Mini Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego and La Jolla

mini tummy tuck procedure

Have you recently lost weight? Or maybe you’re stuck with a bump of sagging skin and abdominal fat that just won’t go away? A mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have minimal loose skin and fat along their stomach. This procedure will enhance your profile and help you achieve a toned, smooth stomach that you can quickly show off!

Dr. Erfani is a skilled surgeon who has been performing cosmetic procedures for many years. His level of expertise will help you look and feel your best! If you are ready to get rid of that frustrating pouch of fat and loose skin that won’t go away no matter how hard you try, give our office a call! We offer a wide range of solutions that can help you obtain a flat stomach.

What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is a variation of an abdominoplasty.

This procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and improve the appearance of the stomach. The result is a more toned abdomen! A mini tummy tuck is different from a full tummy tuck. It is less invasive, requires a smaller incision and a shorter recovery period. 

In a mini tummy tuck, a short incision is made just above the pubic mound. Through this incision, excess skin is removed, abdominal muscles may be tightened and liposuction may be used to enhance the end results. A mini tummy tuck with Dr. Erfani is an ideal treatment for men and women who have lost weight and are frustrated with a bump of sagging skin below the belly button that won’t return to its natural position.

Liposuction is often used during a mini tummy tuck to remove unwanted fat. The end results of a mini abdominoplasty will have you looking and feeling slim!

Benefits

The primary advantage of a mini tummy tuck is the end result. The procedure helps you have a smoother, flatter stomach that will help you look your best! You will look more attractive and fit in swimsuits and form-fitting clothes. This procedure is less involved than a full tummy tuck and boasts a shorter downtime than a full abdominoplasty. After a mini tummy tuck, your profile will be smoother and enhance your body’s natural curves.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for a mini abdominoplasty include:

  • Patients that are within ten percent of their ideal body weight
  • Patients who need a minimal amount of excess skin removed
  • Patients who need minimal abdominal muscle tightening
  • Patients who are healthy and do not smoke
  • Patients who have realistic expectations for what cosmetic surgery can accomplish

If you are interested in a mini tummy tuck, we encourage you to reach out to our office today to see if you qualify!

Personal Consultation

mini tummy tuck personal consultation

During your meeting with Dr. Erfani, he will walk you through the details of a mini tummy tuck. This will include the variations of this procedure and add-on techniques such as liposuction that can be used to enhance the results. This information will help you understand what can be achieved with a mini tummy tuck from Dr. Erfani. Your consultation is a great time to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have. Dr. Erfani will take the time to address your worries and inform you of the safety measures put into practice to ensure a healthy surgery and recovery.

One of these safety measures includes getting to know you and your health history. Dr. Erfani will ask about past procedures, your current lifestyle, the goal you hope to achieve with a mini tummy tuck, your allergies and what medications and prescriptions you take. This information will help Dr. Erfani gauge your health and determine if a mini tummy tuck is for you.

We want you to have your best procedure! If Dr. Erfani confirms you are an ideal candidate and you wish to pursue the procedure, an appointment will be scheduled.

Preparation

Dr. Erfani will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your mini tummy tuck procedure. These steps will include:

  • Filling prescriptions
  • Setting aside an area of your home where you can recover without distraction
  • Arranging rides and at-home care with friends or family members
  • Fasting for the twelve hours that lead up to your surgical appointment
  • Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes that can be easily removed at your appointment
These are just a few of the ways you will need to prepare for your procedure. Dr. Erfani will go in-depth on how you will get yourself ready for the mini tummy tuck during your consultation. If you have any last-minute concerns or questions, please give our office a call so we can assist you.

Procedure

In a mini abdominoplasty procedure, general anesthesia will be used to help you rest and remain comfortable throughout surgery. Once you are asleep, a small incision will be made above the pubic hairline. This incision is low enough to be discreet and be hidden behind clothing articles like swimsuit bottoms. Through this incision, Dr. Erfani will access unwanted skin, excise the excess skin and he may tighten the abdominal muscles.

