What is a mini abdominoplasty, or mini Tummy Tuck? Ask the Expert

What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck, also called a Mini Abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin to improve the lower abdomen contour. Unlike a traditional Full Tummy Tuck, which addresses the entire abdominal area, a Mini Tuck focuses specifically on the region below your navel.

A Mini Tuck is ideal for contouring the lower abdomen if you have moderate skin laxity and muscle weakness after weight loss or childbirth.

Who is the Ideal Mini Tummy Tuck Candidate?

An ideal Mini Abdominoplasty candidate is someone with a small amount of excess loose skin and stubborn fat below the belly button. You should also be in good overall health, without significant medical conditions that might impair healing or increase surgical risks.

It is recommended that you be at or near your target body weight, as fluctuations in weight post-surgery will affect the longevity and effectiveness of the procedure.

As smoking tobacco delays wound healing and increases the risk of complications, non-smokers are preferred candidates for a Mini Tummy Tuck. Our experienced surgeons at Cadogan Clinic recommend that patients smoke stop smoking several weeks before the procedure for optimum results and recovery.

What Are the Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A Mini Tummy Tuck offers several benefits to the right candidate, including speedy recovery, minimal scarring and potentially lower costs.

Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck:

Improved contour: A Mini Abdominoplasty procedure effectively removes excess loose skin and fat to create a smoother, firmer and aesthetically pleasing profile.
Less invasive: Compared to a traditional Full Tummy Tuck, this procedure is significantly less invasive, allowing for a quicker surgery with fewer risks.
Shorter recovery time: Mini Tummy Tuck recovery is faster than a Full Abdominoplasty. You will be able to return to your daily activities sooner following a mini abdominoplasty.
Less scarring: A Mini Tummy Tuck has a smaller incision, and our experienced surgeons place it strategically, low in the pelvic area, making it easier to conceal under clothing and swimwear.
Tightening of lower abdominal muscles: Small Tummy Tucks tighten the abdominal muscles, especially the lower abdomen, giving you a more toned appearance.
Lasting results: If you adopt a healthy lifestyle, the outcomes of a mini tuck are long-lasting, offering sustained results to the aesthetic of the lower abdomen.
Lower Mini Abdominoplasty costs: Mini Tummy Tuck cost in the UK is typically less than a Full Abdominoplasty as it targets just one particular area - the lower abdomen.

Our experienced surgeons at the Cadogan Clinic offer comprehensive advice on whether a mini tuck is the right choice for your particular situation. Please contact us today to get started.

What's the Difference Between a Mini Tummy Tuck and a Standard Tummy Tuck?

The invasiveness and extent of the abdomen area worked on are the key differences between a Mini and a Standard Tummy Tuck.

A Mini Tuck is effective for people with sagging, loose skin and fat that is concentrated in the lower abdomen area, specifically below the belly button. The procedure is less invasive and uses a smaller incision just above the pubic area. It doesn’t involve repositioning the navel or making significant alterations to the upper abdomen.

A Full Abdominoplasty is significantly more comprehensive and invasive. It’s an effective procedure if you have excess skin and fat above and below the navel, along with separated abdominal muscles across your entire abdomen. The surgery takes longer, requires large incisions and may require repositioning of the navel in some cases.

A Standard Tummy Tuck addresses more extensive aesthetic and structural issues of the abdomen than a Mini Tuck. The recovery time for a Full Tuck is longer than its Mini counterpart.

Mini Abdominoplasty Before and After

Cadogan Clinic’s Mini Tummy Tuck before and after gallery showcases the transformative results our experienced surgeons have achieved over the years. The after images show balanced, natural results with a well-hidden scar discreetly lying below the bikini line.

We invite you to go through our extensive gallery of before and after results to witness the remarkable transformations our patients have achieved through Mini Abdominoplasty.

How Much is a Mini Tummy Tuck UK?

The cost of a Mini Tummy Tuck in the UK varies depending on various factors, including the location of the clinic, the reputation and experience of the surgeons and more. At the Cadogan Clinic, a Mini Tummy Tuck costs from £6900. The estimate covers the surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia, facility fees and post-operative care.

Please contact our specialists for an accurate estimate for your specific situation.

What is the Recovery Period for a Mini Tummy Tuck?

The recovery period for a Mini Abdominoplasty ranges from two to three weeks, compared to several months for a Full Tuck. During this period, you should expect varying degrees of discomfort, swelling, and bruising.

