A mini tummy tuck, expertly performed by Dr. Wess Cohen, targets excess skin and minor fat below the belly button, often following pregnancy. This procedure aims to create a smoother, flatter lower abdomen with a shorter recovery time than a full tummy tuck.
Tighten your abdomen with minimal downtime
A mini tummy tuck, also known as a partial abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that addresses loose skin and mild fat deposits in the lower abdomen. Unlike a full tummy tuck, it focuses on the area below the belly button, leaving the upper abdominal muscles untouched. This technique is often chosen by individuals with a small amount of excess skin or weakened muscles due to pregnancy or weight changes. The goal is to achieve a firmer, more toned appearance in the lower abdomen with less downtime than a full tummy tuck.
Mini tummy tuck corrects:
- Loose or sagging skin below the belly button
- Mild lower abdominal muscle laxity
- Small pockets of stubborn fat in the lower abdomen
- A lower belly “pooch” after pregnancy or weight loss
- Minimal skin redundancy that doesn’t require a full tummy tuck
What happens during mini tummy tuck surgery?
During your consultation, Dr. Cohen will evaluate your lower abdominal area, discuss your goals, and determine whether a mini tummy tuck is right for you. He’ll explain what to expect before, during, and after the procedure and may recommend combining the surgery with liposuction. This helps ensure the treatment aligns with your needs and anatomy. You’ll also review your medical history, and any questions or concerns will be addressed.
On the day of your surgery, you’ll receive local anesthesia with sedation to keep you comfortable. Dr. Cohen will make a small, horizontal incision just above the pubic area. Through this incision, he’ll remove excess skin and tighten the lower abdominal muscles if needed. Next, the incisions are closed with layered sutures to support optimal healing. Since the procedure focuses only on the area below the belly button, it typically takes about one to two hours.
Benefits of a mini tummy tuck:
- Smaller incision compared to a full tummy tuck
- Shorter recovery time
- Less postoperative discomfort
- No repositioning of the belly button
- Targets specific lower abdominal concerns
- Suitable for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity
- Can be combined with liposuction for enhanced contour
When will I see the final results?
You’ll notice an immediate improvement in your lower abdomen, but swelling and bruising may temporarily obscure the outcome. Most swelling subsides within a few weeks, with continued improvements over several months. The final results typically appear around 3 to 6 months after surgery, once your body has fully healed and tissues have settled into place.
Mini tummy tuck aftercare guidelines:
- Wear your compression garment as instructed to reduce swelling and support healing
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least 4–6 weeks
- Keep your incision site clean and dry to prevent infection
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Cohen
- Take prescribed medications to manage discomfort and reduce inflammation
- Walk short distances regularly to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots
- Avoid smoking and alcohol during the recovery period, as they can impair healing
- Monitor the incision for signs of infection, such as redness, drainage, or increased pain
- Follow Dr. Cohen’s specific instructions regarding showering and activity restrictions
Schedule your consultation
Wess Cohen MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Southbury, Connecticut, known for his advanced training and precise surgical techniques. He has trained at renowned institutions, including Rutgers University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and completed a specialized fellowship in microsurgery and aesthetic breast surgery. If you’re considering a mini tummy tuck, schedule your consultation today to receive expert guidance.