A mini tummy tuck is a modification of a tummy tuck; it addresses the “pooch” of the lower abdomen. In some women, the lower abdomen is particularly stretched with pregnancy, causing problems limited to the lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is an ideal procedure for these women.
Differences between a Full Tummy Tuck and a Mini Tummy Tuck
- A mini tummy tuck generally has a shorter scar, although this is not always the case. The length of the scar is varied depending on the degree and location of loose skin.
- A mini tummy tuck generally does not address the skin or muscle above the belly button.
- A new belly button is not created in a mini tummy tuck.
- The recovery of a mini tummy tuck is generally easier. A patient is able to walk upright right away.
- Mini tummy tucks is generally cost less than that of a full tummy tuck.
Simulate a mini tummy tuck by pulling the lower abdomen down. If the abdomen improves significantly with that maneuver alone, a mini-abdominoplasty may be indicated. If there is still looseness of the upper abdominal skin or the belly button is unattractive, the patient may require a full tummy tuck to achieve their goals.
How much does a Mini Tummy Tuck cost?
A mini tummy tuck cost varies based on factors such as surgeon experience. The costs can be broken down into:
- Anesthesia Fees
- Facility Fees
- Surgeons fees
As Dr. Yates has an in-office operating suite, the facility fee is minimal. This is cost-saving directly to the patient.
For a list of the costs of additional common procedures performed by Dr. Yates click here.
What anesthesia is used for Mini Tummy Tucks?
Who is a good candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
About one in five patients looking into a tummy tuck are actually better candidates for a mini tummy tuck. The main difference between the two options for abdominal contouring is the amount of skin tightening above the belly button. A mini tummy tuck is limited in upper skin tightening as the surgery is limited to elevation and tightening of the lower abdomen.
Mini tummy tucks is designed for a patient with limited skin laxity and muscle separation primarily below their belly button. Often a mini tuck has a shorter and lower incision, but that’s not necessarily the case. The location of your sagging skin dictates the length of incision Dr. Yates will need to make.
What is recovery like after a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Recovery from a mini tummy tuck isn’t much different than a full tummy tuck except only the lower incision is involved. However, this is a long incision and recovery will limit your ability to engage your abdominal muscles so not to put pressure on your bikini line incision. During the first week or so of your recovery you’ll want to have help around the house. Most patients can return to work in about two weeks, but if your job is physical you could need more time.
The main concern during your recovery is to avoid any lifting of anything over a gallon of milk for four to six weeks. This seems extreme but being kind to your incision means it will be a far less noticeable scar after it heals. Any strenuous exercise needs to wait for six weeks as well.
Your compression garments are also an important part of your recovery. You’ll need to wear your compression garments for two full weeks and maybe longer, depending upon your healing. The compression applied by these garments keeps your swelling down, helps your skin tighten down to your new slimmer contour, and it helps your incision heal cleanly and evenly.
What is the difference between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?
Our patients sometimes confuse these two procedures, but they really have little in common beyond both being body contouring procedures.
Liposuction is a less invasive procedure intended to remove pockets of stubborn fat. A thin cannula with suction is inserted through very small incisions to gain access to the unwanted fat. The cannula is moved back and forth to break loose the fat cells and suction them away. Liposuction doesn’t do anything to the skin and muscles in the abdomen.
As described above, a tummy tuck removes excess, sagging skin and often surgically brings separated stomach muscles back together in their original position in the center of the stomach area. Tummy tucks involve either one (mini) long lower incision or that incision along with a second incision around the belly button (full). Tummy tucks have much more involved recoveries and can deliver quite dramatic results. For many tummy tucks, Dr. Yates uses some amount of liposuction to help remove accumulated fat in addition to the excision of excess sagging skin.
Patients who are good candidates for liposuction have little or no loose stomach skin. Their problem is pockets of unwanted fat. They must have good elasticity in their skin, as the skin needs to tighten down over the slimmer contour once Dr. Yates removes the fat. If the patient doesn’t have good skin elasticity, removing the fat with liposuction can actually create more loose skin.
Can a Tummy Tuck be combined with other procedures?
Dr. Yates often includes some amount of liposuction to remove pockets of fat with his tummy tuck procedures. If you want to have liposuction on another area around the hips — the flanks, for example — this could be combined with a tummy tuck. Modern liposuction is easy to recover from, so it won’t exacerbate your recovery much.
A mommy makeover combines a full tummy tuck with liposuction and a breast lift, with or without implants. Patients interested in a mini tuck could be interested in the same combination.
During your consultation with Dr. Yates, you can discuss these possibilities of combining procedures. This approach has the advantage of having only a single recovery for two or more procedures.
How do I schedule a consultation or schedule surgery?
Contact Dr. Yates at 801.525.8741, or fill out an online virtual consult form with any questions you may have. Dr. Yates serves patients from Salt Lake City, Layton and surrounding areas. Call today to schedule an appointment.