What are the main differences between a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) and a standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

There are a few main differences between a mini tummy tuck and a standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). First, it is essential to remember that both types of Tummy Tucks serve different purposes, and one may be right for you but not for another patient. Second, a mini tummy tuck is designed to remove a small amount of excess skin, and only a small number of women would benefit from a mini tummy tuck. A standard tummy tuck addresses a larger amount of excess skin and is best suited to most patients inquiring about Tummy Tuck surgery. Surgically speaking, the incision for a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is much shorter than a regular tummy tuck. The belly button is also left in its original position, and untouched with a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) .

Your initial consultation with Dr Dona

During your initial consultation with Dr Dona in Sydney, Dr Dona will discuss your surgical goals to understand what you hope to achieve from undergoing Mini Tummy Tuck surgery and ensure that it is a suitable procedure for you. An essential part of your initial consultation is a discussion about your lifestyle and medical history. This is vital information for Dr Dona and your medical team to be aware of during your procedure and when creating your aftercare management plan.

Lastly, Dr Dona will also explain the various risks and potential complications associated with the procedure.

Who is the ideal candidate for a Mini-Tummy Tuck

This procedure is ideally suitable for those with only a small degree of excess skin with or without stretch marks on the lower part of the abdominal wall below the belly button and in the pubic or mons region. It is also ideal for those who have excess skin and/or fatty tissue in the mons (pubic) region and would like to have this region thinned out and lifted.

How much downtime will I need?

The time in the operating theatre to perform a mini tummy tuck is much shorter than a full tummy tuck. A shorter procedure brings the added benefit of a much shorter downtime. You will likely only need one week before returning to light activities and four weeks before returning to normal activities.

Who is a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) suitable for?

A Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is more suitable for those with only a small degree of excess skin on the lower part of the abdominal wall below the belly button and in the pubic or mons region. Some patients who would otherwise be a candidate for a full Tummy Tuck opt for the Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) if they do not wish to go through the surgery, scars, costs and recovery time of a full Tummy Tuck procedure.

How is a Mini Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty performed?

During the Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure, a horizontal incision about 15-20 cm is made just above the pubic bone; this is typically slightly longer than your average C-section incision. Next, Dr Dona will separate the fat layer from the deep muscle layer. If any muscle tightening is required, this is when the muscles will be pulled tight and internal sutures will be used to keep them together.

The skin will then be pulled down tight, and the excess skin and its associated fatty tissue are removed before finally the incision is closed with several layers of internal dissolving sutures.

Will my belly button be moved with a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

No. Also, contrary to common belief, the belly button never moves with a traditional Tummy Tuck. However, a traditional Tummy Tuck does leave a scar around and within the belly button. In contrast, during a typical Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), the belly button is left completely untouched and is not moved, and no scar is created around or within the belly button.

Of course, some variations do exist, and occasionally the belly button may be moved or ‘floated’ down the abdominal wall. Also, sometimes a scar may be created within the belly button.

Will any muscle tightening be performed with a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Muscle tightening is not typically part of a standard Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty). However, variations do exist, and some patients may require muscle tightening to achieve the necessary outcome. In contrast, most patients undergoing a traditional Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) do require muscle tightening.

Can a Mini Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty be combined with other procedures?

A Mini Tummy Tuck can be performed with other procedures at the same time for the right patient. As a Mini Tummy Tuck is less invasive than other variations of the Tummy Tuck procedure, it is easier to combine a Mini Tummy Tuck with other procedures.

Some procedures commonly included with a Mini Tummy Tuck are;

• Breast Implants
• Breast Lift
• Breast Reduction
• Arm Lift
• Liposuction

During your initial consultation, Dr Dona will be able to advise you on the procedures that you wish to combine. It is important to note that when multiple procedures are performed during the same surgery, the potential risks do increase, and these will be discussed to determine whether it is suitable and appropriate for you.

Recovery after a Mini Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty

The recovery period for a Mini Tummy Tuck is much quicker than other Tummy Tuck variations as the incision and time to perform the procedure is shorter. Although recovery time can also greatly depend on the patient’s lifestyle, general health and genetic factors. Generally, Dr Dona will recommend waiting at least four weeks before returning to normal activities after a Mini Tummy Tuck. However, if muscle tightening was also performed during the procedure, then this will significantly increase the recovery time required. During your initial consultation, Dr Dona will discuss what an expected recovery time will be for your variation of Tummy Tuck. Throughout your recovery period, Dr Dona and our Nursing team are here to support you throughout your recovery.

Your post-operative plan will be detailed and involve multiple weekly in-clinic post-operative care visits with our nursing team for several weeks. You will receive your post-operative clinic appointment schedule before your surgery. This is designed to allow our team of nurses and Dr Dona to monitor your progress, commence post-operative treatments and wound care, and ensure you reach all the correct recovery milestones.

We integrate light-based therapy into your post-operative wound healing process. Light therapy promotes the healing cells used to mature your surgical scars much faster, thus providing optimal scar formation.

It is important not to rush your recovery and, if in doubt, take things slower to allow your body more time to recover. Ultimately, beyond the detailed written and verbal instructions that you will be provided, common sense and comfort will dictate what you can and can’t do.