Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is quite similar to a full tummy tuck (known as an abdominoplasty) but is more suitable for people who only have a small amount of excess skin/ small pouch in the middle of the stomach that they would like to remove.

Mini tummy tucks are a popular procedure with women but men can also benefit from this form of surgery, especially if they have lost a lot of weight or have had a gastric band fitted in the past. Dramatic weight loss, child birth or age can all cause excess fat deposits, loose tissue and sagging skin around the middle and lower abdominal region; a mini tummy tuck can be used to address problems in this area.

The surgery

This procedure is very similar to that of an abdominoplasty. The surgeon will make an incision on the bikini line and remove excess skin and small fat deposits, leaving you with a tight flat stomach. This procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic and usually requires a one night stay in hospital.

Following surgery, patients will be left with a scar on the lower stomach but most swimwear or underwear will cover this. The scarring is lesser than that which would result from a full abdominoplasty as usually, tummy tuck scarring reaches from one hip to the other. The mini tummy tuck scar will be smaller in length, positioned in the middle of the stomach and low down.

After surgery, patients are required to wear a support garment for between 4-8 weeks so that the area can repair and heal. The surgeon will provide specific instructions and recommendations to suit each individual's needs.

Risks

As with all surgery, there are some risks involved and these include anaesthesia complications, infection, haematoma and asymmetry. However, regulatory pre-operation checks are carried out in order to prevent these conditions from materialising and a course of antibiotics are also provided as a precautionary measure after surgery.

Cost - £4,500 - £5,000