Procedure: Approximately 2 hours
Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Recovery: About 1 week (for office jobs and non-strenuous activities)
Post-op Visits: 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months
What Is Mini Abdominoplasty?
The goal of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) is to improve the contour of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat while also tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. In comparison to a full tummy tuck—which addresses concerns both above and below the belly button—mini abdominoplasty is generally better suited for individuals who have minimal excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity limited to the lower abdomen (below the belly button). The procedure is typically performed with a shorter incision, and it often results in a reduced recovery period.
Fort Worth plastic surgeon Jon Kurkjian, MD has aesthetic fellowship training specifically focused on procedures like the mini tummy tuck, enabling him customize treatment to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual with optimal safety and efficacy. Throughout the mini abdominoplasty process, he is committed to fostering patient education, maximizing comfort, and ensuring the highest level of care—all of which factor into a successful treatment with exceptional results.
Formulating a Custom Treatment Plan for Mini Abdominoplasty
When you meet with Dr. Kurkjian for a consultation, he will carefully listen as you describe the aesthetic concerns you have, as well as the look you wish to attain. When he has a full understanding of your needs and goals, he will conduct an extensive evaluation of his own and formulate a personalized mini tummy tuck plan designed to safely and effectively achieve the results you desire.
Once you have discussed the approach in full detail and are satisfied with the proposed treatment, Dr. Kurkjian will provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect from start to finish of the process—including how to prepare for surgery, what type of aftercare will likely be necessary, and how long total recovery time may take. He will also gladly answer any questions or address any concerns that might arise throughout the discussion. If you wish to move forward with your mini abdominoplasty at this time, a friendly member of our staff can help you book a date for surgery and speak with you about payment and/or financing options, if desired. They will also provide you with pre-operative directives, such as increasing your consumption of protein in order to facilitate the healing and scar maturation processes.
From the moment you step foot in our office until you leave your last post-operative appointment, Dr. Kurkjian and our team will do everything in our power to make sure you feel completely comfortable and free of any worry pertaining to your treatment. Our ultimate aim is to help you achieve an improved appearance and boosted self-confidence through an unmatched level of care and support.
What Are Some Key Benefits of Mini Abdominoplasty?
Mini tummy tuck surgery can be advantageous in several ways for numerous women and men seeking an abdominal-focused body contouring solution. Some of the top benefits of mini abdominoplasty can include:
- Decreased amount of excess skin in the lower abdomen
- Reduction of fat in and around the lower abdomen
- Tightening of stretched and/or loose lower abdominal musculature
- Resolution of stretch marks limited to the lower abdomen
- An incision that is shorter in length than that of a full tummy tuck
- Avoidance of an incision around the belly button
Are You the Right Candidate for Mini Abdominoplasty?
Individuals who have poor muscle tone and a mild excess of skin and fat between the belly button and top of the pubic area are generally considered good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. Patients should also be at or very near their ideal weight, as any future weight gain and/or loss (including pregnancy) can have a negative impact on the long-term results of surgery. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Kurkjian can assess your needs/goals and determine if you would be best suited for mini abdominoplasty, full abdominoplasty, or another cosmetic procedure.
How Is Mini Abdominoplasty Performed?
Performed under general anesthesia, mini tummy tuck surgery often takes about two hours to complete. Using a shorter incision than is required for a full abdominoplasty, Dr. Kurkjian will excise extra skin and fat located between the belly button and the pubic bone. If needed, the lower abdominal muscles will also be tightened through this limited incision. Liposuction is commonly utilized in combination with a mini tummy tuck in order to maximize abdominal sculpting. Typically, Dr. Kurkjian prefers to employ the SAFELipo® technique, which allows for more aggressive fatty tissue removal while minimizing the possibility of contour irregularities via the separation, aspiration, and equalization of fat. Once an ideal outcome is achieved, the skin is pulled tight, and special progressive-tension sutures are used to close the incision.
What Will Recovery from Mini Abdominoplasty Be Like?
Following treatment, a compression garment will need to be worn in order to minimize swelling and help prevent any fluid collections. Drains are not always utilized, as Dr. Kurkjian is highly trained in the drainless mini abdominoplasty method and can employ this technique for appropriate candidates. In the event drains are needed, however, they typically do not result in any added discomfort and can generally be removed within a week.
Side effects such as swelling and bruising may be apparent initially after surgery, though these symptoms are usually mild in nature due to Dr. Kurkjian’s careful surgical approach, and they should resolve relatively quickly. Dr. Kurkjian also offers an innovative pain management method that can provide long-lasting desensitization to the treatment area for up to 72 hours.
Depending on the extent of the procedure, most patients can return to desk jobs and/or other non-strenuous daily routines after approximately one week, though more rigorous activities will need to be avoided for longer. Dr. Kurkjian often recommends waiting at least three weeks before beginning light exercise.
Throughout the entirety of the recovery process, Dr. Kurkjian and our staff are dedicated to your safety and comfort. Our follow-up visits are designed to monitor your healing progress and ensure everything is going according to plan, and we are always available to address any questions or concerns you have along the way.
How Much Does Mini Abdominoplasty Cost?
The average price range for mini abdominoplasty at our practice is starting at $10,500, with the exact cost of surgery being influenced by the specifics of your custom treatment plan. Generally speaking, factors that can have a significant impact on the total expense of a mini tummy tuck include:
- The amount of skin and fat removed
- The degree of muscle tightening needed
- The plastic surgeon’s skill and expertise
- Hospital or surgical facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Whether or not complementary procedures are performed
- Where the practice is geographically located
In an effort to make mini abdominoplasty affordable for virtually any budget, Dr. Kurkjian accepts payment through CareCredit® and various other healthcare lenders that offer special financing for plastic surgery. If you are interested in financial aid, our team can show you how to browse various payment plan options as well as get started on the simple approval process when you visit for your consultation.
Contact Our Practice
To learn more about mini abdominoplasty, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at our practice, please feel free to contact us online or by phone today.
