- Removes small amounts of loose skin and lower abdominal fat
- Tightens weakened lower abdominal muscles
- Shorter incision and quicker recovery than a full tummy tuck
- Can be combined with liposuction for enhanced contouring
- Helps clothing fit more comfortably and smoothly
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Mini Tummy Tuck
Refine Your Lower Abdomen in Concord, CA
For many women, a full tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) to re-shape their entire abdomen may not be necessary.
If your main concern is a bulge below the navel with a minimal amount of loose skin, your best option may be what we call a “partial abdominoplasty” or a mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck offers less scarring and a reduced recovery time.
East Bay Body contouring specialist Dr. Eric Mariotti tries to perform the least invasive procedure possible while still achieving optimal results. A mini tummy tuck, in the right candidate, can mean a beautiful outcome with a simpler approach and easier recovery.
Benefits
Surgical Notes
Anesthesia: General
Procedure Length: 1 hour
Time Off Work: 1-2 weeks
Final Results: 6 weeks
Related Procedures: Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Mommy Makeover
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck focuses on tightening and flattening the lower abdomen below the belly button. This surgery removes a small amount of excess skin and fat while also repairing mild muscle laxity in the lower abdominal wall. Unlike a full tummy tuck, the belly button is not repositioned. The incision is shorter and placed discreetly below the underwear line. It’s often chosen by patients who are near their goal weight but still have a persistent bulge or loose skin in only the lower stomach area.
Book Your ConsultationWhat Are the Benefits of Getting a Mini Tummy Tuck?
We recommend framing the benefits of a mini tummy tuck in comparison to a traditional tummy tuck. In other words, why would you go mini when you could go for a full procedure? The reasons include:
- A shorter procedure
- A quicker recovery period
- No need to alter the belly button
- The ability to target a specific area of concern
However, if you are unhappy with your abdomen’s appearance as a whole, a traditional tummy tuck would be better.
What Procedures Can a Mini Tummy Tuck Be Combined With?
Combining a mini tummy tuck with other procedures can be a practical way to address multiple concerns in a single surgical setting. Many patients choose to pair this surgery with liposuction for more sculpted contours or with breast procedures such as augmentation, lift, or reduction. In some cases, it’s included as part of a mommy makeover to help restore the body after pregnancy.
Having multiple procedures performed together means you only go through one recovery period, which can be more convenient and reduce overall downtime. During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether combining treatments makes sense for your goals and health profile.
“After considering surgery for nearly 20 years and consulting with several doctors, I am so incredibly thankful and grateful to have selected Dr. Mariotti. I could not be more pleased with my results! Dr. Mariotti helped me achieve EXACTLY what I was looking for! I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! So worth it!!!”
- Tanee
What to Expect From Your Mini Tummy Tuck With Dr. Mariotti
Book NowPreparation
Preparing for your mini tummy tuck starts with a consultation where we’ll review your health history, examine your abdominal area, and talk about what you want from your results. If you’re a good candidate, we’ll give you specific preoperative instructions, which may include stopping certain medications, arranging for time off work, and setting up help at home for the first few days of recovery.
It’s important to avoid smoking in the weeks before surgery. Stay well-hydrated and maintain a stable weight leading up to surgery to support a smoother recovery. We’ll make sure you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare so that you feel confident moving forward.
Procedure
A mini tummy tuck usually takes about one hour to complete. East Bay plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Mariotti makes a small incision just above the pubic mound. Any scar will be well hidden below your bikini or underwear line.
The excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is stitched back together again, forming a tighter, firmer tummy. The navel remains in its original place. If you also have concerns about excess fat near your belly or another area of your body, Dr. Mariotti may combine your mini tummy tuck with liposuction. The combined effect of both procedures produces noticeably slimmer and smoother stomachs.
Recovery
Because the mini tummy tuck is less involved than a standard abdominoplasty, an overnight stay at the surgery center is usually not necessary. Typically, most mini tummy tuck patients can comfortably return to work just 1 to 2 weeks following a mini tummy tuck.
Although the reduced recuperation period is one of the elements of mini tummy tuck that is most appealing, it’s still important to give your body the rest it needs while it heals. During your consultation, Dr. Mariotti gives you a more specific idea of when you can return to your favorite activities based on the details of your surgery and your circumstances.
Results
With loose skin and sagginess eliminated, you will see a smoother, flatter abdomen. Many patients say they look and feel younger and feel comfortable wearing a wide range of clothing. The results of your mini tummy tuck can last for years provided you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Recovering After Your Mini Tummy Tuck
In the days following your mini tummy tuck, you’ll want to focus on gentle movement and keeping your torso slightly bent at the waist to reduce tension on the incision. Keeping your body in a supported, flexed position, even while sleeping, can help ease tightness and promote better healing. Wear your compression garment as directed to manage swelling and support the healing tissues.
While discomfort is usually manageable, it’s best to avoid lifting anything heavy or engaging your abdominal muscles until we let you know it’s safe. Staying ahead of discomfort with your prescribed medication, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated can all support your recovery and help you return to normal activities sooner.
