Mini-Tummy Tuck (Mini-Abdominoplasty)

A mini-tummy tuck or mini-abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the lower abdomen, and tightens the muscles of the lower abdominal wall. Often liposuction of the upper abdomen ± flanks/hips is part of this operation. It is designed to improve the lower abdominal “pot” deformity & eradicate any overhang or apron thus giving a “flat” tummy. It removes stretch-marks only from the lowest third of the abdomen.

It is a smaller operation than a formal tummy tuck as the umbilicus (“belly button”) is not re-sited and the surgical dissection is practically limited to below the umbilicus. It is used when liposuction alone is insufficient and a full abdominoplasty is too much or is rejected by the patient

A mini-tummy tuck (mini-abdominoplasty) can be combined with other abdominal surgery or the revision of unsightly surgical scars left by caesarian sections, appendicectomies, hysterectomies etc.

As in any cosmetic surgery, there are benefits, risks and the final results are not guaranteed.

To view the before and after photos in Professor Malata’s publications on abdominoplasty click below

• Abdominoplasty in patients with and without pre-existing scars - A retrospective comparison

• An algorithmic approach to abdominal flap breast reconstruction in patients with pre-existing scars results from a single surgeon’s experience

• Abdominoplasty as an adjunct to management of peri-Caesarian section necrotizing fasciitis

All operations carry risks as well as benefits. As in any cosmetic surgery, there are benefits, risks and the final results are not guaranteed. Professor Malata will explain how the risks of minitummy tuck apply to you. Detailed postoperative instructions will be discussed during consultation and a procedure-specific handout given to you by Professor Malata.

Some risks of a mini-tummy tuck operation

Frequent

• Swelling and bruising: common but mild

• Tightness & discomfort on movement or coughing.

• Bleeding and haematoma: <5%

• Numbness of lower abdomen: less common than full tummy tuck

• Seromas: common

• Residual stretch marks in upper 2/3 of the abdomen (by definition).

Infrequent

• Bulging of the upper abdomen

• Skin contour irregularities: lumps, depressions, wrinkles: especially at sites of liposuction

• Infection: rare

• Delayed healing: wound breakdown, skin/ tissue loss: rare except in smokers, diabetics, tight closure

• General complications: blood clots (DVT & PE), chest infection

• Umbilicus: malpositioned, pulled down, poor appearance, loss

• Unsatisfactory or disappointing results: rare

• Long-term alterations of body contour: ageing, weight loss/ gain, pregnancy, etc

• Revisional surgery: dog ears, residual asymmetry, disatissifaction, scars, etc

Alternatives to a mini-tummy tuck

• Weight loss: diet + exercise

• No surgery at all

• Liposuction alone

• Full tummy tuck