Mini tummy tuck

It is a surgical procedure aimed at improving the contours of the lower abdomen. This procedure is ideal for patients who suffer from excess skin and fat accumulation below the navel, but do not need an extensive abdominoplasty. It is a less invasive variant of full abdominoplasty and offers beautiful results with a shorter recovery time.

A mini abdominoplasty is suitable for people with limited excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen, especially below the navel. It is a good option for those who do not see sufficient results from exercising and dieting, but do not need a total tummy tuck.

People often choose this after pregnancy or weight loss, when the skin is slightly sagging. Age and associated physical changes are also a reason to opt for the mini tummy tuck. Alternatives are the full tummy tuck and the Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck. These are more suitable for people with excess fat and/or skin above the navel.

It is always a good idea to try to get rid of excess fat with exercise and/or dieting. Yet this does not always work. Below the navel is a place where fat quickly accumulates, and diet and exercise simply do not always provide enough relief to get rid of that stubborn fat and loose skin. And have you lost a lot of weight? Then that loose skin can be a huge frustration. The same applies after pregnancy. Mini abdominoplasty can also be an option after a caesarean section. Are you aiming for a flat stomach and can't get that skin under the belly button tight or that fat gone? Mini abdominoplasty is the perfect solution if you would like to see this corrected.

Tummy liposuction is ideal for people of a healthy weight who suffer from localised fat deposits but have good skin elasticity. Liposuction tummy removes fat under your skin, with (virtually) invisible scars and a shorter recovery time. If the elasticity of your skin is no longer as good, liposuction abdomen has the disadvantage of leaving the skin on your lower abdomen flabby. Especially when you get a bit older, this can be a drawback.

A mini tummy tuck, on the other hand, is suitable for people with excess, sagging or wrinkled skin in the lower part of the abdomen, often after weight loss, pregnancy or due to ageing. This procedure offers both fat removal and skin tightening for a tighter abdominal profile. You should expect a larger scar, which the plastic surgeon will hide as much as possible in a skin fold.

In short, both techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages, and may or may not be suitable for your body. This will be revealed during a no-obligation consultation.

A mini abdominoplasty is suitable when you only suffer from excess skin and fat below the navel, while the upper abdomen (area above the navel) and the position of the navel do not need to be corrected. It is a less invasive procedure with a smaller incision and shorter recovery time, which is ideal if you need a limited abdominal lift.

A total abdominoplasty, on the other hand, is the ideal choice if you have sagging skin or fat deposits all over the abdomen, including above the navel, or if your abdominal wall muscles are weakened and need strengthening. The choice depends on the degree of correction needed for a balanced and aesthetic result.

The main differences between mini abdominoplasty and total abdominoplasty:

• Tightening of area below the navel or also above the navel
• Displacement or no displacement of the navel
• Degree of muscle correction/strengthening of muscles
• Degree of dissolving sagging and excess skin

No, it should be assessed whether the procedure is suitable for you. For instance, there should be a certain degree of skin laxity and fat accumulation. It is also important that your general health is good and that you have a healthy BMI.

Women, if they are a suitable candidate for mini tummy tuck, can almost always undergo the treatment. In men, however, it is necessary to look specifically at where exactly the fat is located. In men, the fat is often deeper around the organs (visceral fat), and then mini tummy tuck is not a suitable treatment. This can only be assessed personally during a no-obligation consultation.

There is no ideal age for a mini abdominoplasty. At Wellness Kliniek, we mainly receive adults aged between 30 and 65 for mini abdominoplasty. This is because the point at which skin ageing occurs is different for everyone. General old age, but also pregnancy, weight loss, smoking and genetic influences can affect the age at which you would like to have a mini tummy tuck done.

During the procedure, the plastic surgeon makes a horizontal incision just above your pubis (pubic bone). Next, excess skin is removed and the underlying abdominal wall is tightened. The recovery period is shorter than for a full tummy tuck. The procedure can often be combined with liposuction for even better results.

A mini abdominoplasty (mini abdominoplasty) takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the correction you need. Because it is a less invasive operation than a full tummy tuck, the operation time is relatively shorter and the recovery time is usually faster. During the consultation, you will be informed about this so you know what to expect.

After a mini tummy tuck, you can resume light activities within 1 to 2 weeks, while full recovery and sports may take 4 to 6 weeks. You may have some pain, swelling, and bruising. The pain is manageable with painkillers. After surgery, you will be given an abdominal bandage or elastic tights. Compression garments are worn to reduce swelling. The scar is smaller than with a full abdominoplasty and well hidden. The final result will only become visible after several months, once the swelling has completely subsided and the scar has healed.

After mini abdominoplasty, it is important to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous exercise, especially in the first few weeks. You will be given a supportive corset or abdominal band. The compression helps recovery, reduce swelling and heal the scar. It is essential to keep the wound clean and dry and follow doctor's instructions on wound care.

