Mini Tummy Tuck
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Manhattan, NY and Queens, NY
A mini tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a procedure designed to remove excess tissue below the belly button to create a flatter, smoother midsection with less extensive surgery and recovery time compared to a traditional tummy tuck.
Dr. Marc Everett is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his innovative and artistic approach. At The Everett Clinic, he has helped many patients improve their mobility and self-confidence with life-changing body sculpting treatments.
Contact our offices in Manhattan or Queens online or call (212) 774-7715 to learn more.
Contents
About Mini Tummy Tucks
Aging, pregnancy, and weight changes can lead to extra or loose skin and separated muscles that affect body proportions and self-esteem. Removing excess skin below the belly button with a mini tummy tuck is an effective way to address these concerns.
While a mini tummy tuck primarily focuses on the area below the navel, Dr. Everett can address areas above the belly button with liposuction and skin-tightening with Renuvion. Unlike a traditional tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck removes less skin with a shorter incision (inside the hips only) to minimize downtime.
Liposuction
Dr. Everett can perform liposuction and skin tightening with Renuvion during a mini tummy tuck to address excess fat and emphasize muscle definition in areas outside the lower tummy. Many patients combine tummy tucks with liposuction to achieve their body goals. Dr. Everett customizes each procedure based on their unique underlying anatomy.
Hernia Repair and Loose Abdominal Muscles
- Hernia repair: A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue penetrates the abdominal wall. Dr. Everett can repair hernias by repositioning tissues to reduce abdominal bulging and discomfort associated with abdominal hernias.
- Muscle tightening: Abdominal muscles can become separated during weight gain or pregnancy. Tightening loose abdominal muscles of the lower abdominal wall to flatten lower belly bulges improves core strength and overall well-being. (1)
Benefits
There are several benefits of a mini tummy tuck, which include:
- A smoother midsection: After Dr. Everett removes loose skin from the abdomen, you can enjoy a smoother, more youthful look.
- Improved muscle definition: Removing sagging skin can improve your muscle definition.
- Balanced proportions: A tummy tuck can balance your proportions for a slender, more athletic-looking figure.
- Improved self-confidence: You can enjoy improved wardrobe options and feel better about your appearance with a more slender, sculpted figure.
- Natural-looking results: Dr. Everett makes incisions that are easy to conceal beneath clothing for natural-looking results.
- Reduced skin irritation: Removing excess skin can reduce uncomfortable chafing and rashes that can impact your well-being.
Candidates
If you want to remove excess abdominal skin below the belly button, you are likely a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. However, you must have realistic expectations about what can be achieved with the procedure. Although a mini tummy tuck cannot help you lose weight, Dr. Everett can sculpt your figure for a smoother, more athletic appearance. Candidates should achieve weight loss prior to the procedure.
Pregnancy can affect your results, so we recommend postponing your procedure if you plan to become pregnant.
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Everett will inquire about your medical history, medications, and aesthetic goals to create a personalized treatment plan for your needs. Please come prepared to discuss your body goals openly. Dr. Everett can also combine your tummy tuck with other body contouring procedures to highlight muscle definition and balance proportions.
Some patients choose to include an arm lift, breast lift, thigh lift, or lower body lift to sculpt their figures further.
To learn more about the additional body treatments we offer, see our blog!
Preparation
To prepare for a mini tummy tuck, you will need to take the following steps:
- Stop taking medications and supplements that thin your blood
- Quit smoking (if applicable)
- Fill prescriptions for your recovery
- Schedule time off work
- Run errands ahead of time
During your consultation, Dr. Everett will provide specific instructions based on your personalized treatment plan and medical history.
Procedure
During the procedure, we will cleanse your skin and place you under anesthesia. Most patients receive general anesthesia, but in some cases, local anesthesia can be used. Dr. Everett will make a short incision along the underwear line to remove excess skin and tissue from below the navel.
