Although it is less complex the mini tummy tuck acts on three anatomical levels just like the full tummy tuck:
on the skin by removing its excessive part.
on the fat by refining the thickness of the abdominal wall by liposuction
on the muscles by tightening the abdominal muscles
A mini tummy tuck is more beneficial than a full tummy tuck if there is a small excess of skin above the pubic area or under the navel. Generally, liposculpture is performed in the abdomen and the excess sub-umbilical skin is simply removed. The incision is suprapubic and does not overflow on the sides and the scar can easily be hidden like a C-section scar.
A mini tummy tuck may be performed standalone or in combination with other procedures, such as liposuction or breast augmentation.
Anyone who has a limited level of stubborn fat and excess skin in the area under the belly button has realistic expectations from the procedure.
1-2 hours
Anesthesia risks
Hematoma and seroma
Infection
Skin necrosis
Poor wound healing
Skin loss
Changes in skin sensation
2 weeks
ThermaLipo
The mini tummy tuck is a type of tummy tuck that only treats mild sagging of the abdomen, found only below the navel. The amount of skin removed is more moderate, as it only affects a part of the skin below the navel.
A mini tummy tuck will not be able to treat an excess of skin located above the navel. In this case, a conventional abdominoplasty will be necessary.
The first step of your mini tummy tuck process is the online consultation where our specialist will ask you some questions to define your problems and try to learn your complaints. The objective of this stage is to make sure whether you are a suitable candidate for a mini tummy tuck or you need additional treatment.
Your health history, allergies, medications you use and your previous surgeries are the most important data to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you at this stage. The photos or test results are also very useful to understand your current status and also eligibility.
After it is decided that you are a good candidate for the mini tummy tuck procedure, we start to arrange the best treatment plan for you. We will share a list of clinics and surgeons created according to your criteria. After you select one of them, we start to arrange the schedule.
When you arrive at the clinic, you will have a face-to-face consultation with your mini tummy tuck surgeon. He or she will ask you some questions to understand your expectations and concerns and also make you understand what you should expect from your treatment.
Your surgeon and your clinic together will explain and instruct everything you need to know about your treatment process to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Before the surgical process begins, your surgeon will conduct some necessary preliminary examinations to make sure that you are in acceptable health status for the surgery. Every patient is required to undergo medical tests to ensure that nothing can hinder the success of the procedure and if any risk is detected, surgeons start to eliminate them first.
The mini tummy tuck surgery is performed under mild general anesthesia and it generally lasts 1 to 2 hours.
After the anesthesia is applied, the surgeon makes an incision above the pubis and the skin is raised above the navel on each side. The navel remains intact, no incision is made there. If the muscles under the skin are loose or separated, they will be tightened or brought together by stitches.
The excess skin is then pulled down, and the amount to be removed is determined. The incision is closed with absorbable and minimal sutures. Then a light dressing is applied.
A compression garment should be worn throughout the healing period, approximately one month.
You should avoid activities that can raise blood pressure such as cleaning, vacuuming, bending your head forward, lifting heavy objects, etc. Physical activities can usually be resumed a month after surgery.
You may resume any sportive activity after six to eight weeks.
The final result which is generally satisfying is obtained three months after the procedure when the edema has disappeared.
The installation of a drain is rarely necessary because the internal sutures between fat and muscle accelerate the healing process. If a drain is installed, it is generally removed the day after the mini tummy tuck surgery.
FAQ
Which One Should I Choose: A Mini Tummy Tuck and Full Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is a better choice for people at normal body weight, with just small lower belly fat. However, if you have excess fat and excess saggy skin above your belly button, you'll need a full tummy tuck.
Who Can Benefit from A Mini Tummy Tuck?
Anyone who suffers from a sagging lower abdomen:
Women after childbirth: It is common in some women that the skin of the lower abdomen can no longer contract to return to its pre-pregnancy state and remains distended despite diets or physical exercises.
People who lose weight: It often happens that the skin is sagging due to weight loss. If it is mainly under the navel, mini-abdominoplasty can be useful.
Elderly people: The mini tummy tuck helps correct sagging skin and muscles due to aging.
What Are the Preoperative Instructions of Mini Tummy Tuck?
Preoperative instructions common to cosmetic surgery:
Stop smoking 1 month before and after the procedure.
Avoid intaking drugs that promote bleeding 10 days before and after the procedure: aspirin, anti-inflammatories and anticoagulants, vitamin E.
Being stable at the ideal weight for at least 6 months.
Purchasing of a compression garment.
Learn more about Mini Tummy Tuck in Turkey by comparing costs and reviewing the clinics and doctors.
Our team will dedicate their effort and time to help you choose the clinic best for you. Our goal is not just to find ‘a doctor’ for you, but to find ‘the right doctor’.