Mini Abdominoplasty

Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery in Turkey

Aging, pregnancy,and weight gain all damage the body structure, especially in the waist and hip circumference. Skin loosening and stubborn fat deposits cause deformities in the abdomen and buttocks. It makes it difficult to wear the clothes you want and also increases back pain. In some people, the skin quality under the belly does not deteriorate much after childbirth or excess weight gain, there is no crack in the skin, but there is a certain amount of excess skin. We prefer Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery for these people.

What Is Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty)?

Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery (Mini Abdominoplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure performed to remove excess fat and skin in the lower abdomen, restore a smooth silhouette or body shape and achieve a natural aesthetic appearance.

What is the difference between “Mini Tummy Tuck” and “Full Tummy Tuck”?

1. A mini tummy tuck is similar to a full tummy tuck surgery with a few differences. As in full tummy tuck surgery, the incision site is also in the groin area in mini tummy tuck surgery. However, the incision of a mini tummy tuck is not as long as in a full tummy tuck. A shorter incision does not mean you will heal faster or experience a shorter healing period. However, it is true that the scar will be shorter after a mini tummy tuck.
2. In mini tummy tuck surgery, no incision is made around the belly and the belly button is not relocated. A mini tummy tuck is performed without scarring around the belly.
3. Skin and muscle layers are lifted up to the ribs over the muscle layer in full tummy tuck, while it is lifted up to the belly level in mini tummy tuck surgery. Therefore, recovery in mini tummy tuck surgery is faster.
4. In mini tummy tuck surgery, muscle repair is limited only to the lower abdomen. In full tummy tuck surgery, muscle repair continues throughout the upper and lower abdomen. Therefore, if there is a "separation of the abdominal muscles", which we call "diastasis recti”, or if there is a suspicion of a hernia in the abdomen, full tummy tuck surgery is preferred.
5. Recovery after mini tummy tuck surgery is shorter and it is faster to return to social life.

By doing “Vaser Liposuction” during the mini tummy tuck surgery, the waist can be made slimmer and flatter. The fats extracted by vaser liposuction can be injected into the required areas in the body such as the hips, breasts, face.

In the same session with the mini tummy tuck surgery, “breast augmentation with fat injection”, “buttock lift” can also be performed. By removing the excess skin from the lower part of the abdomen, the abdomen can be shaped tighter. The belly button is not relocated, and the incision and scars are smaller in the mini tummy tuck. The incision site is placed along the cesarean section scar. It will remain inside the underwear. Muscular repair (diastasis recti) can also be made during mini tummy tuck surgery.

How Is Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?

Mini tummy tuck surgery is an operation that takes about 1-2 hours under general anesthesia. Before mini tummy tuck surgery, the whole body is shaped with vaser liposuction. The waistline is revealed and the upper abdomen is shaped. By a limited incision in the groin area, the lower abdominal muscles are repaired in the midline and a tighter abdomen is created. In mini tummy tuck surgery, the excess fat and skin in the lower abdomen are removed in sufficient amounts. A tight and well-shaped abdomen is achieved.

Stages of Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

Stage 1:  The necessary amount of skin is removed from the lower abdominal area and the scar remains in the groin area (inside underwear) after mini tummy tuck surgery. In mini tummy tuck surgery, the necessary amount of skin is removed from the lower abdominal area according to the patient’s needs. No incision is made around the belly in this procedure. The belly remains attached to the underlying abdominal muscles and remaining abdominal skin.

Stage 2:  The abdominal skin is lifted from the abdominal wall, exposing the abdominal muscles. The abdominal skin is lifted in the midline just below the belly button, slightly higher on either side of the belly in order to allow the abdominal skin to attach to the abdominal wall.

Stage 3:  Abdominal wall muscles are tightened and repaired by using special suture material. Muscles are brought together in the midline.

Stage 4:  Finally, the appropriate amount of skin is removed and the scar is designed to remain inside the bikini line.

Recovery Period After Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

The patient can eat and walk around 4-5 hours after the mini tummy tuck surgery. We prefer to host our patients in the hospital for one night after mini tummy tuck surgery in case of any complications. Patients can return to their desk job 1 week after the surgery. They can have rhythmic walks after 2 weeks and do fitness exercises (excluding heavy movements that will stretch abdominal muscles) after 3-4 weeks.

Mini tummy tuck surgery is preferred with its comfort and permanent and effective results and it offers permanent results that will make the patient happy. We recommend our patients a light diet for 2 months after the mini tummy tuck. All the dissolvable fats are broken down and the body takes the desired form.

Mini tummy tuck surgery (mini-abdominoplasty)is basically suitable for people with a loose lower abdominal wall (loose abdominal skin and loose abdominal muscle). If the upper abdomen is in good condition, there is no excess skin or loose muscle structure, there is no need to intervene in the upper abdomen in these cases. There is no need for a larger incision, relocation of the belly button, scarring around the belly, and a longer and challenging postoperative period.

