Most women are familiar with the 'Muffin Top', that stubborn pouch of fatty tissue immediately below the belly button. Diet and exercise often do little to improve this unsightly area. While clothing can help to conceal the lax tissue, pants and dresses may simply do not fit the way they used to – and forget about wearing a bikini. Fortunately, there is a surgical procedure available at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery created just for this situation: the Mini Tummy Tuck.

The Mini Tummy Tuck

The Mini Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure, designed to tighten and flatten the lower abdomen, creating an aesthetically pleasing contour. As a modified Abdominoplasty, the Mini Tummy Tuck only addresses the stretched, lax tissue below the belly button. While the more traditional Tummy Tuck can address unwanted fat and skin all along the stomach, it utilizes a longer incision, running from hip to hip. The Mini Tummy Tuck requires only a short incision, similar to that of a C-section, placed immediately above the pubic line. The procedure can restore a contoured abdomen with only a minor scar, which is easily concealed under clothing.

The surgeons at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery consistently bring patients top-notch plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures. They are Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have over 10 years of experience in aesthetic care. Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery is located in beautiful Beverly Hills; it is the leading provider of surgical and noninvasive procedures in Los Angeles.

The Ideal Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck

Anyone who is unhappy with excess tissue, localized below the belly button, may find the Mini Tummy Tuck to be beneficial. The ideal candidate will be a nonsmoker, in overall good health, understand the Abdominoplasty procedure, and hold realistic surgical expectations. It is suggested that women planning on having children in the future discuss their situation prior to their procedure, to better ensure they receive long-lasting results. An consultation appointment is always scheduled prior to any Abdominoplasty, to determine if it is the right procedure for an individual situation.

The Mini Tummy Tuck Consultation

Before the Mini Tummy Tuck is scheduled, the doctors will sit down with the patient for a consultation appointment. This will provide a time for both patient and doctor to develop a trusting relationship. They will come to understand the aesthetic needs and desires of the individual. During the consultation, he will also perform a physical examination, review the medical history, and discuss current medications. The doctors will explain the procedure in detail, going over Before/After photos of his recent patients. If it is determined that the Mini Tummy Tuck is the right procedure to meet the patient’s unique needs, a surgical plan will be created. The exact cost of the procedure will also be explained, and all payment options reviewed.

woman wearing a tan swimsuit laying in the sun

The Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure

The Mini Tummy Tuck procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, at the Spalding Plastic Surgery Facility in Beverly Hills. Depending on the extent of correction required, the procedure can take between two and three hours to complete. The Mini Tummy Tuck is performed under general anesthesia.

The Mini Tummy Tuck will begin by making a short incision, just at or above the public bone (similar to that of a cesarean section). From here, the doctor will excise unsightly fatty tissue and lax skin. The doctor will then tighten the abdominal muscles, pull the stomach taut, and place dissolvable sutures for proper healing. The Mini Tummy Tuck procedure can provide amazing results on its own. It can also be performed in conjunction with other procedures, such as Breast Augmentation or Liposuction, to restore a youthful, sculpted appearance.

Recovery

Patients should expect the recovery to take between one and two weeks. For the first few days after surgery, the abdomen may be swollen and bruised. A special surgical garment is required for the first week, to prevent swelling and promote proper healing. It is also common for bruising and redness to be seen. Most of these issues will resolve over the first 14 to 21 days after surgery. Patients may note temporary numbness across the surgical area that can last for several months.

Mild to moderate discomfort can be experienced after the procedure. Appropriate pain medications will be prescribed to keep patients comfortable during their recovery. Most people are ready to return to work within two weeks. However, strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be postponed for six weeks.

The Results From a Mini Tummy Tuck

Patients will be able to see an immediate improvement in their appearance, after their Mini Tummy Tuck procedure. Over the following two to three months, as the swelling completely resolves, the full results from surgery can be appreciated. The abdomen will be flat, tight, and smooth. While the Mini Tummy Tuck does result in a scar, this will be well concealed under clothing, even most bikini bottoms. Over time, the scar will fade somewhat.

Potential Complications

The Mini Tummy Tuck is an effective procedure for smoothing the abdomen; it is also considered to be extremely safe. As it is an invasive technique, the Mini Tummy Tuck holds a small risk for complications. These can include excessive bleeding, unexpected scarring, poor wound healing, and nerve damage.

The best way to avoid any complications after a Mini Tummy Tuck procedure is to choose a reputable, Board Certified plastic surgeon, with extensive Abdominoplasty experience. The surgeons at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery have performed hundreds of Mini Tummy Tuck procedures over his career; they are the top aesthetic surgeons in the Los Angeles area.

Mini Tummy Tuck FAQ

What is the Mini Tummy Tuck procedure?

A Mini Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and flatten the abdomen. The procedure requires a small incision above the pubic line.

Who is a good candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Those people frustrated with lax tissue below their belly button may make a good candidate for the Mini Tummy Tuck procedure. The ideal patient will be in generally good shape, and already tried diet/exercise as a solution. The best candidates should not smoke, will understand the Abdominoplasty procedure, and have reasonable surgical expectations.

Where is the Mini Tummy Tuck performed?

Mini Tummy Tuck procedures are performed at the Spalding Plastic Surgery Facility in gorgeous Beverly Hills, California.

How is the Mini Tummy Tuck performed?

The procedure begins by making a small, horizontal incision, above the pubic line. Next, he will excise the lax, unneeded fatty tissue and skin. He will tighten the abdominal muscles and pull the remaining tissues taut. Finally, dissolvable sutures will placed for proper healing.

How long does the surgery take to complete?

The surgery will take from two to three hours to perform.

What type of anesthesia will be used?

General anesthesia is used for the Mini Tummy Tuck procedure.

Does the Mini Tummy Tuck result in a scar?

Yes, the Mini Tummy Tuck technique does result in a small scar, along the incision line. This scar is must smaller than that of the traditional Abdominoplasty procedure. The scar can be well concealed under clothing, and over time, will fade somewhat.

When can work be resumed after the procedure?

Most people feel well enough to return to work in less than two weeks, following their procedure.

What are the risks of this procedure?

While this surgery is considered safe, there is some risk for complications with every surgical procedure. These can include uncontrolled bleeding, unexpected scarring, poor wound healing, and permanent nerve damage.