You should be able to resume light daily activities a few days post-surgery. We recommend you avoid lifting heavy weights or strenuous exercise for four at least weeks after the procedure.

It is crucial that you follow the post-surgery instructions closely. Wear the surgeon-recommended compression garments to reduce swelling, support the newly contoured abdomen, and attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process.

It’s also important to be mindful of your body’s signals and rest when needed to avoid strain on the abdominal area. Adhering to the post-operative guidelines will help you recover quicker and decrease the risk of complications.

What Are the Risks of a Mini Abdominoplasty?

While Mini Abdominoplasty is a safe procedure, it carries risks such as scarring, infection and poor wound healing, like any surgical procedure.

Some of the most prominent risks involved with the procedure are:

Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a potential risk of infection at the incision site. While antibiotics prescribed after the procedure effectively manage this issue, you must follow post-operative care instructions closely to minimise the risk.
Scarring: Although the incision of a partial Tummy Tuck is smaller and strategically placed to be less conspicuous, scarring is inevitable. The appearance of the scar varies between individuals, depending on the age, skin type and the healing response.
Changes in skin sensations: In rare cases, you may experience changes in skin sensations along the incision area due to potential nerve damage. In most cases, these are temporary, and the sensation returns within a few weeks.
Poor wound healing: Some patients may experience particularly slow wound healing. Factors like smoking, diabetes and certain medications increase the likelihood of poor healing, leading to a prolonged recovery.

At Cadogan Clinic, our qualified plastic surgeons offer extensive consultations to discuss these potential risks and how they apply to your situation. Please book a consultation to understand the timeline of recovery and how you can minimise the risks of a minor tummy tuck.

FAQs

Do I need a full or mini tummy tuck?

A full tummy tuck is a more effective option if you have a large amount of excess skin and fat to be removed after weight loss or pregnancy. A mini tuck is better suited if you need to address a small area of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen.

A mini abdominoplasty is especially suited for patients who have undergone caesarean section and are left with a visible fold of skin above the scar. When compared to the traditional tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck may be limited by what areas can be targeted. This is because the procedure won’t address most stretch marks, loose skin above the belly button or muscle separation above the belly button.

The Cadogan Clinic offers comprehensive advice on a mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck with the details of each procedure. For more information, get in touch with us via the contact form on our website where a consultant will be able to review and address any queries or concerns.

Is a mini tummy tuck painful?

A mini tuck involves slight discomfort and pain during the initial recovery phase, which is managed by pain medication. The pain level varies among patients but subsides within a few days after the procedure.

Would a mini tummy tuck scar be more discrete?

A mini tummy tuck scar is more discrete than a full tummy tuck. The incision is significantly smaller and placed low in the pubic area, which can be hidden by underwear or swimwear. The mini-abdominoplasty is particularly appropriate for patients who have had a caesarian section and are left with a fold of skin above the scar visible through clothing.

Does a mini tummy tuck include muscle tightening?

A mini tummy tuck may involve tightening the muscles specifically in the lower abdomen. Surgeons won’t tighten all of the muscles in the abdominal wall as they do with a full tummy tuck.

Can you combine a mini tummy tuck with liposuction?

Yes, surgeons can combine the two procedures. The tummy tuck focuses on removing excess skin and fat and tightening lower abdomen muscles. Liposuction targets fat deposits for a more contoured abdomen.

Is a mini tummy tuck dangerous?

Mini tummy tuck surgery is a safe surgery, so long as it is performed by a highly skilled surgeon and in a safe, regulated medical environment.

Any surgery can potentially be dangerous, but this highly depends on the skill level of the surgeons performing the treatment and the safety elements put in place to ensure the procedure runs smoothly.

There are a few complications which may arise after the procedure but these are often rare and can be dealt with in a straightforward manner following surgery. Infection, for example, can be common but usually clears up within a fortnight. Haematoma, essentially a severe bruise, is a collection of blood under the skin that can result from the surgery. However this is rare and if suspected, a trained professional should be contacted as soon as possible.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Body Surgery

Extended Tummy Tuck

An Extended Tummy Tuck goes beyond the standard Tummy Tuck to remove fat from the abdominal region and the flanks.

Body Surgery

360 Liposuction

360 Liposuction is a surgical body contouring procedure that uses Liposuction to remove excess fat from the circumference of the torso.

Body Surgery

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted pockets of fat on the body and face.

Body Surgery

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)