Recovery after a mini tummy tuck is easier than a conventional full tummy tuck surgery. Because in mini tummy tuck surgery, only the lower half of the abdomen is operated instead of the whole abdomen.

“A faster recovery period after a mini tummy tuck is not a reason to choose this option. If you need a full tummy tuck and choose a mini tummy tuck, you will probably be disappointed. "

If there is excessive skin loosening in the upper abdomen and muscle separation in the upper abdominal muscles, the desired success cannot be achieved with a mini tummy tuck. The surgeon's experience is very important here. The surgeon should determine the suitable method for the patient correctly and explain all aspects to the patient.

What are the benefits of mini tummy tuck surgery?

Mini tummy tuck surgery (mini-abdominoplasty) is performed to shape the deformed lower abdomen and waist area, to ensure you wear the clothes you want, and to increase your self-confidence. It is a particularly suitable method for regaining former body shape after childbirth.A mini tummy tuck is much comfortable than a full tummy tuck, thanks to its shorter recovery period. Diabetic patients can benefit from mini tummy tuck surgery by controlling the blood sugar and reducing the need for medication.

Improvement in body shape increases your confidence and comfort, allowing you to exercise effectively to ensure weight control and maintain improved shape.

Who can undergo mini tummy tuck surgery?

If you have regional fattening which does not disappear despite a good diet program and exercise, you have not a systemic disease (heart, kidney, lung),you are not overweight but you want to improve your body shape due to skinlooseness and excess fat in the lower abdomen,mini tummy tuck can possibly be a suitable surgery for you. Vaser Liposuction may be necessary with tummy tuck surgery achieve optimum body shape.

Do I need to lose weight before mini tummy tuck surgery (mini abdominoplasty)?

Before mini tummy tuck, we recommend you have the ideal body weight as much as possible. It may be necessary to follow a good diet program and lose weight before the operation.

Is mini tummy tuck surgery performed with general anesthesia? Is hospitalization required after the operation?

We prefer general anesthesia for mini tummy tuck surgery. You may be discharged on the same day or one-day hospitalization may be necessary. Vaser Liposuction, which may also be performed with a mini tummy tuck, is a distinguishing factor in this issue.

How long does mini tummy tuck surgery take?

Mini tummy tuck surgery usually takes about 1,5-2 hours. Vaser liposuction to be applied together with a mini tummy tuck can extend the operation duration.

Will the scars disappear after mini abdominoplasty, mini tummy tuck surgery?

Unfortunately, there will be a scar in the groin area, extending on both sides of the cesarean scar. In order to minimize scarring after mini-abdominoplasty, mini tummy tuck surgery, we are trying to design the incision sites below the bikini line. The stitches scar becomes as short as possible after mini tummy tuck surgery.

Are abdominal muscles tightened during mini tummy tuck surgery?

Separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) can occur during pregnancy, with weight gain and aging. As a result, it may cause an unaesthetic appearance in the form of an outward protrusion, especially in the upper abdomen after eating. Repair of the upper abdominal muscles (rectus abdominis) can be performed in a full tummy tuck surgery.

In mini tummy tuck surgery, we can only repair the muscles in the lower abdomen. For this reason, the muscles in the lower abdomen can be tightened if necessary, during your Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck).

Is a drain placed after mini tummy tuck surgery?

It depends on the surgeon’s choice whether a drain will be placed after mini tummy tuck surgery. We prefer to place a drain after mini tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) in order to prevent blood or fluid accumulation, accelerate the recovery period and minimize postoperative complications. Drains placed after mini tummy tuck surgery can be removed after a few days.

Which operations can be combined with mini tummy tuck surgery?

We commonly perform Vaser Liposuction surgery together with a mini tummy tuck. It is possible to shape the waist, upper abdomen, thighs, hips, inner knees by applying vaser liposuction to these areas during a mini tummy tuck. Breast lift (mastopexy),breast implant, or breast augmentation with the fat injection can be combined with mini tummy tuck surgery depending on the surgeon’s decision.

How long does recovery period last after mini tummy tuck surgery?

You are expected to have moderate pain/discomfort for 3-5 days after mini tummy tuck surgery. Patients who have undergone mini tummy tuck say that they can return to their daily activities after one week but they avoid heavy exercise/activities for six days. It is recommended to wear a corset for the first three weeks after a mini tummy tuck. Postoperative edema usually disappears within 3-4 weeks but it may take 3 months to become completely normal.

Results of Mini Tummy Tuck

Mini tummy tuck surgery aims to restore your body form to achieve a natural and aesthetically pleasant appearance. The aim is to make you wear the clothes you want, increase your self-confidence and make you feel more comfortable.

When can you have sexual intercourse after mini tummy tuck?

