Mini Tummy Tuck
Where the problem is confined to the area below the navel, a partial abdominoplasty — a mini tummy tuck — achieves the same aim with a shorter operation, a shorter scar and a faster recovery.
At a glance
How it is performed
The procedure removes the fat and skin below the navel and tightens the muscles from the navel down to the pubis. The belly button usually stays where it is, which is what makes the operation shorter and the scar smaller.
It is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Liposuction is frequently added at the same time to blend the contour with the flanks — in most cases the two together give the best result.
If, at consultation, the laxity turns out to extend above the navel, the honest recommendation will be a full abdominoplasty rather than a compromise.
Who is it for
- Fat deposits and loose skin limited to below the navel.
- Mild muscle laxity between the navel and the pubis.
- Patients at stable weight who do not need the navel repositioned.
- Those who want a shorter scar and quicker recovery than a full abdominoplasty.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1–2
Compression garment, early walking, limited discomfort compared with a full tummy tuck.
- Week 1
Most patients return to desk work at the end of the week.
- Weeks 2–4
Swelling settles; the garment is worn as instructed.
- Weeks 4–6
Return to exercise.
- Months 3+
The scar matures and fades.
Risks & honest expectations
- Seroma, bleeding, infection and delayed healing — less frequent than after a full abdominoplasty but possible.
- A permanent, though shorter, scar.
- Temporary numbness above the scar.
- Contour irregularity where liposuction is combined and skin elasticity is poor.
The information on this website is for general information only and is not a substitute for a personal medical consultation. Every surgical procedure carries risks; outcomes vary from person to person. Content is reviewed by Dr. H. Seçkin Öksar, Board Certified Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon.
Questions about this procedure
How is it different from a full tummy tuck?
The navel is not moved, the muscle repair covers only the lower abdomen and the scar is shorter — but it only works when the problem is genuinely limited to that area.
Can liposuction be added?
Yes, and it usually is, to blend the treated area into the waist and flanks.
How long before I can fly?
Most international patients stay seven to ten days for the first check-up before flying home.
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Tell us what you are considering. You will get an honest answer about whether it is the right procedure for you — including when the answer is no.
Yeşilbahçe Mah. Metin Kasapoğlu Cad., Gökhan İş Merkezi No:19 D:9, Muratpaşa / Antalya, Türkiye
