What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Intended for patients who have extra skin limited to their lower abdomen, commonly due to pregnancy or weight loss, a mini tummy tuck procedure produces a slimmer contour and a tighter look for the lower abdominal area. As with standard abdominal contouring, excess skin and fat are removed while the abdominal muscles are tightened. Limited to the lower abdominal area, the surgery has a quicker recovery time than a full tummy tuck.
Full Tummy Tuck vs. Mini Tummy Tuck
A traditional tummy tuck is generally meant for patients who want to remove excess skin and fat in their upper and lower abdomen, something that doesn’t respond to a low-calorie diet or any amount of exercise. The procedure creates a more youthful and attractive appearance.
A mini tummy tuck serves a similar purpose but it is isolated to the lower abdominal region below the belly button. Before and after comparisons usually reveal a dramatic overall improvement in a patient’s appearance.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
One important difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck is that the former involves just the lower abdomen, from the belly button to the pubic bone. For that reason, the recovery period is usually shorter.
As always, however, patients must follow all post-operation instructions. Just like a full tummy tuck, the results of the mini version should last indefinitely as long as the patient follows post-operative instructions and does not gain too much weight later on.
Dr. Steven J. Varkony
Dr. Varkony is among the most widely respected board-certified plastic surgeons working in Southern California and the Greater Los Angeles area. For more information on mini tummy tuck surgery, visit our contact page or call the number above. We are based in Encino and our patients come from throughout the area including Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Tarzana, Reseda, and Woodland Hills as well as Beverly Hills, Westwood, and Brentwood.