It is frequently asked how long to wait for sexual intercourse or having sex after mini tummy tuck surgery. Before having sexual intercourse, I recommend you wait at least until the drains are removed. Since your abdominal muscles are also stitched during tummy tuck surgery, it may be painful when you use these muscles during sexual intercourse or the stitches might be opened when you have sex in the early period after tummy tuck surgery.

Since there will be a temporary loss of sensation in your stitches in the early periodafter tummy tuck surgery, you cannot feel that you are forcing the suture area. For this reason, "sexual intercourse after mini tummy tuck surgery" is prohibited for about 4 weeks and “sexual intercourse after full tummy tuck surgery” is prohibited for about 6 weeks.

What are the risks of mini tummy tuck surgery?

There are always operational risks, which are common to all surgical procedures. However, Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery is a safer procedure when performed by a fully qualified and trained plastic surgeon at a full-pledged hospital. Mini tummy tuck surgery contains the risks of bleeding (less than 0.5%),infection (less than 0.5%),delayed skin healing, and seroma (fluid accumulation under the skin). Each of these risks may require revision surgery.

Other risks that may occur are scarring (hypertrophic scar or keloid) in the operation area, DVT and pulmonary embolism (0.5%),asymmetry, and numbness on the skin.

Infection after mini tummy tuck surgery; Rarely, serious infections requiring antibiotics (less than 0.1% risk) may occur. Rarely, hematoma that may require drainage (blood collection - less than 0.1% risk).

Temporary loss of sensation after mini tummy tuck surgery; Returning to normal life may take 3-6 months.

Are the results of mini tummy tuck surgery permanent?

Results of mini tummy tuck surgery are expected to be permanent if supported by a good diet program and exercise. However, you should know that operation results may not be optimal if you gain weight after mini tummy tuck surgery.

Will there be problem for pregnancy after mini tummy tuck surgery?

Mini tummy tuck surgery will not affect your future pregnancies and it will not cause any problem during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy causes your abdominal area to be tightened more. The women who get pregnant after mini tummy tuck surgery may need revision surgery. Therefore, if you are planning to have a baby in the near future, you are recommended to postpone mini tummy tuck surgery to the post-pregnancy period.

When Can I Have Tummy Tuck Surgery After Giving Birth?

You can have mini tummy tuck surgery about 3-6 months after the breastfeeding period ends.

Is there an alternative to mini tummy tuck surgery?

There is not many alternatives to mini tummy tuck surgery for a person who has a significant amount of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. Liposuction without tummy tuck surgery does not provide sufficient recovery in the skin, on the contrary, it may increase the skin loosening.

Before Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

• Weight: You are recommended to lose weight as needed before mini tummy tuck surgery. Results will be much more successful when you have your ideal weight.
• Smoking:Smoking should definitely be stopped for a minimum of 3 weeks before the surgery and for a minimum of 2 weeks after the surgery until the scar site will heal completely.
• Medication: You should avoid using analgesics such as aspirin/ibuprofen 3 weeks before and after mini tummy tuck surgery.

Reminders for Those Who Have Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

• Stitches scar after mini tummy tuck surgery; it will remain on the bikini area in the lower abdomen.
• Stitches after mini tummy tuck surgery; there is no need for stitches removal since dissolvable stitch materials are used.
• Drain after mini tummy tuck surgery; it remains for a few days and then is removed.
• Dressing after mini tummy tuck surgery; it will be closed for about 5-6 days and then remain open.
• Corset after mini tummy tuck surgery: we recommend you use a corset for about 3 weeks.
• Sexual intercourse after mini tummy tuck surgery: it is completely free after 4 weeks.

Complaints After Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

Posture;Abdominal skin is tightened after mini tummy tuck surgery and you are recommended not to stand upright for a few days.

Sports;You can do sports 4-6 weeks after mini tummy tuck surgery. It is first started with mild-moderate exercises and then gym sports can be done after 6 weeks without forcing the operation area. You should pay attention not to lift weights and carry heavy shopping bags in the early period after tummy tuck surgery. You can start having a walk (fast and rhythmic) 4 weeks after mini tummy tuck surgery.

Bath;You cannot take shower or bath for the first 5-6 days after mini tummy tuck surgery. During this period, personal cleaning can be done by wiping the body.

Scars;You can use some creams, recommended by your doctor, to reduce postoperative scarring, minimize stitch scar and accelerate scar healing.

Pain;It is expected to have mild-moderate pain after mini tummy tuck surgery. Rarely, there may be bruising and it may last for 2-3 weeks.

Cost of Mini Tummy Tuck Surgery

Cost of mini tummy tuck surgery changes depending on the additional procedures (vaser liposuction, fat injection, breast lift, etc.) to be applied. Please contact us for detailed information about mini tummy tuck surgery cost in Turkey.