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Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Enough to Get Results? 

  • Post published:January 23, 2025

Two common questions our patients ask us are: Will a mini tummy tuck be enough for me? How many sizes do you lose with a mini tummy tuck? 

A mini tummy tuck is ideal if you have a small amount of excess skin or a lower belly pooch below the navel. Most patients lose 1-2 dress or pant sizes, depending on the amount of excess skin and fat removed.

However, keep your expectations in check because a mini tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. If you have significant skin laxity, muscle separation, or excess fat above the navel, a full tummy tuck may be a better option for you. 

In this article, we explain what a mini tummy tuck can and can’t do, who it’s ideal for, and how it compares to a full tummy tuck.

What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck? 

A mini tummy tuck, also called a mini abdominoplasty, is a less invasive version of a full tummy tuck. It focuses on tightening and removing excess skin and fat below the navel without addressing the upper abdomen or muscle separation. 

The procedure involves a smaller incision, usually just above the pubic area, and has a shorter recovery time compared to a full tummy tuck. It’s ideal for patients with minimal skin laxity and a small lower belly pooch.

Why Would People Consider a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is often considered by people who want to address stubborn lower belly fat and loose skin without committing to a full tummy tuck. This procedure offers many benefits: 

  • Flatter, toned lower abdomen: eliminates stubborn fat and tightens loose skin for a smoother, more defined lower belly.
  • Improved muscle tone: repairs and tightens weakened lower abdominal muscles, enhancing core strength and appearance.
  • Minimal and well-concealed scarring: the incision is small and placed low enough to stay hidden under most clothing and swimwear.
  • Natural-looking contours: create a more proportionate and balanced abdominal shape without altering the upper abdomen.
  • Faster recovery: compared to a full tummy tuck, the mini version requires less downtime and a quicker return to daily activities.

How Is a Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery Done?

A mini tummy tuck is typically done under general anesthesia. The procedure begins with a small, horizontal incision just above the pubic area, typically shorter than the incision used in a full tummy tuck. 

Through this incision, the surgeon removes excess fat using liposuction or direct excision to smooth and contour the area. If the lower abdominal muscles are loose or separated, the surgeon tightens them to create a flatter, firmer appearance. Any excess skin is then trimmed away to achieve a taut, toned look. 

Finally, the incision is carefully closed with sutures, and the area is bandaged to promote proper healing. This procedure is less invasive than a full tummy tuck, with a shorter surgery time and a more focused approach to refining the lower belly.

Can You Be Awake During a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Yes, a mini tummy tuck can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation. This approach is less invasive and may shorten recovery time since general anesthesia isn’t required. However, it’s only suitable for less extensive procedures that focus solely on the lower abdomen. 

If significant muscle repair or fat removal is needed, general anesthesia is often the preferred option for optimal results and patient comfort. Additionally, being awake during surgery may not be ideal for patients who feel anxious about medical procedures. If you’re uncomfortable with the sight of blood or scalpels, an awake mini tummy tuck might not be the best option for you.

How Much Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

On average, a mini tummy tuck in Beverly Hills costs between $9,000 and $15,000, depending on factors like the surgeon’s experience, location, and the surgical facility. Costs also vary based on whether general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation is used, and if the procedure is combined with treatments like liposuction. 

While pricing matters, your priority should be your safety and natural-looking results by choosing a qualified, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Rojas. 

Do I Need a Mini Tummy Tuck or a Full Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck are done for different reasons, so the right procedure depends on the area you want to address and your goals. 

A mini tummy tuck is ideal for individuals with:

  • Stubborn fat or loose skin below the belly button.
  • Good overall abdominal muscle tone without significant separation.
  • Minimal skin laxity or stretch marks are limited to the lower abdomen.

This procedure focuses solely on the lower belly, involves a smaller incision, and has a shorter recovery time compared to a full tummy tuck.

A full tummy tuck, on the other hand, is better suited for those who:

  • Have loose skin or excess fat in both the upper and lower abdomen.
  • Need significant muscle repair due to abdominal separation (diastasis recti).
  • Have experienced major weight loss or multiple pregnancies, leading to stretched skin and weakened muscles.

The full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal area, requires a longer incision from hip to hip, and includes repositioning the belly button for a more complete transformation.

If you’re unsure which procedure is right for you, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help determine the best option to achieve your goals.

What If I’m Not Sure Which Procedure Is for Me? 

When you meet with Dr. Rojas, he will provide a personalized consultation covering all aspects, from surgical fees to post-op care. Call us now to book your private consultation. We serve patients all over Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Glendale, New York, and surrounding areas.

Dr. Rojas is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in New York and Los Angeles. In 2024, he was honored as a Southern California Super Doctor, and in 2023, he received Long Island’s Beauty Affair award for Best Plastic Surgeon in Abdominoplasty and Liposuction. Dr. Rojas also appeared on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Plastic Surgeons in 2021, 2022, and 2023. 

Mini Tummy Tuck Before and After

Witness the remarkable transformation of this patient, who underwent VASER liposuction of the torso and a mini tummy tuck. After a previous abdominoplasty by another doctor, we enhanced her body with stunning curves, improved abdominal tone, and muscle definition. See this Instagram post