Mini 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. The mini tummy tuck surgery 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 surgery is a procedure used to correct fullness caused by excess skin that is limited to the lower abdomen. Bulging between the navel and the pubic bone is due to the accumulation of excess fatty tissue and laxity of the lower stomach muscles. The lower stomach muscles become lax due to damage of the supportive tissue in the lower abdomen. For women, this damage is often caused by past pregnancies.

The mini tummy tuck avoids a scar around the navel that is usually expected with the other tummy tuck procedures. While a full tummy tuck involves an incision around the navel and across the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck 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. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with the mini tummy tuck surgery to remove excess abdominal fat, further shaping the body. (See Tumescent Tummy Tuck.)

Tummy Tuck Incisions

Who is the ideal mini tummy tuck candidate?

Mini tummy tuck is for patients who have a little excess skin and lower abdominal fat. The mini tummy tuck surgery is not effective for larger patients. The mini-tuck is ideal for patients who have excessive fat causing unwanted fullness or a bulge 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 an elective surgery should be in good overall health. Patients in poor health might have compromised outcomes and are at higher risk for complications. Schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons to determine if you are a good candidate.

How is mini tummy tuck surgery performed?

During the mini tummy tuck surgery procedure, 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 may be tightened. Rarely, the navel may be detached and then re-attached in order to better move the skin, but unlike the complete tuck, the navel is not repositioned.

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 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 costs

Mini tummy tuck costs include surgeon and facility fees, lab work, and postsurgical prescription costs. The average cost of a mini tummy tuck is $6,500. Fees vary based on geographic location, experience level of the tummy tuck surgeon, facility type, difficulty of the surgery, and other factors.

Financing or payment plans may 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.