Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck)
Mini abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at removing excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal area, specifically below the navel, to achieve a flatter and more toned appearance. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced minor skin laxity or localized fat deposits in the lower abdomen, often resulting from pregnancy or weight fluctuations.
Surgical Overview
Anesthesia:
General anesthesia
Duration:
Approximately 1–2 hours
Pain Level:
3/5
Compression Garment:
Recommended for 3–6 weeks
Hospital Stay:
1 Night
Recovery Period:
7 Day
Dressing Duration:
14 Day
Things to Do Before the Operation
- Smoking and blood thinners should be stopped for at least three weeks before surgery. An abdominal ultrasound (USG) is performed to detect possible hernias in the abdominal area.
- Your medical history, medical conditions, and current medications should be disclosed. Foods that trigger constipation should be avoided for the last three days before surgery. Herbal supplements that thin the blood should be discontinued.
What is the Post-Operative Process Like?
- During the operation, an incision is made under the underwear line, just like a classic tummy tuck, and excess skin is removed without relocating the belly button.
- Patients can stand up and walk 4 hours after the operation. Patients with drains are removed 1 day later.
- Since all stitches are placed under the skin, there is no need for removal. Patients can return to their daily activities one week after surgery. Wearing a corset is recommended for at least four weeks. After three weeks, sports that do not affect the abdominal muscles can be performed, and after six weeks, all other sports can be performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
The operation takes about 1 hour for isolated mini tummy tucks and 1.5-2 hours for those combined with liposuction.
Because a mini tummy tuck essentially involves removing loose skin, weight loss in our patients has a positive impact on the outcome. However, the procedure can also be performed on patients who are unable to lose weight.
The surgery is performed on eligible patients over the age of 18. The procedure can be performed in any season. Mini tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
Scars in the lower abdomen will be below the underwear line. After six months, scars will fade, but smoking and genetic factors will affect scar visibility.
To achieve harmony, a mini tummy tuck is often combined with localized fat removal (liposcution). Breast surgery, arm lifts, and fat injections to the face or buttocks can also be performed simultaneously.
As long as there is no excessive weight gain after the surgery, the results are permanent. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are particularly effective after the surgery.
Minor asymmetries are inevitable after every procedure. Even with a mini tummy tuck, subtle asymmetries between the right and left sides of the body may occur. Because the scars are located below the underwear line, these asymmetries are not noticeable.
A tummy tuck does not prevent pregnancy. It is possible to become pregnant after 12 months. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy will cause sagging.
As with all surgical procedures, recovery from a mini tummy tuck depends on both the surgeon and the patient. You can read our form for general information about the procedure, its overall process, and potential complications.
Dr. Burak Ergün Tatar
Surgery Process
Preliminary Interview
I have a preliminary meeting with my patients without any time constraints.
Planning
The planning of the surgery time is done in collaboration with my patients.
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Operation
I perform the operation in our hospital with high technology and equipment.
Follow-up
As a team, we are in contact with our patients for post-operative check-ups or any adverse events that may occur.
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