Mini (Scarless) Tummy Tuck

Mini tummy tuck surgery is a viable option for patients who have smaller amounts of excess skin and fat and who do not have substantially extended abdomens. It causes less trauma and scarring than a complete tummy tuck because lesser amounts of skin and fat are removed.

Also known as partial abdominoplasty or "scarless tummy tuck," the mini tummy tuck corrects fullness caused by excess skin that is limited to the lower abdomen. Bulging between the navel and the pubic bone is caused by accumulation of excess fatty tissue and laxity of the lower stomach muscles. The lower stomach muscles become lax from damage of the supportive tissue in the lower abdomen. For women, this damage often is caused by pregnancies.

The mini tummy tuck avoids a scar around the navel that is usually expected with the other procedures. While a full tummy tuck involves an incision around the navel and across the lower abdomen, a partial abdominoplasty leaves the navel intact and requires a smaller incision, just above the pubic bone. The tummy tuck surgeon removes the excess skin and fat and tightens the abdominal muscles.

Who is the Ideal Mini Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Mini tummy tuck surgery is not effective for larger patients. It is ideal for patients who have excessive fat causing unwanted fullness or a "pooch" below the navel. The mini tummy tuck is not for patients with significant stretch marks, saggy skin or hooded navels.

The mini tummy tuck surgery is an elective procedure. Any patient who considers elective surgery should be in good health. Patients in poor health are at higher risk for complications.

How is Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

The skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. The abdominal walls are tightened and excess skin and fat are removed. Unlike the complete tummy tuck, a smaller incision is made across the abdomen, and excess skin and fat are removed. The muscles of the abdominal wall might be tightened. Rarely, the navel might be detached and then reattached to move the skin, but the navel is not repositioned, as it is in a complete abdominoplasty.

This skin flap is stretched down, the excess skin is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place. Liposuction is often performed to remove excess fat. Mini tummy tuck surgery may be performed under general anesthesia, but is usually completed with a local anesthetic and mild sedation.

The length of the incision involved in a mini tummy tuck depends on the amount of skin to be removed, but it is generally smaller than the incision required by a complete tummy tuck. The mini tuck takes about one to two hours, and the hospital or office stay is usually a few hours.

Average Mini Tummy Tuck Expense

Mini tummy tuck expenses include surgeon and facility fees, lab work and prescriptions for medications after the surgery. The average expense of a mini tummy tuck is $6,500. Fees vary based on the surgeon's location and his or her experience, facility type, difficulty of the surgery and other factors.

Financing or payment plans might be available. Ask your tummy tuck doctor if he or she offers payment options.

Find Out More About Tummy Tuck Surgery

For more information on tummy tuck surgery, see the tummy tuck menu items to the left. To find a tummy tuck doctor near you, use our tummy tuck surgeon locator.