The Mini Tummy Tuck Explained

What Is A Mini Tummy Tuck?

The mini tuck focusses on excess skin and fat underneath the belly button; this means the treatment is often recommended for women who experience post-pregnancy issues such as sagging skin or c-section scarring.

Given the nature of the procedure, the mini tummy tuck is only suitable for patients who experience specific problems situated around the lower belly area. Thus, patients who want to benefit from the mini tummy tuck must meet specific criteria.

How Is A Mini Tummy Tuck Executed?

The surgeon will use a general or a local anaesthetic before the treatment commences. An incision is then made across the lower abdomen, comparable to the incision used during a c-section. Once the incision is made, the surgeon starts to remove excess skin. In some cases, the surgeon will remove persistent fats from the area through liposuction as well.

Most people can leave the clinic shortly after having their mini tummy tuck. However, it is recommended to have someone drive you home, even if you only had a local anaesthetic. The treatment area can be a little uncomfortable after the procedure, so driving is not recommended.

Which Patients Would Benefit Most From The Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck can still provide a dramatic difference if the excess skin and fat is situated underneath the belly button. The procedure is also suitable for most women who had their last baby. However, it is recommended for patients to be at least six months postpartum before having their treatment.

Patients who have a mini tummy tuck often do not have separated abdominal muscles or loose skin above the belly button. Patients that do have these problems usually need a full abdominoplasty or full tummy tuck procedure, as these are problems that can be addressed with these tummy tuck surgery techniques. This is also the procedure where the belly button or umbilicus can be repositioned after it has been removed from the abdominal wall. 

To get the most from a surgical procedure such as the mini tummy tuck, it is recommended for patients to have a stable weight. Being on or around your target weight is recommended, as this will provide the best results post-treatment. It is important to remember that abdominoplasty surgery is no weight loss solution. Instead, it tackles some of the excess fat, loose abdominal skin and other problems that remain after significant weight loss. In other words, it is a body contouring treatment opposed to a weight loss treatment.

An abdominoplasty procedure does not remove stretch marks. While skin with stretch marks can be removed during your surgery, stretch marks on the remaining skill will be present after your procedure. However, you can enquire at the Dr Lanzer Clinic about non-surgical treatments to remove stretch marks. Information regarding these treatments are also available on the website. Stretch mark treatments are available at The Dr Lanzer Clinic throughout Australia.

What Is The Cost Of A Mini Tummy Tuck?

The cost of a mini tummy tuck can vary from patient to patient and is subject to various factors. The overall scope of the procedure – more specifically the amount of fat and skin that must be removed – can influence the overall price of the treatment. The experience of the surgeon and even the facility where you have your treatment can also influence the overall cost.

In some rare instances, some parts of the procedure can be covered by health insurance or medicare. If you acquire the procedure for reconstructive or medical reasons, please speak to your cosmetic surgeon for more information. 

To get the most accurate estimate for your procedure, it is advised to get a quote from the clinic where you intend on having the procedure. Make sure to check the quote and ask any questions you may have before you go ahead with the procedure.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Mini Tummy Tuck?

Recovery time from a mini tummy tuck varies from patient to patient. It is recommended that patients take sufficient time off work to recover and refrain from any strenuous activities during the first few weeks after the treatment. However, light walking is recommended to promote the natural healing process and prevent complications.

Patients can experience some of the typical side-effects associated with cosmetic surgery; this includes bruising and swelling. Any discomfort experienced during your recovery can usually be managed with medication provided by the clinic.

In addition to the side-effects, there is another thing to think about when it comes to your post-operative care. The procedure can be executed under local or general anaesthesia, and the latter requires some special consideration. Patients who had general anaesthesia should refrain from making important decisions or driving for at least 24 hours after their procedure. 

If you should have additional questions about anaesthesia and side-effects, be sure to speak to your cosmetic surgeon or your anaesthetist before the surgery.

We encourage patients to keep the treatment area as clean as possible during the recovery process and to follow our aftercare guidelines carefully. If you have any questions about your recovery, do not hesitate to contact our friendly team.

For more information about other procedures such as the other waistline contouring procedures, facelift, or breast augmentation, please refer to the website for more information or contact our friendly team through the online enquiry form.