What is a mini tummy tuck? 

After weight changes or child birth you may see loose, excess skin and fat around the lower abdomen area, and even a combination of exercise and diet may have no effect in tightening this up. Whilst a full tummy tuck does remove larger quantities of skin and fat and also tightens the deep layer of stomach muscles, the mini tummy tuck works on the lower stomach area only, removing the excess skin and fat that may interfere with clothing or be unsightly and uncomfortable. 

Who is a suitable candidate for a mini tummy tuck? 
If your skin laxity, sagginess and muscle weakness are limited to the area below the belly button you may be suitable for this procedure. 
When combined with liposuction, which removes excess fat, a mini tummy tuck restores good contour, and results in trimmer, thinner waistline and a more aesthetic appearance. 

It can be performed as a single procedure, but can also be combined with breast shaping, eyelid & facial surgery. 

How long does a mini tummy tuck last? 

Results of a mini tummy tuck can be seen immediately and are long lasting, providing it is supported by a healthy diet & lifestyle and you do not experience massive weight changes in the future. 

How is the mini tummy tuck performed? 

This procedure is similar to that of a standard tummy tuck; however the incision is smaller, only extending to include excision of the excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal area. Many would ideally like a scar of only 4-5cm but this is not possible, because it must be long enough to include the excess skin (usually 14-20cm). To give a visual idea, for those women who have had a bikini line caesarean, the incision is usually just a little longer than that. Liposuction is often used to accompany this procedure, and drains may be put in place to drain off excess fluid. The belly button is not repositioned. 

Duration of operation 1 – 1.5 hrs (general anesthesia) 

Hospital stay – We recommend one night in hospital 

What should I expect immediately after a mini tummy tuck? 

Your tummy may feel tight, sore and uncomfortable. This is normal and will pass within a few days. You can expect bruising and swelling, and following the procedure you will need to wear a medical garment for up to 3 to 6 weeks. Recovery from a mini tummy tuck is a lot quicker than that of the standard abdominoplasty. 

How long will it be before I can get back to my normal life? 

Recovery as always after any cosmetic surgery procedure should not be rushed and anyone undergoing this procedure should listen to their body and have plenty of rest. Light exercise may commence after a few weeks and a full routine of exercise can be resumed after 1-2 months. Although the results are visible immediately, final results of the procedure can be seen after 6 months. A 4 to 7-night stay is recommended in Turkey following the procedure and most people can return to work after a week. 

Can a mini tummy tuck be performed without scar? 

A tummy tuck, mini or otherwise leaves a scar as the results of a cosmetic surgery procedure. However, the scar from the mini tummy tuck is a lot shorter than that of a full tummy tuck. Made as low as possible above the pubis, it can usually be hidden by underwear until fully recovered at 12 months post surgery.