CHICAGO's #1 Mini Tummy Tuck Surgeons

A good candidate for a mini tummy tuck has loose, sagging skin primarily below the belly button. For example, women who have a relatively slim abdomen but have a small pouch above their C-section scars are common candidates for a mini tummy tuck. Good candidates will be at a stable weight, have good skin tone and

The main difference between a tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck is the area they address. A full tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens muscles across the entire abdomen, both above and below the belly button. A mini tummy tuck, on the other hand, focuses only on the lower abdomen below the belly button and is ideal for those with mild skin laxity or a small lower belly pouch. The mini version typically involves a smaller incision and shorter recovery time.

Having a healthy pregnancy after a mini tummy tuck is entirely possible. However, it is best to wait until you are finished having children to schedule your surgery. Abdominal stretching during a subsequent pregnancy may affect your results and could require a revision surgery.

Many people choose to include other procedures with a mini tummy tuck to further enhance their results. For example, liposuction gives your cosmetic surgeon a greater opportunity to slim and sculpt beautiful stomach contours. Some women choose to have a breast augmentation with a mini tummy tuck for a better overall improvement and sexier curves. Tummy tucks are frequently included in a mommy makeover.

While your exact recovery process will depend on how your body responds to surgery and whether you have combined your mini tummy tuck with any additional procedures, most people experience some swelling and bruising, particularly around the incision site. You can plan on around 1 to 2 weeks of downtime before returning to work and normal daily activities. Your cosmetic surgeon will advise when to return to more strenuous activities, such as exercising.

Any surgery will result in scars, but a mini tummy tuck typically leaves behind a smaller scar than a traditional tummy tuck. Dr. Truong makes every effort to discretely conceal the scar so that it will be hidden by most underwear and bathing suits. Most mini tummy tuck recipients feel that the benefits of the procedure far outweigh the resulting scar.

The majority of your swelling and bruising will resolve within several weeks following your surgery. Although each person heals at a different rate and individuals who have a combination of procedures may require more time for recovery, final mini tummy tuck results are typically visible by 3 to 6 months after surgery.

The price of a mini tummy tuck is a little less than full abdominoplasty. Results and experience should be what you decide on, not price (because it only varies a little from surgeon to surgeon).

Remember also to get a qualified, board-certified cosmetic surgeon who has been thoroughly trained in the mini tummy tuck procedure, and has done a lot of these surgeries.