A mini tummy tuck is a combination of liposuction of the abdomen and flanks to remove excess skin and fat. It is a less extensive version of a full abdominoplasty. In a full or standard abdominoplasty, the entire abdomen is repaired, up to the ribcage, and the navel structure relocated. In a mini tummy tuck, only the area below the belly button is treated, leaving the belly button structure in its original location.

What is a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is appropriate for those who have excess skin and fat below the navel. No incisions are created around the navel, compared to a full tummy tuck. The amount of skin removed in a mini-abdominoplasty is approximately a third of the tissue removed in a standard abdominoplasty. The major disadvantage of a mini tummy tuck is that not all muscle laxity can be corrected.

A mini tummy tuck is a type of abdominoplasty or a modified tummy tuck. In this procedure, a short incision is made directly at or above the pubic area, similar to the incision placed during a cesarean section. Dr. Khalifeh performs a mini tummy tuck by removing your excess skin after tightening the abdominal muscles.

Mini tummy tuck candidates

An ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck is a woman with only minor muscle laxity, with a small pouch (such as a C-section pouch). Dr. Khalifeh may perform a mini tummy tuck a woman who wants to repair and smooth a C-section pouch and is planning to have more children. A mini-abdominoplasty, or mini tummy tuck, combined with liposuction, can resolve the excess skin and tissue. If you are planning another pregnancy, it is advised that you wait until your childbearing is over to undergo either a full or mini tummy tuck.

Ideally, a person with excess skin and fat below the belly button is the best candidate for a mini tummy tuck. If you are in good physical shape but diet and exercise are unable to give you a firm, fit abdomen due to stretched skin and excess fat, this may be the right procedure for you. The perfect candidate has localized fat beneath the belly button and wants to trim, slim, and firm the lower abdomen.

Mini tummy tuck scars

The incisions placed to perform a mini tummy tuck are shorter than those in a standard abdominoplasty. No incisions are needed around the navel, but the incision placed from hip to hip is about the same length. A mini abdominoplasty can be performed with local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia.

What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?

The incision for a mini tummy tuck is less noticeable than the incisions made for a full tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck does not reposition the navel. The goal of a mini tummy tuck is to create a flatter, tighter abdomen. The recovery time for a mini tummy tuck is shorter than after a full tummy tuck procedure. However, a mini tummy tuck is still major surgery.

Your consultation

At your consultation, Dr. Khalifeh will speak with you about:

Why you want a mini tummy tuck
The names and dosages of your current medication, herbal supplements or vitamins
Your history of tobacco, recreational drug or alcohol use
Any previous medical treatments, surgeries, and current medical conditions
Any drug allergies
Take photos for your medical record
Discuss the surgery and recovery
Advise you what to expect from a mini tummy tuck
Evaluate your health, risk factors, and any pre-existing health issues
Address any concerns you have and discuss the possible complications

Schedule a Consultation

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Preparing for a mini tummy tuck

For two weeks before your mini tummy tuck procedure, avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and products that contain aspirin. These medications impact blood clotting. Do not drink alcoholic beverages within 24 hours of your lab tests. Arrange another person to transport you home after surgery and stay with you overnight after your procedure.

Mini tummy tuck procedure steps

In a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Khalifeh places a single incision in the pubic area. This short incision is only a few inches long across the patient’s lower abdomen. Dr. Khalifeh tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin. He may perform liposuction to remove excess fat. The procedure requires two to five hours to complete.

Mini tummy tuck recovery: What should you expect?

Every person recovers at a slightly different rate. You can expect to work or other activities within two weeks in most cases. You should not resume any strenuous activity for eight to twelve weeks after undergoing mini tummy tuck surgery.

Why choose DC Cosmetics for a mini tummy tuck?

Dr. Khalifeh is the premier tummy tuck surgeon practicing in the DC area. His skills, artistry, expertise, and consistently beautiful results, and experience have led to a reputation for excellence in custom abdominal surgery. His dedication to serving the community has led him to make this surgery more affordable and within reach for many people. Along with his outstanding skills, he is a warm, approachable surgeon.

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Meet with us.

If you are considering undergoing a mini tummy tuck, we invite you to meet with us. Schedule a private consultation about a mini tummy tuck by calling (301) 244-0148.

FAQ

Is a mini tummy tuck better than a full tummy tuck?

Dr. Khalifeh performs hundreds of tummy tucks and abdominal liposuction procedures each year, but only two or three mini tummy tucks. Most patients are better served by either “going the full way” with a standard tummy tuck or undergoing laser liposuction for fat removal and skin tightening. It is rare for it to be appropriate to go “halfway” with a mini tummy tuck.

How do you tighten the muscles of the abdomen?

One of the primary goals in a tummy tuck is to tighten the underlying muscles completely, going from the pubic bone to the xiphoid process (ribcage). A mini tummy tuck does not allow for this degree of full repair to the underlying muscle structure. If you are planning to have more children and are troubled by an unsightly tummy pouch, or you have minimal muscle stretching, a mini tummy tuck may be all that is needed to restore your figure.

Do I need to wear the compression garment all the time?

The compression garment is an essential aspect of your recovery, as it protects the repaired structure and holds the skin firmly against the muscles to heal smoothly. You may find the garment slightly uncomfortable, but within several weeks it can be removed, so have patience – it is worth it.

Mini Tummy Tuck