Mini tummy tucks are in fact one of the rarer types of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery). Therefore, it’s actually quite unlikely to be a good mini tummy tuck candidate in Houston.

Still, some patients are great candidates for this procedure, and they would certainly benefit from it more than from a full tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, or any other surgery.

Below, we’ll outline what makes a good candidate for mini tummy tuck surgery. But first, we must explain what this surgery entails and how it actually differs from other types of abdominoplasty.

What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin from the lower abdomen (below the navel) only. It can also correct for separated muscles on the lower abdomen and remove excess lower abdominal fat with liposuction if needed. Some patients think of it as a partial abdominoplasty.

Mini tummy tucks sometimes require a smaller incision on the lower abdomen, but not always. What is not required is a belly button incision.

The top of the abdomen (above the navel) is not changed in any way. Loose skin is not removed, and the abdominal muscles are not corrected. Furthermore, the belly button remains in the same position and is not altered with a mini tummy tuck.

Who Needs a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tucks in general are for patients who have loose skin on their abdomens. Loose skin in this area is commonly caused by pregnancy or rapid weight loss. Even slow weight loss can cause wrinkly loose skin on the tummy, especially when the number of pounds lost is significant.

Women who’ve been pregnant and who end up with loose skin on their stomachs are also common due to the size the belly must grow to to accommodate a baby. After birth, the skin does not always retract to the mother’s normal body size and remains loose, sagging, and wrinkly.

Another reason for tummy tuck surgery is having loose or separated abdominal muscles. Again, this is a common issue related to pregnancy, weight loss, and leading an overall sedentary lifestyle. Once the abdominal muscles become separated, it can be difficult to fix them without surgery. Tummy tuck surgery can also tighten the abdominal muscles for a smoother, slimmer stomach.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?

You may be a good candidate for this surgical procedure if you:

Only need a small amount of redundant skin removed (you don’t need to remove so much excess skin that your belly button position should be altered).
Only have loose skin on your lower abdomen.
Only have separated abdominal muscles on your lower belly (not in the upper abdominal area).
Have excess fat on your lower abdomen.
Are physically healthy.
Don’t have any major ongoing medical conditions.
Do not smoke.
Have realistic expectations.

Don’t Get a Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure if It’s Not Right for You

Only the right candidate for mini abdominoplasty should undergo this procedure. That’s because getting a mini tummy tuck when you’re not the right person for this surgery can very often result in unsatisfactory results.

It’s understandable that the lack of a belly button incision and not needing to adjust the upper abdominal muscles is appealing. However, if you actually require muscle repair in the upper abdomen and have excess skin there, a mini tummy tuck may only make matters worse.

It’s very possible that you’d be unhappy with the outcome and eventually want to get a full tummy tuck anyway. This could indeed cause you more money, more strife, and more recovery time.

FAQ: Candidates for a Mini Tummy Tuck

Who is a candidate for a mini tummy tuck vs a full tummy tuck?

Those who are good candidates for mini tummy tuck procedures only have loose skin and separated muscles on their lower abdomen. This means that no belly button incision is required for a mini tummy tuck cosmetic procedure, and the upper abdominal wall muscles are not adjusted in any way.

In fact, most people who need a tummy tuck have loose skin all around their abdomens, so full tummy tucks are more common. The full tummy tuck procedure corrects separated muscles all along the abdomen and corrects loose skin above and below the navel.

Is it worth getting a mini tummy tuck?

Most excellent mini tummy tuck candidates benefit greatly from this surgery. Just make sure you are the right candidate and that you choose an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.

Does a mini tummy tuck include liposuction?

Yes, if you have excess fat around the lower abdomen (in addition to excess skin), then most tummy tuck surgeons will also employ liposuction to remove it.

What hurts worse C-section or tummy tuck?

Women who have undergone both procedures typically find that a C-section is more painful than a tummy tuck. Unlike natural deliveries, a C-section involves cutting through seven layers of tissue and muscle, leading to prolonged pain during recovery.

Does a mini tummy tuck leave a scar?

Whether you opt for a mini or full tummy tuck, scars are inevitable. When skin is removed, an incision is made, resulting in a mini tummy tuck scar. The final length, position, and quality of these scars depend on several factors.

Set Up Your Consultation with Dr. Steinberg

No matter what type of tummy tuck you may benefit from, the overall surgery can be totally transformative for so many patients.

Not only can it remove excess skin and fat, but it can also get rid of some or all stretch marks and provide much needed muscle tightening. It’s a marvelous procedure for patients who have stubborn fat and loose skin due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, genetics, or aging. If you are the right candidate for a mini tummy tuck, you only need one incision, which will be well-hidden beneath underwear and bathing suits.

Find out if you’re a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck — or any tummy tuck surgery in general — by contacting our office today. We would love to set up a one-on-one consultation appointment with you. Our esteemed board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg – Trouvaille Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery can answer all of your questions, assess you for surgery, and give you ideas about the next best steps.