If you receive liposuction, he will remove pockets of excess fat with a thin cannula. First, he will administer tumescent fluid–a combination of lidocaine, saline, and epinephrine that causes the fat cells to swell for easier removal. With gentle suction that preserves the surrounding tissue, he will remove the fatty tissue and carefully sculpt your abdomen for a smooth, balanced appearance. Once the necessary fat is removed, Dr. Everett will carefully excise the remaining skin to create a smooth abdomen. After making adjustments, Dr. Everett will close the incision with sutures.
Recovery
After your monitoring period, you can return home to rest. Dr. Everett may prescribe medication to help you recover comfortably, and you will need to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks to help your body heal. Many patients experience temporary swelling that will improve over the next few months. During your recovery, we recommend that you avoid excessive sun exposure that could damage your skin. Most patients can return to work after approximately 2 weeks.
Most patients can return to higher-intensity exercises and activities after several weeks with Dr. Everett’s approval. During your follow-up appointment, Dr. Everett will monitor your progress and let you know when you can return to more rigorous activities.
Results
After a mini tummy tuck, you can enjoy a smooth and sculpted abdomen. Many patients also experience improved self-confidence and feel more comfortable wearing different types of clothing. To maintain your results, you must practice healthy lifestyle habits. Eating nutritious meals and exercising regularly is important for preventing weight fluctuations that could affect your results. If you take good care of your body, you can enjoy your results for many years.
Additional Body Contouring Procedures
Breast Lift
A breast lift removes excess skin and repositions the breasts for a curvier, more youthful-looking figure. Droopy skin on the breasts can affect how your bras fit and cause uncomfortable rashes along the breast crease (inframammary fold). Many women also find that changes to their breasts affect their self-esteem. After a breast lift, you can enjoy natural-looking results.
Liposuction
Liposuction is commonly combined with all variations of the tummy tuck procedure. It can also be performed as a standalone procedure. In addition to the abdomen, it can address essentially any area of the body to remove excess stubborn fat with gentle suction. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, but it is effective for sculpting the body.
Mommy Makeover
A mommy makeover is a comprehensive procedure that combines different body sculpting treatments to rejuvenate the body after pregnancy. After pregnancy, it is common for women to experience excess abdominal skin and separated abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck is often included in a mommy makeover to address these concerns.
Lower Body Lift
A lower body lift removes droopy skin from the thighs, abdomen, back, and flanks to sculpt multiple areas of the lower body during a single appointment to minimize downtime. With thin incisions along the natural curves of your skin, Dr. Everett can remove excess tissue and tighten the skin for a smoother, leaner appearance.
The Cost of a Mini Tummy Tuck in NYC
The cost of a mini tummy tuck will depend on your personalized treatment plan and your aesthetic goals. During your consultation, we can provide an all-inclusive quote. Do not hesitate to reach out when there are options available to help you restore your self-confidence and enhance your figure.
Contact our office online or call (212) 774-7715 to learn how a mini tummy tuck can transform your figure.
FAQ
Does a mini tummy tuck hurt?
During the procedure, we administer anesthesia for your comfort. We can also prescribe medications to help you recover comfortably. Long-acting regional anesthesia continues with pain relief for hours after surgery.
How much downtime will I need after a mini tummy tuck?
You will need to take approximately 2 weeks off work to recover after the procedure.
Can I combine a mini tummy tuck with other procedures?
The procedure is customizable, and we can sculpt other areas of the body in one appointment.
Can I have a mini tummy tuck if I plan to lose weight?
You must be close to your goal weight before considering a tummy tuck. We can discuss the most effective treatment plan during your consultation.
References
- Saariniemi KMM, Salmi AM, Peltoniemi HH, Helle MH, Charpentier P, Kuokkanen HOM. Abdominoplasty Improves Quality of Life, Psychological Distress, and Eating Disorder Symptoms: A Prospective Study. Plastic Surgery International. 2014;2014:197232. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/197232
- Orr Shauly, Goel P, Gould DJ. Painless, Drainless Lipoabdominoplasty: A Retrospective Study of Pain Following Lipoabdominoplasty Utilizing Liposomal Bupivacaine and a Modified Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2022;4. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojac049