Are You a Good Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?

In a recent interview with medical journal Cosmetic Town, NYC plastic surgeon B. Aviva Preminger explains the mini tummy tuck, also known as a partial abdominoplasty. This popular body contouring procedure is often sought by women who cannot rid themselves of stubborn fatty tissue and excess skin in the midsection that often results from major weight loss or pregnancy. Unlike a full abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck does not entail a huge incision or hip-to-hip scar above the bikini line, yet the surgery still offers dramatic slimming results.

A healthy diet and regular exercise can help minimize the appearance of loose, sagging skin to a certain degree, but many patients turn to plastic surgery to achieve a flat, youthful tummy, especially those who have had multiple children. This is because the abdominal muscles are stretched out during pregnancy to accommodate the growing baby. After childbirth, core exercises can help strengthen and tighten those muscles, but they may never fully recover to their original pre-pregnancy shape. According to Dr. Preminger, a mini tummy tuck may be an excellent option for women who have a “moderate” amount of extra tissue that needs to be removed, and because the incision is much smaller, the procedure is much less invasive.

Patients who have a little bit of loose skin and stomach muscles caused by childbirth are typically one of the best candidates for a mini tummy tuck. Those who have a lot of extra fatty tissue and extra skin in the stomach area may see better results from a traditional abdominoplasty.

How big is a mini tummy tuck scar?

Just like a full abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck tightens the stomach muscles and removes loose or sagging lower abdominal skin. The incision is just a tiny bit longer than a C-section scar (roughly 10-15 centimeters long), which is carefully placed in the pubic region so it can be hidden under a swimsuit or undergarments. Because significantly less skin and tissue is removed in this modified version, the surgeon does not have to re-attach or move the belly button, which is standard procedure in a full tummy tuck. For this reason, the mini tummy tuck has been labeled a “scarless” procedure, which is not entirely true. There will be a small horizontal scar, but it will not be visible. Additionally, there are special creams that can be applied to lighten and reduce the appearance of a tummy tuck scar considerably.

Shorter recovery time

Because the mini tummy tuck entails a smaller incision and local instead of general anesthesia, patients can expect a much shorter recovery time. Most patients can expect about 2 weeks of downtime, during which time strenuous activities should be avoided. Some may feel back to themselves and ready to resume work within a week, but it’s important to avoid rigorous or straining activities for at least one-month post op. Minor discomfort is perfectly normal during the first week, but over-the-counter pain medications will help ease any pain.

Related “Mommy Makeover” procedures

A mini tummy tuck may be followed by other body sculpting surgeries including liposuction or breast augmentation/ breast lift. As a trio, these three procedures are what’s commonly known as a Mommy Makeover– which is aimed at restoring or enhancing a woman’s feminine youthful curves after pregnancy and childbirth.

If you are considering a post-pregnancy tune up, or simply want a firmer, thinner stomach, Dr. Preminger can help determine if you’re a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. A leading board-certified surgeon in New York City, Dr. Preminger strives to help patients achieve beautiful, natural-looking results. To arrange a one-on-one consult, please call 212-706-1900.