Whether or not you are a candidate for a mini tummy tuck depends on several factors. Although full abdominoplasty surgery is still a common procedure among patients looking to flatten and sculpt their bellies, a mini tummy tuck might be all you need.

A mini tummy tuck, also known as a partial abdominoplasty, has many benefits for the right candidate. One such benefit is that it does not cost as much as a full abdominoplasty. A partial abdominoplasty also removes a lot less skin and leaves the patient's belly button in its original position.

Many patients who undergo the mini tummy tuck procedure are people who have a history of fluctuations in their weight and women who have had multiple pregnancies. Both of these factors can cause the skin in the abdominal region to stretch and lose its normal elasticity.

The Best Candidates for a Mini Tummy Tuck

To be a candidate for partial abdominoplasty, you must only have small to moderate-sized folds of fat and skin in your abdominal region. People with large folds that hang down to their pubic bones or below their hips often require a full abdominoplasty to achieve a flatter, firmer abdomen. You must also be in good overall health and either be a nonsmoker or at least able to quit smoking prior to the procedure and long enough for your body to heal.

How a Mini Tummy Tuck is Carried Out

A mini tummy tuck is less traumatic than a full abdominoplasty. First, the surgeon will usually treat the abdomen and flanks with liposuction. This helps to provide a more slender appearance of the waist. Next, an incision about 8 inches long is made in the lower, central part of the abdomen. A small layer of skin and fat are then removed. If necessary, the underlying abdominal muscles will be tightened. When done, the skin edges are sutured together, providing a very firm and flat appearance to the stomach.

What You Can Expect After Your Mini Tummy Tuck

After the procedure, patients are provided with a compression device for the abdomen. Patients will usually be required to wear this garment for a total of six weeks. This compression garment is very important as it helps the skin to shrink and reduces swelling and retention of fluid. After the recovery period, patients can usually expect to see a firmer, flatter tummy. Although there will be a discreet scar in the lower portion of the abdomen, the scar usually fades over time and is hardly noticeable. This scar is also a lot smaller than the one made during a full abdominoplasty procedure. This makes it easier to hide under a bikini or underwear line.