The mini-tuck procedure offers an ideal combination of results for removing sagging skin while also limiting down time after surgery.
Unhappy with your abdominal appearance? You may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck at the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery & Laser Center of Maryland if one or more of these questions applies to you:
- Do you have a small amount of loose skin in the center of your lower abdomen?
- Are you at your ideal weight?
- Are you satisfied with the appearance of your waist and hips and have a small problem area in the lower abdomen and upper groin area?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you may be an ideal candidate for the Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure. We invite you to call to schedule your private consultation for a mini tummy tuck today.
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck allows patients to target sagging skin that typically appears below the belly button and smooth it out with a tightening procedure. It does not address the entire abdomen – which would require a full tummy tuck.
With a mini tummy tuck, the navel is not repositioned. Removing the excess fat and loose stretched out skin in the lower abdominal area often times is all that is required to improve the appearance of the abdomen. If necessary, the abdominal muscles will be repaired or tightened. Liposuction may be performed to remove stubborn fat and improve the lower abdominal contour.
Benefits
Mini tummy tucks are highly popular procedures because they:
- Flatten the stomach below the belly button, a common problem area for both men and women
- Address excess skin and tissue to restore a tight abdominal contour
- Repair the abdominal muscles
- Restore confidence in your appearance
- Dramatically improve your figure in clothing and swimwear
- Have a shorter recovery time than after a standard tummy tuck
Studies show that patients who have lost weight are more likely to keep their weight off if they receive body contour procedures like a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck following their weight loss.
We invite you to schedule a private consultation to learn more about the benefits of mini tummy tuck today.
Am I a Candidate?
Good candidates for Mini Tummy Tuck are those who:
- Have loose or sagging skin in their lower abdomen
- Have a bulging or soft appearance of their stomachs below the belly button
- Have strained, stretched, or torn abdominal muscles
- Have lost a significant amount of weight
- Do not need a full tummy tuck to correct their abdominal appearance
- Have completed the majority of their intended weight loss
- Are at a stable weight
- Are in overall good health
- Are free of pre-existing conditions that could impede healthy healing
- Are non-smokers
- Have optimistic but realistic expectations of the outcomes achievable with a cosmetic procedure
Candidates should complete the majority of their intended weight loss before receiving a tummy tuck. Research shows that patients with lower BMIs see best outcomes from abdominoplasty procedures.
If you have mild to moderate skin laxity in your lower abdomen, below your belly button, you are an excellent candidate for a mini tummy tuck. If you have skin laxity, excess tissue, or strained abdominal muscles in your upper abdominals, above your belly button, you may see better outcomes with a full tummy tuck surgery.
Dr. Salman Ashruf will be happy to answer any questions you have about mini tummy tuck during your private consultation. He will perform a physical exam, as well as go over your health history and current medication use with you. Once he has a clear sense of your goals, he will suggest a solution and treatment plan that will be the safest and most appropriate for you.
Dr. Ashruf specializes in both female and male tummy tucks. Results look natural and are tailored to the unique goals of every patient. From the moment you step into the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Center of Maryland to the months following your procedure, Dr. Ashruf and his specialized team will work closely with you to assure that you see your best tummy tuck outcomes.
To learn more about what a mini tummy tuck can do for your confidence and overall quality of life, call the Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and Laser Center of Maryland today.
The Procedure
Dr. Ashruf performs the mini tummy tuck under general anesthesia; this means you will feel no pain during the procedure. The mini tummy tuck procedure only requires a single incision low on pelvis to perform. Dr. Ashruf specializes in minimally invasive techniques that alleviate discomfort and promote faster recovery time.
Mini Tummy Tuck will restore a flat, attractive abdominal contour. During the procedure, the abdominals will be repaired or tightened in order to restore healthy abdominal support. Liposuction may be performed to address stubborn pockets of fat. Excess skin and tissue will be removed from the lower abdomen. The procedure incision will be closed with sutures.
Mini tummy tuck is usually performed below the belly button. The belly button will not need to be repositioned, a step sometimes incorporated in a full abdominoplasty procedure.
The details of your procedure will depend on your preferred outcomes and the treatment plan that you and Dr. Ashruf create together.
Recovery
Patients usually return to light activity within two days following the procedure, and are back to work within a week.
Post-procedure swelling and bruising will be minimal, thanks to Dr. Ashruf’s careful surgical techniques.
