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

What is a mini abdominoplasty?

A mini abdominoplasty (or mini tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure designed to smooth the region below the belly button by removing excess skin.

Mini tummy tucks are often ideal when an individual only requires a small area of fat and skin removed.

Is the mini tummy tuck less invasive than the full abdominoplasty?

Cosmetic Surgery

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, tightens excessive or loose skin on your tummy and torso.

As the name suggests, this is a less invasive procedure than the Full or Brazilian Abdominoplasty and is designed to treat a lesser problem. A mini-abdominoplasty focuses on rejuvenating the abdominal wall below the umbilicus (tummy button), the area most commonly affected by pregnancy.

The procedure consists of liposuction of as much of the abdominal wall as is required and excision of surplus skin. Frequently, the recti muscles will need to be tightened to give a taut, flat tummy. Unlike the Brazilian or full abdominoplasty, the umbilicus (tummy button) is not moved and is therefore unscarred.

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Do I need a full or a mini tummy tuck?

Generally where there is a large amount of excess fat and skin a full tummy tuck may be recommended. Here a larger incision will need to be made spanning horizontally from hip to hip in order to remove the excess fat and skin.

Whereas a mini tummy tuck will be better suited for individuals with a small area of excess fat/skin, with this a smaller incision is needed and the skin/fat are detached in a more limited way.

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.

What are the pros and cons of a mini tummy tuck?

Cosmetic Surgery

Liposuction

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

Firstly, the mini tummy tuck procedure isn’t as invasive as the traditional tummy tuck procedure. The recovery time for a mini tummy tuck can be just one week in comparison to the potential months recovery time for a traditional tummy tuck. Mini tummy tucks are also less costly and target only one particular area with the tightening and flattening of the lower abdomen.

However, 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 which form of tummy tuck is right for you and 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.

What scars can I expect from the mini abdominoplasty?

There is only a single scar running across the lower abdomen. The longer the scar, the more skin is removed and the tighter it is. Very often it is not much longer than a caesarian section scar and easily hidden. We should remember that transverse scars are of better quality than vertical ones. This scar can be kept low through the pubic hair. In this case, the skin removed can include pubic hair extending upwards towards the tummy button. The downside is that patients who tend to make bad scars may form keloid scars where the incision passes through hair follicles.

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.

The mini-abdominoplasty can be carried out under Local or General Anesthesia as a day case without drains.

Words from our clients:

"I was extremely satisfied with the care and treatment I received at the Cadogan Clinic. My surgeon was friendly and informative and explained the procedure fully. My procedure went very well and with the excellent care of the nursing staff, I made a speedy and full recovery. Would recommend to anyone."

Eva Berry

"At the beginning before the operation the nurse taking care of me made me feel so comfortable. The surgeon and anesthetist helped me feel so calm. Fantastic before and after treatment"

Scarlett Elliott

“I was treated with care and provided with thorough knowledge about the procedure I was undertaking. My surgeon was very methodical (a perfectionist) and I felt I received A class treatment."

Courtney O'Sullivan

"Outstanding experience from the first appointment to being discharged. Very professional, friendly and a fantastic outcome."

Gemma Stevenson

"Reception staff very welcoming and efficient. Both nurses who I dealt with were fantastic, and the whole team (anaesthetist, surgeon etc) were friendly but professional, and really put my mind at ease. That I was able to stay later than I perhaps needed after my surgery to fit in with my husbands schedule was greatly appreciated."

Emma Davies

Is a mini tummy tuck dangerous?

Mini tummy tuck surgery is not dangerous, 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.

How much is a mini abdominoplasty?

The price of a mini tummy tuck can vary depending on location of the clinic, reputation of the surgeons and more. On average, expect to pay anywhere from £3000 to £7000 for the procedure. For more accurate information on pricing in the London area, be sure to contact our specialist clinic via the contact form on our website.

Treatments mentioned in this article

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

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Body Surgery

Liposuction

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

Surgery For Men

Abdominoplasty for Men (Tummy Tuck)

Tummy tuck for men, or abdominoplasty, targets loose and sagging skin on the lower abdomen.

View Treatment

An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, tightens excessive or loose skin on your tummy and torso.

View Treatment