Long-Term Maintenance and Lifestyle Tips After Your Mini Tummy Tuck
Once you’ve healed, maintaining your results comes down to consistent lifestyle habits that support a stable weight and overall skin health. Here are a few long-term tips to help you preserve the improvements from your mini tummy tuck:
- Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both can negatively impact skin elasticity and overall health and make it more difficult to maintain a smooth abdominal contour.
- Support Your Skin With Quality Skincare: Using body moisturizers and products with ingredients like retinol or peptides may help improve skin texture and resilience and keep your lower abdomen smooth and toned.
- Monitor Weight Changes: Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight can affect your results. Try to maintain a steady weight to keep your abdomen looking firm and proportionate.
Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Right for Me?
The main difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck is that a full tummy tuck treats the entire abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck is more narrowly focused on the lower abdomen only — an area that’s often prone to fat deposits and the development of loose skin.
While many more women are candidates for a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck can be a great choice for some women. A mini tummy tuck is a less complex procedure and will cost about 30 to 40 percent less than a full tuck. Also, because it is less invasive, a mini tuck requires a much shorter recovery time, so you won’t be kept away from your regular activities for nearly as long as you would with a full tummy tuck.
Dr. Mariotti typically looks for certain characteristics when evaluating a candidate for a mini tummy tuck in the East Bay:
- You have a relatively flat abdomen with a small amount of loose skin below your navel.
- You are bothered by the presence of a C-section scar or stretch marks below your navel.
- Excess fat and sagging skin have collected primarily on your lower abdomen.
FAQS
What Are the Scars Like After a Mini Tummy Tuck?
The scar from a mini tummy tuck is typically a thin, horizontal line that sits low on the abdomen, just above the pubic area. Because the incision is shorter than the one used in a full tummy tuck, the resulting scar is also smaller and easier to conceal. Most patients find that it fades gradually over time and is easily hidden by underwear or swimsuits. We’ll provide guidance on scar care to help support the healing process and minimize long-term visibility.
What Are the Risks of a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Mini tummy tucks are considered to be a safe procedure. With that said, all surgeries come with risks. Complications are rare, but the chances of them developing increase based on your weight, health, and habits.
The most common complications from any surgery are excessive bleeding, infection, and blood clots. We will carefully monitor you after your surgery and offer you instructions and medications that help to reduce the risk of these complications occurring.
How Long Is the Recovery Period?
As with any abdominal surgery, you will need to take 10 to 14 days off from work to relax at home and recover. You will want someone around to help you during the first few days.
You will want to start walking soon after you get home, but anything strenuous will be off-limits, and you will be unable to lift anything over a certain weight. Most people are fully recovered from their mini tummy tuck within six weeks, save for some lingering swelling.
Can I Have More Children After a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck will not result in physical changes that make pregnancy impossible or dangerous. However, you need to understand that pregnancy will likely stretch the skin in the lower abdomen, undoing the results of your surgery. We would advise that you consider waiting until your family is complete unless you are comfortable getting a revision surgery later on.
How Much Weight Will I Lose by Getting a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Weight loss is not the goal of a tummy tuck. While liposuction is used to remove fat cells in the lower abdomen, this is done for contouring purposes, not to result in significant weight loss.
Do I Need to Go Under General Anesthesia for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Yes, general anesthesia is typically used during the mini tummy tuck surgery. If this concerns you, we can discuss the topic during your consultation.
Can a Mini Tummy Tuck Remove Stretch Marks?
A mini tummy tuck may reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but only those located on the skin that is removed from the lower abdomen. Since this procedure targets the area below the belly button, any stretch marks in that region could be removed or reduced. Stretch marks located above the belly button or on the hips will not be affected. During your consultation, we’ll examine your skin and let you know what kind of improvement is possible.
How Long Do Mini Tummy Tuck Results Last?
The results of a mini tummy tuck can last for many years, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy habits. While your body will continue to age naturally, the tightened skin and improved contour from surgery typically remain in place. Future pregnancies or significant weight fluctuations could affect your results.
How Much Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Cost?
The cost of a mini tummy tuck varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. We’ll provide a detailed estimate during your consultation after examining your anatomy and reviewing your surgical plan. Pricing typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, and facility costs.
“Dr Mariotti is an amazing surgeon. I just turned 76 years old and had both a breast lift and tummy tuck. My breasts and stomach look great, I’m so pleased with the results. I would highly recommend Dr. Mariotti and his staff, if you’re considering having any kind of procedure done to enhance your face or body. It doesn’t matter how old you are, it matters what you feel like inside and feeling better about how you look and feel on the outside.
- Judy S.
Flatten Your Lower Abdomen With a Mini Tummy Tuck at MBody
A mini tummy tuck with Dr. Eric Mariotti can help you achieve a smoother, firmer lower abdomen with a shorter recovery and a smaller incision. We’re here to guide you through the process. Take the first step toward your dream look and contact us online or call our Concord office at 925-685-4533 to request a consultation.
