Mini tummy tuck: explained

A mini tummy tuck is a powerful tool which can significantly improve a patient's abdominal appearance. Here to explain more about the procedure is  Mr James Wokes, leading consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon.

What is a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a procedure designed to improve the contour of the abdomen.

In terms of nomenclature, a full tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, releases the umbilicus, whereas a mini-tummy tuck does not; it only addresses the lower half of the abdomen, and as such, it is only suitable for a select group of patients.

The scar runs from hip to hip and is well hidden in underwear and swimwear. It is often combined with liposuction to improve the contour of the rest of the anterior abdomen.

It takes around an hour and a half to two hours, sometimes as a day case, sometimes as a one-night stay in hospital. However, ultimately, assessment of the patient is key to determining what is best for them.

What’s involved in a mini tummy tuck? How long does it take?

Patients are usually operated on under general anaesthetic; however certain specific concerns can be managed under local anaesthetic with sedation. It takes approximately 2 hours depending on the volume of tissue to be removed and patients tend to spend one night in hospital.

Drains are rarely used and patients are usually fit to go home with a binder the day after surgery. Routine review at one week, 6 weeks and 3 months is planned and patients have access to outpatient dressing clinics if required. Restriction of activities is 4-6 weeks and driving 1-2 weeks.

Is the procedure painful?

A mini tummy tuck is not a particularly painful procedure. As mentioned, before the operation, the surgeon will inject or infiltrate fluid with local anaesthetic, which creates a numbing effect. Some may also use local anaesthetic block injections to try and dampen down the sensation from the nerves.

It takes around an hour and a half to two hours, and sometimes can be performed as a day case. In some cases, it may require a one night stay in hospital.

 What are the benefits of a mini tummy tuck?

For the right patient, a mini tummy tuck can be life-changing. Improvement in abdominal contour can drastically improve body confidence.

The main benefit of a mini tummy tuck compared to a full tummy tuck, is the reduced surgical time. It is also less invasive, because there is no scar around the umbilicus and compared to a full tummy tuck, where more tissue is removed and reshaped, the recovery is quicker.

Additionally, a mini tummy tuck has a reduced chance of complications because it's a smaller operation.

Are there any risks involved? 

All surgery carries inherent risk and it is vital that patients are well informed about such risks before surgery. In my practice, I undertake two consultants with all aesthetic surgery patients and provide them with written information to ensure that they are as well-informed as possible.

Tummy tuck poses generic risks such as pain, bleeding, infection and scarring that come with all surgery. However, the following are specific risks linked to the procedure:

 Then there are more specific risks related to the procedure, such as:

• Bruising.
• Swelling.
• Haematoma.
• Seroma.
• Contour irregularity.
• Incomplete or over-correction.

What is the recovery period after a tummy tuck?

The recovery is more rapid than with a full tummy tuck because it's less invasive. You'll feel uncomfortable for a week following the procedure, but by two weeks you should be back to normal ambulation.

You should avoid going to the gym for six weeks following the operation, but can return to normal activities within a few weeks.

The outcome from a mini tummy tuck is not as extreme as the more invasive procedures. But for the right patient, it can be extremely successful.

If you would like to book a consultation with Mr Wokes, simply visit his Top Doctors profile today.