The majority of swelling will be improved within six weeks. Dr. Ashruf will go over methods of relieving any post-procedure discomfort during your consultation.
Follow the recovery instructions you receive from Dr. Ashruf in order to see the best healing outcomes following your tummy tuck. Your instructions will include aftercare for your sutures and incision site. You will receive a compression garment to reduce post-procedure swelling and guarantee you see the contours achieved during the mini abdominoplasty.
Your comfort is our priority. We make sure that we are always available to help with anything that you need before or during your recovery from your mini tummy tuck.
Results
You will see your final results within three to six months of your mini tummy tuck.
Pregnancy and drastic weight gain can impact the outcomes achieved with a mini tummy tuck. Patients who maintain their weight with diet and exercise will enjoy the outcomes of their mini tummy tuck for years.
For more information on the Mini Tummy Tuck, Contact Us or call Cosmetic Plastic Surgery of Maryland at (410) 590-4313.
FAQ
What does a mini tummy tuck consist of?
Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck uses an incision placed below the belly button. Through this, Dr. Ashruf can remove excess skin and fat. It’s also commonly paired with liposuction on the surrounding waist area.
How long does a mini tummy tuck last?
A mini tummy tuck is considered permanent – it will last as long as you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to prevent weight fluctuations.
Is a mini tummy tuck less painful?
Since a mini tummy tuck is less invasive, it can come with less discomfort during your downtime. It’s still performed with general anesthesia like a traditional tummy tuck, however.
Do you get another belly button with a mini tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck only concerns tissues below the belly button, so no incision is made that requires it to be moved or reshaped.
Who is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck?
The mini tummy tuck is best for patients who have stubborn fat or sagging skin below the belly button, or in the pubic area. A mini tummy tuck does not address weakened or stretched muscles, so a traditional tummy tuck may be needed for diastasis recti.
Do I need a mini tummy tuck or a full?
This depends on your goals and existing concerns – a mini tummy tuck is best for minor changes below the belly button (in the case of stubborn fat or sagging skin) while a traditional tummy tuck encompasses more of the whole stomach and trunk. A traditional tummy tuck can also correct weakened abdominal muscles.
Do you have drains with a mini tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck typically does not require drains. Dr. Ashruf will perform specialized sutures during your surgical session so you don’t need them.
How much skin is removed in a mini tummy tuck?
Small amounts of skin are removed during a mini tummy tuck – usually only that which fits between the belly button and the upper pubis.
Can I get a mini tummy tuck after C-section?
It’s typically safe to get a tummy tuck after having a C-section, but you should make sure you’re fully recovered before opting for cosmetic surgery (about 6-12 months). Your plastic surgeon can help you determine if it’s the right time for your procedure during your consultation.
What does tummy tuck scar look like?
Tummy tuck scars are usually concealed below the belly button in the natural contours where your underwear rests. This makes it easily concealable in clothes or bathing suits.
What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and liposuction?
A mini tummy tuck contours the lower abdomen by correcting loose or damaged abdominal muscles, removing excess skin, and tightening the remaining abdominal skin into a flat, attractive contour.nnMini tummy tuck is performed with a single incision placed low on the abdomen. Liposuction is a fat-elimination procedure that requires only a tiny incision and a slim cannula to perform.nnLiposuction uses tumescent fluid to break up fat for removal. Fat removal can also be performed with the assistance of targeted laser energy. Liposuction can be performed by itself or during a tummy tuck procedure to help remove unwanted fat from the abdomen and flanks.
What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck addresses loose skin and weakened abdominals beneath the belly button. A full tummy tuck should be performed when lax skin and weakened abdominal muscles occur both above and below the belly button. The belly button may need to be re-positioned during a full tummy tuck. This is not usually necessary with a mini tummy tuck. Both full and mini tummy tucks are performed with a single incision low in the abdomen.
How long does a mini tummy tuck take?
A mini tummy tuck is usually performed within one to two hours.
Is a tummy tuck permanent?
The results of a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck will last long-term. Weight gain and pregnancy can impact the outcomes achieved with a tummy tuck procedure. Patients who maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle will enjoy their results for years.
How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck?
You will be back to work within a week following a mini tummy tuck. Full recovery will be complete within three to six months.
How dangerous is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a highly safe procedure when performed by a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Ashruf. In order to make sure tummy tuck is right for you, we will assess your health history and current health condition. If we believe you will be a better candidate for an alternative procedure, we will share our professional opinion with you. Your safety and comfort are our priority.
