected by significant weight changes or pregnancy.

What is the average cost of a mini tummy tuck procedure?

A mini tummy tuck can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $5,500. The actual cost of a mini tummy tuck is dependent upon location, board certified plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery. Learn more in our [complete guide to the cost of a tummy tuck](https://aedit.com/procedure/tummy-tuck-abdominoplasty/cost).

thumbs-upPros

  • Smaller Incision
  • Smaller Scar
  • Quicker Recovery Time
  • Improved Abdominal Definition

thumbs-downCons

  • Does Not Address Upper Abdomen
  • Less Dramatic Improvement

Invasiveness Score

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Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect


A mini tummy tuck procedure gives patients with loose skin and abdominal bulging beneath the belly button a tighter appearance to the stomach area. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a mini tummy tuck.

The Takeaway


A mini tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery to surgically excise loose skin and fat from the abdominal area for improved body contours and a smoother, tighter stomach.

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Source List

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AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Jermaine E Gray, MD, Jason S Mizell, MD, FACS Abdominal Wall Anatomy UpToDate; 2019-06-21
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