Everything You Need to Know About a Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is the solution for removing excess skin from the lower abdomen. The lower abdomen can become slack or stretch due to sudden weight loss, ageing, or pregnancy. A mini tummy tuck tightens the lower abdomen without repositioning your navel.

• A tightened abdomen through a safe procedure
• A personalised treatment plan based on your expectations and possibilities
• Cosmetic specialists affiliated with NVPC and NVEPC
• Rapid recovery through the best aftercare

In a mini tummy tuck, the skin of the lower abdomen is tightened without repositioning the navel. A mini tummy tuck is suitable for people whose excess skin is located below the navel. During the procedure, a maximum of ten centimetres of skin can be removed from directly below the navel to the pubic bone. A mini tummy tuck also results in scarring, but our plastic surgeons endeavour to keep these within the bikini line.

A mini tummy tuck is a major procedure and is therefore a step that requires careful consideration. To ensure you are well prepared, we explain the mini tummy tuck to you in a number of steps.

During the intake consultation, your treating plastic surgeon will discuss the complete mini tummy tuck procedure with you. Everything you can expect, from treatment to aftercare, will be explained. You will receive clear information and honest advice.

It will also be assessed whether your concerns can be addressed with a mini tummy tuck or whether a more extensive tummy tuck is required. You will discuss your expectations together, and the plastic surgeon will then indicate whether the procedure can meet these expectations.

Your health, medical background, and medication use will also be discussed. There are certain medications that you will need to stop taking at least one week prior to the treatment.

Before the mini tummy tuck takes place, photographs are taken for your medical file. The procedure itself is then performed under general anaesthesia. The plastic surgeon carefully marks on the lower abdomen how much skin can be removed during the mini tummy tuck.

The plastic surgeon makes a slightly curved horizontal incision across your pubic mound. This means the scars will be least visible as they fall beneath your underwear or swimwear.

The surgeon then separates your skin from the underlying muscle and fatty layers. The excess skin is excised and any surplus fat is removed by suction, if previously discussed. The mini tummy tuck takes approximately one to two hours.

After the procedure, there is a high likelihood of swelling and bruising. The stitches will be removed after approximately one to two weeks. Until then, it is important that they remain dry. In the first few days after the procedure, you will experience pain when walking or sitting. Therefore, after the mini tummy tuck, rest as much as possible for approximately one week.

After two weeks, you may resume some light activities, but you must avoid more strenuous exertion such as heavy lifting and exercise for at least six weeks. Ensure that no pressure or strain is placed on your abdomen during the first weeks. For protection, you will wear a supportive corset for four to six weeks.

It is important to have realistic expectations prior to the mini tummy tuck. After the procedure, your abdomen will become considerably flatter, but it will not suddenly look perfect.

Shortly after the procedure, tightening is already visible, but the result only becomes apparent once the swelling has subsided. The final result can only be seen once the surgical wound and the subcutaneous tissue have healed completely. This will occur after approximately one year.

In the first months, the scar from the procedure will still be prominent, but it will eventually fade to a less visible line.

The risks associated with a mini tummy tuck are minimal, but as with any procedure, they remain present. For example, there is the possibility of allergic reactions, swelling, and post-operative bleeding. To make you aware of the side effects that may occur after a mini tummy tuck, your treating plastic surgeon will discuss the procedure with you. Some very rare complications that may arise after the mini tummy tuck include:

• Haematoma around the wound
• Infection
• Post-operative bleeding
• Numbness in the treated area
• Delayed wound healing
• Allergic reaction
• Dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result

Initially, the scars are red and swollen, but this generally improves after six weeks. Please bear in mind that a scar requires approximately one to one and a half years to reach its final state. Keep scars out of the sun and care for them with a scar cream. At our clinic, we use Staudt scar cream.

Stop smoking at least six weeks before and until six weeks after the treatment. Smoking constricts the blood vessels, which can cause problems with wound healing. The risk of post-operative bleeding is reduced once you stop smoking.

Absolutely delighted with my mini tummy tuck. I was very nervous but was thoroughly reassured by the plastic surgeons and nurses. The result after two weeks is already wonderful. Extremely satisfied with the Blooming team.

Dr. Staudt performed a mini tummy tuck for me. My lower abdomen had become slack after my two pregnancies and I wanted to be rid of this skin apron. A mini tummy tuck was the perfect solution for me. On the recommendation of the plastic surgeon. Wonderful!