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Mini Tummy Tuck Scars

  • Neodyne
  • January 10, 2022

Sometimes, no amount of working out or healthy eating can get you to achieve that super toned stomach you've always dreamed of. You've made all these healthy lifestyle changes, and yet your stomach just doesn't look like how you want it to be. Instead, you have all this loose and saggy skin on your abdomen that is stopping you from feeling confident.

Maybe it's from a previous pregnancy. Maybe you lost a bunch of weight. Or maybe your stomach has just started to sag with age. Regardless of the reason, loose and saggy skin on your stomach can make you feel really insecure. And no amount of crunches can make that saggy skin get any tighter.

If you're feeling defeated by looking in the mirror and only seeing your stomach, it might be a good idea to get a mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck is the perfect solution for those who want to achieve a flatter abdomen and get rid of that annoying saggy skin that just won't seem to go away.

 

While getting a mini tummy tuck might be the solution you've been looking for, it's a serious procedure that you should be positive is the right choice for you. It's an invasive surgery that involves incisions and requires you to go under some sort of anesthesia. So, it's not something not you should take lightly. A mini tummy tuck involves extensive preparation and recovery to ensure you get the best results possible.

In this blog post, we'll be discussing what a mini tummy tuck is, mini tummy tuck scars, mini tummy tuck cost, and more. It's important to do extensive research before undergoing any cosmetic procedure- especially one as invasive as a tummy tuck is. Read this blog post so you'll have a better idea of what's in store for your mini tummy tuck.

What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck, also called a mini abdominoplasty, is an invasive surgery that requires incisions to remove excess fat and tighten skin in the lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck mainly targets the skin below your belly button. It's an ideal procedure for people who have extra skin or fat in the lower abdominal region that they can't get rid of with regular exercise or diet.

During a mini tummy tuck procedure, an incision will be made on your lower abdomen. This incision will range from 4 to 8 inches in length. Once an incision is made, the surgeon will remove excess fat and skin and tighten loose muscles. This will result in a flatter and more firm stomach. You will have to go under either local or general anesthesia to get this procedure.

Since a mini tummy tuck only targets your lower abdomen, your belly button will remain intact and won't need any reconstructive surgery, like with a full tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat in both the lower and middle abdomen.

If you've had a C-section, getting a mini tummy tuck is actually quite easy. A surgeon will most likely use the same incision for the tummy tuck, so you won't have additional scarring. A mini tummy tuck scar can actually replace a C-section scar with a lower and neater scar.

Before undergoing any type of surgical procedure, it's always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons. These are some of the pros and cons of getting a mini tummy tuck:

Pros

  • Tightens and flattens the lower abdomen
  • Can replace a C-section scar
  • Scarring is less obvious than a full tummy tuck
  • Can return to work within a week
  • Costs significantly less than a full tummy tuck

Cons

  • Does not address any issues in the upper abdomen, so results can look uneven depending on your body type
  • Less dramatic results than with a full tummy tuck
  • Has potential complications

Here are some other additional facts about mini tummy tucks:

  • Can return to work and daily activities within a week
  • Will see results within 6 weeks
  • Costs range between $3,500 to $8,000
  • Scar is typically under 6 inches long
  • Requires general or local anesthesia

Who is a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck?

If you're wondering if you're a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck, there are a few key factors you should consider. A mini tummy tuck is ideal for those who only have loose skin and excess fat below their belly button. If you want to correct skin/fat above the belly button, a full tummy tuck is a better option for you.

You should also be at or near your ideal weight prior to the surgery. Any future weight gain or loss after the surgery is done can have adverse side effects on the long term results. In addition to these, it's also important that you're physically healthy, don't smoke, and have realistic expectations of the results.

A mini tummy tuck is ideal for women who want to restore the shape of their stomach after pregnancy, remove excess skin that can't be achieved through exercise, and overall feel more confident in their body.

It's important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss solution. In order to qualify for a tummy tuck, you should've already attained your weight loss goals. The tummy tuck is just a way to tighten excess skin that can't be achieved through exercise or healthy eating.

How much does a mini tummy tuck cost?

Now that we've discussed what a mini tummy tuck procedure entails and what makes a good candidate, let's get into mini tummy tuck costs.

