MINI TUMMY TUCK
Conveniently located to serve Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Los Angeles, NYC, and Miami.
Expert body sculptor and top Los Angeles cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Jason Emer sees many patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their abdomen. While a healthy diet, regular exercise, and abdominal workouts can go a long way in sculpting a toned, flat midsection, there are some conditions that can’t be corrected with this course of action.
Excess skin in the lower abdomen is one reason that many patients are unable to achieve a firm, smooth waistline. In these cases, Dr. Emer works with a team of board-certified plastic surgeons to provide surgical interventions, such as the mini tummy tuck, that deliver significant and long-lasting improvements.
WHAT IS A MINI TUMMY TUCK?
A mini tummy tuck, or mini abdominoplasty, is a surgical method of flattening and contouring the lower abdomen. In this procedure, Dr. Emer’s plastic surgeons can eliminate loose skin to resolve sagging and create slimmer lower abdominal contours.
The mini tummy tuck is a less intensive surgery than a full tummy tuck. Unlike the full tummy tuck, which tightens the upper and lower abdomen, the mini tummy tuck only targets the area below the belly button.
RIGHT FOR YOU?
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A SPIRAL THIGH LIFT?
Healthy men and women can be candidates for a mini tummy tuck. Male candidates for this procedure are generally very athletic with great abdominal muscle tone but who have unwanted, extra skin in the lower abdomen.
Women who have had multiple children often have separated or softened muscles above and below the belly button, making them better candidates for a full tummy tuck. Additionally, women with considerable stretch marks around the abdomen may benefit from a full tummy tuck as more of the affected skin can be removed in a full abdominoplasty.
Most mini tummy tuck patients are women who have loose skin below the belly after a pregnancy. This condition creates a “pooch” that can disrupt an otherwise aesthetic, shapely figure. Women also have mini tummy tuck surgery to eliminate an unattractive C-section scar.
Ideal candidates for a mini abdominoplasty are patients who:
- Are non-smokers
- Are in good physical and emotional health
- Are satisfied with the appearance and tone of the upper abdomen
- Do not need extensive muscle tightening in the lower abdomen
- Are not pregnant and do not plan to become pregnant in the future
MINI TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE
WHAT TO EXPECT
A mini abdominoplasty typically takes two to three hours. The length of your surgery will depend on your unique procedure and whether you have chosen to combine the surgery with additional treatments.
Your mini tummy tuck will be performed in an accredited surgical facility. Local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia will be given to you at the start of your surgery based on what you and the plastic surgeon determine is best for you.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the plastic surgeon will make a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen. Next, the plastic surgeon will remove excess skin, including C-section scarring, if applicable. Lower abdominal muscles can be tightened during the procedure as well. A small amount of fat can be removed from the remaining skin if needed before the plastic surgeon redrapes the skin and closes the incision.
Dr. Emer’s plastic surgeons are highly experienced and are meticulous about achieving natural-looking results. They take special care to ensure optimal positioning of the belly button, so you will be able to feel confident in your swimwear and showing your midriff.
MINI TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY
WHAT TO EXPECT
Most patients are able to go home the same day as a mini tummy tuck surgery. You will need someone to drive you home and assist you around the house for the first day or two of your recovery.
Patients should expect to need about a week of downtime and time off work. Dr. Emer and his team will provide personalized instructions for cleaning your incision, restricting your activities, and how to take any prescribed medications.
You will be fitted for a compression garment that you will need to wear for several weeks, as directed. The compression garment helps to reduce swelling and bruising and to support your new contours during the healing process. Dr. Emer may also recommend lymphatic massage therapy to encourage accelerated healing.
It is important to attend follow-up visits throughout your recovery, so Dr. Emer can monitor your progress. As the area heals, he will advise you when you can resume your normal activities.
MINI TUMMY TUCK RESULTS
Depending on your body’s rate of healing, it will take about a month to three months for swelling to decrease and for you to see your flatter, firmer lower abdomen. Mini abdominoplasty results can be permanent when patients adhere to healthy diet and exercise habits.
The natural aging process affects our skin tone, which could affect your results over time. Dr. Emer can recommend non-surgical anti-aging treatments to stimulate collagen production and prevent visible signs of aging like skin laxity.
REVISION SURGERY FOR BOTCHED FEMALE TUMMY TUCK WITH LIFE CHANGING RESULTS
My patient came to us after having a very botched and asymmetrical surgery. She wanted to get a tighter waist and feel comfortable about her body. The last surgery left her with a very high and crooked incision. This photos is less than 24 hours after surgery. She is very tight and will be able to have full movement as she recovers. Her abdominal wall was protruding very far and needed tightening to bring her waist in.
At consultation we suggested doing other areas as well such as arms, legs, and back which we will do in subsequent procedures to create a cohesive contouring.
THE DR. EMER DIFFERENCE
MINI TUMMY TUCK
Dr. Emer and his team of plastic surgeons are experienced with abdominal contouring and understand the benefits and limitations of the mini tummy tuck. They only recommend the mini tummy tuck to patients whose desired outcome can be achieved with this modified version of the full tummy tuck.
Additionally, Dr. Emer takes a combination approach to body sculpting. For optimal improvements in the targeted area and to ensure aesthetic proportions throughout the body, he may suggest combining your mini tummy tuck with hi-definition liposuction, minimally invasive body contouring, and/or additional plastic surgeries.
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TESTIMONIALS
MINI TUMMY TUCK BENEFITS
A mini tummy tuck surgery helps patients achieve a firmer, flatter stomach, so they look and feel their best. Patients can enjoy several benefits with this procedure, including:
- Tighter skin and more aesthetic contours below the belly button
- Lower abdominal muscle repair
- Removal of excess skin from the lower abdomen
- Smaller incision than a full tummy tuck
- Less downtime than a full tummy tuck
- Option to combine the procedure with liposuction and/or breast surgery in a mommy makeover procedure for more comprehensive improvements
- Replacing a C-section scar with a more discreet incision mark below the bikini line
- Long-lasting results
HOW MUCH DOES A MINI TUMMY TUCK COST?
The price of your mini tummy tuck will be determined by the specific techniques required to achieve your treatment goals. The type of anesthesia used and whether you combine the surgery with other cosmetic treatments will also affect the overall cost. You will be able to review all pricing information associated with your mini tummy tuck prior to scheduling your surgery.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you’re concerned about extra skin in the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck may be the key to restoring a slimmer, flatter waistline. Contact our West Hollywood office to schedule a consultation and find out your options for achieving the aesthetic body contours you deserve.
