Mini Tummy Tuck

Introduction

Unwanted fat below the belly button can result from aging, weight gain, or childbirth.  This area can be particularly difficult to lose with dieting and exercise.  A mini tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess fat and tissue below the belly button to create a firm toned appearing lower abdomen.
 
A mini tummy tuck addresses the area below the belly button, whereas a full tummy tuck corrects the abdominal area both above and below the belly button, as well as, correcting a spread in the abdominal musculature.  You will have an initial consultation with your doctor prior to your procedure.  Your doctor will evaluate your abdominal area.  You should tell your doctor about your concerns and expectations. Your doctor will perform a general health evaluation. It is common for “before” photos to be taken for your medical records. You will need to stop smoking before your surgery. Your doctor will let you know if any of your medications should be temporarily discontinued as well.
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Treatment

A mini tummy tuck is most commonly performed as an outpatient procedure.  You will need to have another person drive you home and stay with you the first night following surgery.  You will receive general anesthesia, IV sedation, or local anesthesia for your surgery.  Your surgeon will follow a predetermined incision pattern based on your specific needs.
 
To begin the procedure, a small incision is made above the pubic hairline.  (The length of the incision is directly related to how much excess skin is present.)  Excess fat and tissue are removed surgically or with liposuction at the time of the procedure.  A temporary drainage tube may be placed in the incision to help remove fluids.  The incision is closed with small sutures and bandaged.
 
You will wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and provide support while you heal.  It is important that you adhere to your specific self-care instructions.  A mini tummy tuck has a shorter recovery time than a full tummy tuck.  Most people can resume light activities in a few days and return to work in about one to three weeks.  As the initial swelling resolves, you will be pleased with the appearance of your new toned lower abdomen.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.