Mini Tummy Tuck

What is a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck, also called a mini abdominoplasty, is a less extensive version of a standard Bellevue tummy tuck that tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin in the lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is an ideal procedure if you are in overall good shape but want to remove the bulge just below your navel.

Dr. Alexander Sobel Seattle Cosmetic Surgeon

Triple board-certified in general cosmetic surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, and otolaryngology
15+ years of experience specializing in cosmetic surgery
Operates in an on-site accredited surgical suite for patient safety and privacy
National leader in cosmetic surgery, including as Past President of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and as an expert speaker at medical conferences
Former Seattle Met Top Doctor with hundreds of 5-star patient reviews

Meet Dr. Sobel

Does a mini tummy tuck include liposuction?

We often encourage patients with stubborn fat deposits on their waist, flanks, hips, and/or upper pubic area to combine their mini tummy tuck surgery with liposuction, a procedure called mini lipoabdominoplasty. This added liposuction will help to enhance your mini tummy tuck results and sculpt nearby areas. Liposuction is especially effective for patients with adequate skin elasticity, as the skin will “snap back” on its own after underlying fat is removed.

Key Benefits
Glossary

Key Benefits

Flatter, Toned Abdomen: The primary benefit of a tummy tuck is a flatter, smoother, and more toned abdominal area, which can enhance the overall body contour.
Removal of Excess Skin: This procedure effectively removes loose, hanging skin, which is often a result of significant weight loss or post-pregnancy stretching.
Reduction of Stretch Marks: Although not primarily aimed at stretch mark removal, a tummy tuck can eliminate some stretch marks, particularly those located below the navel.
Improved Abdominal Muscle Tone: A tummy tuck can tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), which often occur after pregnancy or significant weight changes.
Better Fit for Clothing and Swimwear: Clothes and swimwear often fit better and are more flattering after a tummy tuck, as the abdominal area becomes smoother and firmer.
Improved Posture: Tightening of abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck can lead to improved posture and reduced lower back pain due to stronger core muscles.
Corrects Hernias: In some cases, a tummy tuck can correct ventral hernias that may occur due to weakened abdominal muscles.
Reduced Back Pain: By removing excess abdominal weight and strengthening the core, a tummy tuck can alleviate certain types of back pain.

Glossary

Abdominoplasty: The medical term for a tummy tuck, a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall.
Anesthesia: Medication used to prevent pain during surgery. In the case of a tummy tuck, it can be general (patient is fully asleep) or local with sedation.
Belly Button Reshaping: Part of many tummy tuck procedures, where the belly button is repositioned or reshaped to appear natural after the removal of excess skin.
Diastasis Recti: A condition where the large abdominal muscles separate, often as a result of pregnancy. Tummy tuck surgery often includes repair of these muscles.
Drainage Tubes: Tubes that may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain excess fluid from the surgical site after a tummy tuck.
Extended Tummy Tuck: A more extensive abdominoplasty that includes the removal of excess skin and fat from the sides and back as well as the abdomen.
Full Tummy Tuck: A comprehensive abdominoplasty that addresses the entire abdominal area, often involving muscle tightening and removal of a significant amount of skin and fat.
Incision: The surgical cut made by the surgeon. In a tummy tuck, this is typically made across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area.
Liposuction: A procedure often combined with a tummy tuck to remove excess fat. It involves suctioning out fat through small incisions.
Mini Tummy Tuck: A less extensive version of abdominoplasty that focuses on the lower abdomen, with a shorter incision and often without muscle repair.
Panniculectomy: A surgical procedure that removes only the overhanging “apron” of skin and fat from the lower abdomen, different from a full tummy tuck that also tightens abdominal muscles.
Recovery Period: The time it takes to heal after a tummy tuck, including restrictions on activities and guidelines for care of the surgical site.
Seroma: A complication where fluid accumulates under the skin after surgery. It’s a risk following a tummy tuck and may require drainage.
Skin Excision: The removal of excess skin during a tummy tuck procedure.
Swelling: A common post-operative condition where the treated area becomes swollen. It gradually subsides during the recovery period.
Tumescent Technique: A technique that involves injecting a medicated solution into the area before liposuction, often used in conjunction with tummy tucks.
Umbilicoplasty: The surgical alteration of the belly button, often part of a tummy tuck procedure.
Vertical Tummy Tuck: A less common form of abdominoplasty with a vertical incision. It is used in specific cases where excess skin is located above the belly button.

Am I a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck?

You may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you:

Have lost a significant amount of weight
Are happy with your overall figure but want to get rid of the remaining “pooch” on your lower belly
Struggle with a fat upper pubic area (FUPA)
Have given birth and have a relatively minor amount of post-pregnancy abdominal sagging
Are at or near your goal weight
Have no significant medical problems

You may not be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you:

Are a smoker
Are pregnant or near pregnancy

Mini tummy tuck surgery and recovery

About your tummy tuck procedure

Mini tummy tuck surgery is a relatively gentle procedure that can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on your preference. First, an incision about 4-8 inches long will be made across your lower abdomen. Depending on your aesthetic goals and concerns, your surgeon will then suture together your lower abdominal muscles and remove any excess skin in the area. He or she will also perform liposuction to the abdomen and nearby areas if you have chosen to combine liposuction with your mini tummy tuck. Afterward, the skin is re-draped tightly over the abdomen, resulting in a smooth, fit-looking lower stomach.

“I am 4 months post surgery, I feel and look amazing. I have my teenager body back, with a flat tummy and perky breasts. I look at myself with confidence and ask myself why hadn’t I done it sooner.

—Google review for Dr. Sobel

About your mini tummy tuck recovery

After your mini tummy tuck surgery, you will be left with a short, thin horizontal scar across your lower abdomen, which should fade slightly over time with proper care. Your surgeon will require you to walk for 30 minutes, 3 times daily beginning the day after surgery. You will be placed in a spandex compression garment for several weeks to encourage healing.

Some results will be seen immediately, but you should expect to see your full results once swelling has subsided (around 6 weeks post-surgery). This recovery period is shorter than that of a traditional tummy tuck since it is a less invasive procedure. Results are typically permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight and a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Before & After Gallery

Dr. Alexander Sobel uses refined techniques and tailors every aspect of your procedure for natural, personalized results.

View our patient gallery

Can I have a mini tummy tuck if I’ve had a C-section?

If you have had a cesarean section, a surgeon can often use the same incision for a mini tummy tuck, though it may be slightly longer. A mini tummy tuck can also address the “C-pouch” or “C-shelf” that is often left behind following a C-section. Your surgeon will discuss with you when the ideal time is to have your tummy tuck after a C-section.

How much is a mini tummy tuck in Seattle?

At Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery in Bellevue, WA, a mini tummy tuck costs approximately $11,525. This price includes anesthesia as well as comprehensive liposuction of the abdomen, waist, hips, and pubis. You should not choose your plastic surgeon based on the cost of your desired procedure alone; other factors, such as choosing a board certified cosmetic surgeon with extensive experience performing mini tummy tucks, should also be considered.

Discuss mini tummy tuck surgery with Seattle plastic surgeon Dr. Sobel

As a triple board certified Bellevue cosmetic surgeon and former President of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Alexander Sobel has over 20 years of experience performing cosmetic procedures, including mini abdominoplasty. Schedule your free mini tummy tuck consultation today by calling (425) 453-9060 or contacting us online.