Patients often ask about getting a shorter incision when they come in for tummy tuck consultations at our Austin, Texas, practice. They’ve often read about mini tummy tucks and they’re curious about the possibility of getting the stomach-flattening results of a full tummy tuck without the associated scarring or recovery time. But choosing your best surgery option is a careful, nuanced decision.
While many women and men are interested in a mini tummy tuck, few patients are ideal candidates for the procedure. Here are some questions to keep in mind when deciding whether a mini tummy tuck is right for you.
When is a mini tummy tuck appropriate?
During your personal consultation, your surgeon will look for specific body traits. A mini tummy tuck might be a good option if you:
- Are healthy and at a stable weight (low BMI)
- Don’t have a large amount of excess skin
- Have intact abdominal muscles
- Only wish to address the area below your belly button
A mini tummy tuck only addresses the lower abdomen and doesn’t involve repairing muscles that can separate during pregnancy (a condition called diastasis recti). If you have significant sagging skin or stretched abdominal muscles (the common cause of a “belly pooch”), a full tummy tuck would achieve better results.
What can a mini tummy tuck accomplish compared to a full tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck removes sagging tissue from the lower abdomen (anything below your belly button). By removing this excess skin, you can create a flatter, slimmer silhouette.
Many people are attracted to mini tummy tucks due to less scarring and a shorter recovery period. You can return to work after 1 to 2 weeks. Because there’s no repairing of any abdominal muscles, you feel less discomfort during the healing process.
What’s the difference between the incisions for each procedure?
For a mini tummy tuck, your surgeon makes a short, 6-inch incision across your lower abdomen. It is placed as low as possible so the scar can be easily concealed.
For a full tummy tuck, your incision extends from hip to hip. This is necessary to tighten skin both above and below the belly button. It is also placed just above the pubic area and is easily concealed by bikini bottoms.
Is the belly button affected by a mini tummy tuck?
Unlike in a full tummy tuck, there is no skin tightening for the upper abdomen, so your belly button remains in place.
What’s the difference in cost?
A mini tummy tuck will generally cost less than a full tummy tuck, even though each situation is unique to the patient involved. Average prices range from $9,500 to $12,500. The final cost depends on many factors, such as:
- The extent of your surgery
- Whether you combine it with other procedures
- Fees related to anesthesia, other surgical facility needs
You’ll receive a specific price quote after a one-on-one consultation with one of our surgeons. This will outline the costs of your tummy tuck based on the particulars of your procedure.
Overall, it’s important to discuss your options with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons who is experienced with all types of tummy tucks. By working together, you can decide which surgery option best fits your goals, body type, and lifestyle.
You can browse our before-and-after gallery to see tummy tuck results enjoyed by actual patients. If you want to know if a mini tummy tuck is right for you, request a consultation using the online form or call us at (512) 244-1439.
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