Avoid bending, lifting and intense exercise for at least 4 to 6 weeks. However, light exercise, such as short walks, is encouraged to promote blood circulation. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided as they can delay recovery.

Schedule check-up appointments with the plastic surgeon to monitor healing and rule out complications. Listen carefully to your body and contact your doctor in case of any signs of infection or other concerns.

After mini abdominoplasty, you can usually return to work within 1-2 weeks, depending on the nature of your work and how your body recovers. If your work is physically strenuous, it may take longer to return to full work. For office work or other light tasks, the return may be faster, while with heavy lifting and intense activities, it is usually better to wait 4 to 6 weeks. Working after abdominoplasty depends on your recovery. You will receive personal advice on this based on your situation.

Yes. After an abdominoplasty (including a mini abdominoplasty), you can get an official work loss note or medical certificate from your doctor or surgeon. This note indicates that you are temporarily unable to work due to medical reasons and the approximate duration of your recovery. You can then give this statement to your employer to justify your absence. It is usual for the doctor to provide this document, at your request, during your discharge after surgery or during a check-up appointment.

After about 2 weeks, you can take a gentle walk, as this is good for circulation. We also advise you not to strain recovering muscles and tissues too much in the beginning. Get personal advice from your doctor about your sports. Light exercise is allowed after 2 weeks, but we advise contact sports only after (at least) 2 months.

We advise you to take a shower only after 2 to 10 days. Until then, you can ask someone for help to wash you with a wet flannel, or do this yourself. As long as you take care to keep the wound and dressings dry, as this will promote the healing process. Your doctor will advise you on this personally.

Yes, numbness in the abdomen after mini tummy tuck is normal and common. This happens because nerves in the skin are cut or repositioned during the operation. The area around the incisions may be temporarily numb as a result.

Changes in sensation are a normal occurrence and sensation usually returns slowly as the nerves recover, which may take several months. In rare cases, part of the area may retain permanently diminished sensation or be hypersensitive. Fortunately, this almost never occurs.

Yes, pain shoots after plastic surgery are normal and are common during the recovery process. These shooting pains are usually due to the healing of nerves that were cut or moved during surgery. As the nerves recover, they may occasionally cause painful or sharp sensations, which is a sign that the healing process is ongoing.

These shooting pains may last for several weeks to months, depending on how fast your body heals. However, the discomfort should subside over time. If the pain is very intense, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, or fever, it is important to consult your doctor to rule out any complications. In short, mild pain after plastic surgery is a normal part of recovery, but keep your doctor informed if you have any concerns.

Immediately after the procedure, you will already notice that your abdomen is flatter and tighter, although you will still see quite a bit of swelling in the first few weeks after treatment. Within a few weeks, the abdomen will become flatter and tighter as the swelling goes down and the skin recovers. The final result is usually visible after a few months, when the body is fully healed.

Yes. The result of a mini tummy tuck is basically permanent, provided you maintain a stable weight. However, large fluctuations in weight or pregnancy can cause the skin and muscles to stretch again and reduce the effect. A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet helps to maintain the result for a long time.

Yes, to remove skin, the doctor has to make an incision. The length of the scar depends on the size of your excess skin and fat. A mini tummy tuck is characterised by a relatively small scar just above the pubic area. Fortunately, this scar will fade over time and disappear into the fold below the abdomen (it is similar to today's horizontal caesarean section scar). Careful consideration is given to where the so-so scar is as least visible as possible. With proper aftercare, such as avoiding sun on the scar and using scar creams, the scar will fade over time. You will get proper aftercare instructions from your doctor.

Yes, dog ears can occur after abdominoplasty. Dog ears at the end of scars occurs when small protrusions or folds of excess skin remain on the sides of the incision, often at the edges of the scars.

While this can be cosmetically distracting, dog ears are no reason to panic. In many cases, they can improve on their own as swelling reduces and your skin and the scar continue to heal. However, if they persist or remain cosmetically distracting, a minor correction procedure may be needed to smooth the skin. This correction can be performed under local anaesthetic.

Yes, it is possible. It is done, for example, if you have gained weight again or suffered from sagging skin. Pregnancy can also affect the result. However, it is important to seek personal advice. In addition, you should be fully recovered from the first operation. Have you had a (mini) tummy tuck before? If so, always mention this to your doctor during the consultation.

A mini tummy tuck is a specialised technique that requires the necessary knowledge and skills. Therefore, always choose an accredited clinic! Preferably with ISO 9001 label, the recognised European benchmark for quality. Then read other patients' mini tummy tuck experiences and look at before and after photos, to get a good idea of the treatment and the clinic. Personal advice is a must, so be well informed at a specialised treatment centre that will give you comprehensive and honest advice.

Wellness Kliniek is at the international top for the procedure mini abdominoplasty. We offer international quality assurance ISO 9001 and receive patients from all over the world. Expertise, transparency and safety are the basis for a beautiful result!