Liposuction may also be used to sculpt away unwanted fat and maximize the outcome. Once Dr. Erfani has completed the procedure and is happy with the outcome, he will close the incision and apply bandages.

You will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored until you can go home. Someone will need to drive you home as you will still be recovering from the effects of the anesthesia. The whole procedure can be completed in one to two hours.

Recovery

Following surgery, your abdomen will be swollen and bruised. Any discomfort can be controlled with a prescribed medication. Bandages will be kept on for about two weeks to keep incisions clean and to maintain the new contour achieved in surgery.

You will need to avoid lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks to ensure you do not apply pressure to incisions. This includes workouts. We do recommend you take brief walks to improve circulation when you feel comfortable with movement. 

We also recommend you schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your results are coming in well. This meeting will give Dr. Erfani a chance to examine your abdomen and inform you what to expect for the rest of your recovery. Give our office a call to learn more about what a follow-up appointment looks like!

Results

The outcome of your procedure will be finalized around the two-month marker. At this point, you will notice that swelling has diminished and your body has adjusted to your abdomen’s new shape. The outcome achieved by Dr. Erfani is long-lasting! The best way to keep your results looking their best is to stay within a healthy weight range and live an active life. A healthy lifestyle is your key to looking your best for a long time!

Complementary Procedures

Liposuction is often used alongside a mini tummy tuck to maximize the results. Dr. Erfani will determine if liposuction will help you achieve a more toned result during your consultation with him. Liposuction will help contour the abdomen and remove stubborn fat deposits that have a direct effect on sagging abdominal tissue. Dr. Erfani specializes in traditional liposuction, a trusted and tested method of removing fat that has been used for decades. Liposuction alongside your mini tummy tuck can help you achieve a more dramatic and contoured result. 

Cost

Mini abdominoplasties are personalized to your body and desired outcome. This procedure often includes liposuction to help remove difficult fat deposits and improve the end results. Dr. Erfani will go over a cost breakdown with you during your personal consultation so you have a good understanding of the differently-priced techniques that will keep you safe and healthy throughout the procedure. 

We would love to tell you more about mini tummy tuck! Give us a call at (619) 323-2888 or schedule a consultation with us on the website today. We look forward to talking with you.

FAQ

What is the recovery time for a mini tummy tuck?

On average, patients require a few days of downtime. If you have a sedentary career, you will be able to return to work quicker than those with a physically demanding job. Abdominal muscles may be able to heal within two weeks of surgery but every body is different and you will experience your own recovery timeline. It is important that you follow Dr. Erfani’s recovery instructions and get plenty of rest. A follow-up appointment with the doctor will help you achieve your best results.

What’s the difference between mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?

A full tummy tuck is a more extensive procedure than a mini tummy tuck. This abdominal surgery requires a longer incision – from hip to hip. The procedure includes repairing the abdominal muscles, removing excess skin and re-adjusting the remaining skin to fit the belly button. A full tummy tuck is often pursued by women who have given birth or by patients who have lost a moderate amount of weight. A mini tummy tuck on the other hand, requires a small linear incision through which excess skin is removed and abdominal muscles are tightened.

Does a mini tummy tuck tighten muscles?

Sometimes, it depends on the patient and what their body needs. Dr. Erfani will help determine the specific details of your mini tummy tuck during your private meeting with him.

How much is the average tummy tuck?

The cost of a tummy tuck fluctuates between patients because it is a customized procedure. There are many techniques that can be used in addition to a tummy tuck to ensure your best results. Dr. Erfani and you will work together to create your best treatment plan. The doctor will also go over a cost breakdown of your procedure with you.

Does a mini tummy tuck hurt?

A mini tummy tuck will not hurt. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort and safety during surgery. Dr. Erfani will prescribe pain medication so you can control any discomfort during recovery. The medication will only be needed for a few days after which you can use an over-the-counter medication like Tylenol to ensure your comfort.