Refine your lower abdomen with a mini tummy tuck at SpaSurgica. Specifically recommended to treat excess skin, stubborn fat, and mild muscle laxity below the navel, this targeted procedure helps you achieve a flatter, smoother contour. Under the care of Dr. Elmaraghy, you receive personalized surgical planning and expert guidance.
Flatten and Refine the Lower Abdomen
A mini tummy tuck, also known as a mini-abdominoplasty, is a less invasive surgical procedure that improves the appearance of your lower abdomen. It focuses on removing excess skin and stubborn fat below the belly button and may include limited tightening of the lower abdominal muscles. Unlike a full tummy tuck, it does not address the upper abdomen or reposition the navel. At SpaSurgica, this procedure is often combined with liposuction to enhance contouring and deliver smoother, more refined results.
Indications for a Mini Tummy Tuck:
- Excess skin below the navel
- Stubborn lower abdominal fat
- Mild lower abdominal muscle laxity
- Post-C-section deformity
- Loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy
- Poor lower abdominal contour that resists diet and exercise
Mini Tummy vs. A Full Tummy Tuck
Area Impacted
A mini tummy tuck targets excess skin and fat limited to the lower abdomen, below the belly button. A full tummy tuck or abdominoplasty treats a larger area, addressing both the upper and lower abdomen. This broader approach allows for more extensive skin removal and reshaping when skin and or muscle laxity extends above the lower abdominal region.
Muscle Repair
Muscle tightening in a mini tummy tuck is usually limited to the lower portion of the abdominal wall when needed. A full tummy tuck allows for more comprehensive muscle tightening and repair to correct significant separation or diastasis. A full tummy tuck may also allow for simultaneous umbilical hernia repair.
Scar
A mini tummy tuck typically results in a shorter, low scar that sits discreetly along the bikini line. A full tummy tuck requires a longer incision to accommodate greater skin removal, resulting in a longer scar, usually from hip to hip, that is also positioned low on the abdomen.
Surgery Details
Your mini tummy tuck is performed by Dr. Elmaraghy under anesthesia after precise preoperative markings are made to define the area of required correction. A short, low transverse incision is created along the bikini line, staying below the navel. Excess lower abdominal skin and localized subcutaneous fat are excised in combination with liposuction of the lower abdomen and/or flanks, while preserving the upper abdominal tissues and umbilical position. Typically, there is no scarring around the umbilicus associated with this procedure.
If indicated, Dr. Elmaraghy performs limited plication of the lower rectus abdominis muscles to address mild muscle laxity and flatten the lower abdomen. Once shaping is complete, the tissues are re-draped, and the incision is meticulously sutured to minimize scarring.
Recovery & Results
After your mini tummy tuck, you can expect mild to moderate discomfort during the first few days, which gradually improves over 1 to 2 weeks. Most patients return to light activities immediately and resume normal daily routines within two weeks. Strenuous exercise is typically restricted for 3 to 6 weeks. As swelling subsides, you begin to see a flatter, smoother lower abdomen, with the final results refining over 6 months to 1 year.
Mini Tummy Tuck FAQs
Am I a Good Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?
You may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck if your concerns are limited to loose skin or muscle bulge below the belly button, and you have good skin quality in the upper abdomen. This procedure is best suited for patients close to a stable, healthy weight.
Is Liposuction Included With a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Limited liposuction is often combined to improve contouring of the abdomen and hips. Dr. Elmaraghy will determine if adding liposuction helps you achieve smoother, more balanced results.
Meet Dr. Elmaraghy
Dr. Elmaraghy is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience performing body contouring procedures, including mini tummy tuck surgery. He completed his plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at the University of Western Ontario and advanced fellowship training in aesthetic surgery at Georgetown University.
At SpaSurgica, Dr. Elmaraghy takes a conservative approach to mini tummy tuck surgery. He carefully evaluates whether your concerns are limited to the lower abdomen and designs a customized surgical plan to minimize incisions. When appropriate, he also combines muscle tightening and liposuction to achieve smooth, natural-looking results.
Schedule Your Consultation
SpaSurgica is a trusted plastic surgery practice in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, offering personalized mini tummy tuck procedures for patients seeking lower abdominal refinement. During your consultation, Dr. Elmaraghy carefully evaluates your anatomy, discusses your goals, and determines whether a mini tummy tuck is right for you. Take the next step toward a flatter, smoother lower abdomen: schedule your consultation for a mini tummy tuck today.
