Mini Tummy Tuck

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in La Jolla, San Diego, Newport Beach and Beverly Hills

A mini tummy tuck, or a mini-abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure that can address lax or sagging skin, accumulated fat, and separated abdominal muscles beneath the navel. (1) This procedure is a variation of the traditional tummy tuck that addresses less extensive concerns that may not warrant the techniques or invasiveness of a full tummy tuck.

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Dr. Richard Chaffoo is one of the co-founders and medical directors of La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology. Dr. Chaffoo is one of America’s Few Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons and a superspecialist in hair restoration. He holds more than three decades of experience in medicine, and he travels around the world to teach other medical professionals about various hair restoration methods. His lecture circuit includes cities such as São Paulo, Madrid, Oslo, Rome, and Warsaw.

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If you are ready to take the first step towards transforming your figure, please request a consultation online or call the office most convenient for you:

About Mini Tummy Tucks

A mini tummy tuck is a surgical body-contouring procedure that can restore a more defined and sculpted appearance to the lower abdomen. This procedure focuses on eliminating mild-to-moderate skin laxity, stubborn fat deposits, and diastasis recti beneath the navel.

Mini tummy tucks have several notable benefits, such as:

  • Smoother Skin: A mini tummy tuck can remove excess or redundant skin to restore a smoother, tighter look and feel.
  • Shorter Downtime: This procedure offers a faster recovery time than its traditional counterpart. (2)
  • Strengthened Muscles: Dr. Chaffoo can tighten the lower abdominal muscles when performing this procedure to correct diastasis recti, resulting in a stronger core.
  • Lasting Results: The results of a mini tummy tuck can last for several years, especially when you maintain a stable weight.
  • Personalized Results: Dr. Chaffoo designs each treatment plan around your unique anatomy and needs.

Candidates

You may be a suitable candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you have developed certain physical changes beneath the navel due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or aging, and have been unable to address them through traditional means. These concerns include mild to moderate skin laxity, accumulated fat, or weakened or separated abdominal muscles.

To qualify, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can accomplish. You must be at a stable and maintainable weight, have good skin elasticity, and, if applicable, no longer plan to expand your family. You should also be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine entirely.

Personal Consultation

Before undergoing your mini tummy tuck, you will need to attend a personal consultation with Dr. Chaffoo. During this meeting, he will ask about several topics, such as your medical history, personal concerns, and desired results. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess the condition and anatomy of your abdomen. Using this information, Dr. Chaffoo will create a treatment plan truly designed for you.

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Preparation

After scheduling your mini tummy tuck, you will need to prepare by taking several steps. To help you, Dr. Chaffoo will provide you with a set of detailed instructions. These may direct you to:

  • Avoid Certain Medications: Unless medically necessary, discontinue using any blood-thinning medications or supplements.
  • Prepare Transportation: Have a trusted friend or family member drive you home after your procedure.
  • Request Time Away: Make arrangements to step away from your professional responsibilities and personal commitments.
  • Fill Your Prescriptions: Before your procedure, acquire any medications that you will need for your recovery.
  • Stop Consuming Substances: Cease the consumption of alcohol and nicotine in the weeks before and after the procedure.

Procedure

Dr. Chaffoo performs each mini tummy tuck on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia. Your procedure length will vary depending on its complexity, but you can expect it to last between one and three hours.

Dr. Chaffoo will place a short horizontal incision just above the pubic mound. He will lift the skin to access your underlying structures, stopping below the navel. Dr. Chaffoo will then begin performing each of your corrections. These may include removing or repositioning the local fat and tightening your muscles. If there is a significant amount of fat in the area, Dr. Chaffoo may also integrate liposuction to tone and contour the area.

Dr. Chaffoo will then redrape the skin over the area and remove any excess to restore a tighter, smoother look. He will then suture each incision and allow you to rest before returning home.

Recovery

After your mini tummy tuck, you can expect some swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the treated areas. These effects will dissipate on their own with time, but prescribed medications, cold compresses, and plenty of rest can also help you manage them. Dr. Chaffoo will have you wear a supportive garment to preserve your new figure as the altered tissues settle and heal.

You may return to most of your daily activities after resting for approximately one to two weeks. However, you will need to refrain from engaging in activities that are strenuous or demanding until Dr. Chaffoo approves your return.

Dr. Chaffoo will provide you with additional postoperative guidelines in person. If any questions or concerns arise, please contact us so we can provide you with further guidance.

Results

You will likely be able to notice an immediate improvement in your figure, but your results will become more prominent as any residual swelling subsides and your tissues fully settle. You will be able to enjoy smoother and tighter skin, a flatter abdomen, and accentuated definition. Each of these effects can contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing silhouette overall, as well as a heightened sense of self-confidence.

The results of a mini tummy tuck are long-lasting, which means you can enjoy your renewed appearance for several years to come. It is important that you do your best to maintain a stable weight, as fluctuations can alter these effects long-term.

Cost of Mini Tummy Tucks in San Diego, California

Dr. Chaffoo will discuss the cost of your mini tummy tuck with you in person once the details of your treatment plan are established. This is because pricing will vary depending on the type of corrections Dr. Chaffoo performs, the extent of your procedure, and the overall complexity. We also offer financing for those who qualify.

For further information, please request a consultation online.

FAQ

What can a mini tummy tuck correct?

A mini tummy tuck can address several abdominal concerns, such as minimal to mild skin laxity, accumulated fat, and weakened muscles. Significant weight loss or pregnancy often causes these effects.

What is the difference between a traditional tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?

A traditional tummy tuck is a procedure that addresses the entire abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck focuses on correcting concerns found below the navel.

How long does it take to recover from a mini tummy tuck?

You may return to work after one to two weeks, but you will need to wait to return to more strenuous activities until Dr. Chaffoo has approved your return.

How long will my mini tummy tuck results last?

The results of a mini tummy tuck can last for several years, but you will need to maintain a stable weight to preserve them.

Can Dr. Chaffoo combine my mini tummy tuck with another body-contouring procedure?

Yes, Dr. Chaffoo can integrate other procedures into your treatment plan for more comprehensive and cohesive results. We recommend scheduling a personal consultation with him for further information and personalized recommendations based on your goals.

References

  1. Borille GB, Pereira GA, Zancanaro M, Ribeiro VW, Giannini R, Proto R. Surgical Correction of Low-positioned Umbilicus after Mini-abdominoplasty. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2024;12(6):e5873-e5873. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005873
  2. Daniel El Israwi, Watfa W. Rectus Muscle Plication in Mini-abdominoplasty with Umbilicus Preservation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2023;11(5):e4998-e4998. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004998