Mini Tummy Tuck
in Birmingham, AL

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Abdominoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries as it can smooth and contour the abdomen beyond what is possible from diet and exercise. However, some patients don’t need a full tummy tuck, as their concerns are minimal and centrally located in the lower abdomen.

A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure that targets loose skin and pockets of fat in the lower abdomen with minimal downtime and scarring.

What Are the Benefits of a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck can provide a flatter, smoother lower abdomen. Previously fit women who have had children often benefit from this procedure, as pregnancy can cause excess fat and skin in the lower midsection.

A mini tummy tuck can:

Remove stubborn lower belly fat or “pouch”
Reverse the effects of pregnancy, such as excess skin and, in some cases, stretch marks
Use a smaller incision, limiting the risk of visible scarring

This procedure will require less downtime and recovery time than a traditional tummy tuck but will not affect the belly button placement or appearance.

It can be challenging to target the lower abdomen through traditional diet and exercise, as this area typically carries excess fat and weight. If you want to improve the lower abdomen without extensive surgery, a mini tummy tuck can help.

Fit woman wearing white bra and underwear

What Can a Mini Tummy Tuck Treat?

A mini tummy tuck is specifically designed to target the lower abdomen only, typically the area from the belly button to the pubic line.

Rather than undergoing a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck is a specialized procedure that can:

Tighten the lower abdominal muscles
Remove unwanted fat and excess skin
Create a desirable contour for the lower stomach
Flatten the lower abdomen for an overall improvement to the midsection

Am I a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Candidates for a mini tummy tuck should be close to their ideal weight but be unhappy with excess skin and fat pockets around the lower stomach. These patients also have loose or stretched lower abdominal muscles due to pregnancy or weight gain.

As this procedure is localized to the lower abdomen, tightening of muscles will only be in that target area. Therefore, if you suffer from diastasis recti (the separation of the abdominal wall), it will not tighten all of the muscles. For this concern, you should discuss a traditional tummy tuck with your board-certified plastic surgeon.

Additionally, candidates should be in good health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for results.

What Is the Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure?

The mini tummy tuck procedure is similar to the traditional tummy tuck, but it will concern a smaller area. Dr. Cohn will make a small incision across the pubic line. If you have a cesarean scar, it’s possible your surgeon can place the incision on top of that scar.

Your surgeon may use liposuction to remove pockets of fat in the area and tighten the lower abdominal muscles, creating a smooth surface. Then, the skin will be draped to create an appealing contour before the excess is trimmed and the incision is closed.

What Is Recovery Like After a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Every patient will have a different recovery process, as healing varies from person to person.

You will have some swelling and minor discomfort following the procedure. Dr. Cohn will prescribe pain medication to help you manage this. You should limit movement for the first few days, but you can return to light activities soon afterward to encourage blood circulation and induce proper healing.

It is important to avoid strenuous activity for the first few weeks or until your surgeon clears you. Excess tension on the incision site may cause more significant scarring and can affect the healing process.

Dr. Cohn will provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure a quick, safe recovery for optimum results.

How Long Do Mini Tummy Tuck Results Last?

A mini tummy tuck is considered a permanent procedure, barring pregnancy or weight gain. However, a mini tummy tuck is not a weight loss solution, so it is important to practice proper diet and exercise habits to maintain and even enhance the results of your mini tummy tuck.

No cosmetic surgical procedure can stop the natural aging process. Your body will continue to change as you age, but you can expect to enjoy long-lasting results from your mini tummy tuck.

Mini Tummy Tuck FAQ

The cost of a mini tummy tuck varies depending on the extent of the surgery and the specific techniques used. Dr. Cohn can provide you with an accurate cost estimate after your consultation once a surgical plan has been created and agreed upon.
Your tummy tuck procedure will be performed under anesthesia so that you will feel no pain during the surgery. There is some discomfort associated with initial recovery, but this can be managed by pain medication.

One of the benefits of the mini tummy tuck is that it requires a smaller incision with less tissue manipulation than a traditional tummy tuck, meaning the recovery process should be less painful.
You may only need a mini tummy tuck if your concerns are in the lower abdomen rather than the entire midsection. However, the best way to know which procedure will be best for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our Birmingham board-certified plastic surgeons.

Dr. Cohn will perform an exam during your consultation to assess the area of concern and suggest the best option. Additionally, your consultation is the time to ask any questions, express any concerns, and participate in the surgical planning process by describing your goals.

You never want to select a mini tummy tuck if your needs would be better addressed with a full tummy tuck.

Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery in Birmingham, AL

If you have stubborn lower belly fat and excess skin and do not see results from diet and exercise, our Birmingham body contouring specialists can help.

At Cohn Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide range of surgical procedures, including:

Our knowledgeable and helpful staff is ready to help you with any questions. Call us today at (205) 590-9900 to schedule your consultation.

Mini Tummy Tuck in Birmingham, AL