Mini Tummy Tuck: Is It Right for You?

Although tummy tucks create flattering, transformative results, they’re also known for having one of the longer recovery periods in plastic surgery. It’s not uncommon to need 2 to 3 weeks off work after the surgery. Because of this, many women and men are intrigued by the less intensive mini tummy tuck option at my Houston practice. It offers the appeal of a shorter scar and quicker recovery, and for the right candidates, it can strike a perfect balance between correction and convenience.

Wondering whether this tummy tuck variation is right for you? Here’s what you need to know.

What is a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is a modified version of a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) that removes sagging, excess skin from the lower abdomen. Removing this skin and surplus fat reduces bulging on the lower stomach and creates a flat, toned midsection.

Adjusting the skin in this area can sometimes provide other benefits, including hernia relief (learn more in our previous blog post) or tattoo, scar, or stretch mark removal. At your consultation, we can talk in-depth about whether these options will make sense with your individual procedure.

How is it different from a traditional tummy tuck?

For starters, a mini tummy tuck involves a much smaller incision. A traditional tummy tuck incision extends from pelvic bone to pelvic bone, just below the bikini line, while a mini tummy tuck incision is positioned on the center of the lower abdomen and can be a couple of inches shorter (about the length and placement of a C-section scar). A full tummy tuck also typically requires an incision around the bellybutton, but this isn’t necessary with a mini tummy tuck.

However, fewer and smaller incisions also mean fewer and smaller corrections. A mini tummy tuck only addresses areas below the bellybutton and typically doesn’t include the muscle tightening you’d get with a full tummy tuck.

So there’s a trade-off: a smaller scar and shorter recovery with less correction, or a larger scar and more prolonged recovery with more comprehensive results. We’ll work together to determine which side of this trade-off is worth it for you.

Who is an ideal patient for a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck works well for patients who prefer a less invasive procedure and are only looking to address a protruding lower belly. Candidates should be at a healthy, stable weight and have realistic expectations for their results.

As is the case with a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck isn’t a weight-loss procedure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will allow you to enjoy your results for as long as possible.

Get Started

To see examples of the results you can expect from different tummy tuck procedures, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery. Want to learn more about the mini tummy tuck and whether it may be right for you? Please contact us online or call my Houston practice at (713) 571-0600.

This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated for 2023.