So, how much is a mini tummy tuck? The cost varies depending on various factors, such as region, surgeon, and procedural specifications. We'll break down these factors below:

Extent of the procedure

The cost of a tummy tuck will vary depending on how intense the surgery is. A full tummy tuck, for example, covers a larger area of your stomach and will cost more. Since a mini tummy tuck only addresses below the belly button, it's considerably less expensive. The amount of work the surgeon has to do will ultimately impact the price.

Volume of fat removed

If you have more fat that needs to be removed from your abdomen, that could increase the overall cost. In addition to fat removal, a mini tummy tuck procedure can also include muscle tightening, skin lifting and tightening, and muscle reshaping- which will all be additional costs.

Type of anesthesia used

You will need to go under general or local anesthesia to get a tummy tuck. General anesthesia is usually more expensive than local anesthesia. With local anesthesia, you'll likely be given a smaller dose and you will then have to take a sedative so you can sleep through the procedure. But since you're given a smaller dose, it's less expensive. The type and dose of anesthesia you receive will impact the cost of the procedure.

Number of procedures performed

Some candidates who get a mini tummy tuck may also choose to get additional procedures as well. Often, liposuction is done as well to remove even more fat. You can save money when you do liposuction at the same time as a mini tummy tuck, so many choose to do that.

Another procedure you can get done is a mommy makeover- which is a tummy tuck and a breast augmentation. Since this is a more intense surgery, costs will be higher, but it's a great option if you want to enhance the size of your boobs as well as remove fat on your stomach. If you do opt for this procedure, it's important to note that mommy makeover scars are more noticeable and will take several months to fade.

Your health insurance

In most cases, a tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure, which means your health insurance won't cover the cost. However, in certain scenarios, a tummy tuck can actually be considered a medical procedure. If your health insurance can cover part of the cost, that'll save you a considerable amount of money.

Location

Where you get the procedure done has a big impact on the cost of a mini tummy tuck. If you get your tummy tuck done in a major city, it's most likely going to be more expensive than if you get it done in a less populated area. So if you're trying to save a couple bucks, it might be a good idea to travel to a smaller city to get your tummy tuck done. But no matter where you go, make sure that your surgeon is board certified.

Experience of plastic surgeon

The more experienced and qualified your plastic surgeon is, the more expensive the procedure is going to be. Surgical fees will vary depending on the surgeon's credentials and skills. While you might be tempted to opt for a surgeon with cheaper fees, remember that experience goes a long way. You're getting a serious procedure done, so you want to make sure you're in good hands. Even though an experienced plastic surgeon might cost more, you're likely to get a much better result.

Additional expenses

There will likely be additional expenses you should account for with a tummy tuck procedure, like hospital and surgical facility fees, recovery fees, and other medical test fees. Make sure you're capable of covering all these expenses before deciding to move forward with getting the procedure.

Pinching stomach fat

What's the Difference Between a Mini Tummy Tuck and a Full Tummy Tuck?

It's important to know the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a fully tummy tuck so that you can get the correct procedure based on your future body goals. A full tummy tuck procedure involves an abdominal lift and tuck and is a more extensive surgery that removes excess fat and loose skin in both the lower and middle abdominal regions. A mini tummy tuck just targets the lower abdomen.

With a full tummy tuck, you'll have a scar from hip to hip on the lower portion of the abdomen as well as small scar around the belly button. The skin of your lower and middle abdominal regions will be removed and tightened, resulting in a flatter and firmer stomach.

With a mini tummy tuck, you'll have the same scar from hip to hip on the lower portion of the abdomen, but the scar can be shorter depending on the procedure and patient. However, there will be no scar around the belly button and the skin and fat just between the belly button and pubic area is removed.

A full tummy tuck is ideal for those who want skin and fat removed from their entire stomach, while a mini tummy tuck is better for those who just want their lower abdomen corrected. Understanding the difference between these two and what the process entails will help you make a better decision about which is right for you.

With a mini tummy tuck, recovery time is shorter and it's less expensive, so it might be the best option if you're looking for a quick fix to saggy skin in your lower stomach region only.

Applying cream to scar

Mini Tummy Tuck Scarring

It's crucial to know that mini tummy tuck scarring is inevitable. But scarring shouldn't deter you from doing what you need to get the body you've always dreamed of. If a mini tummy tuck is the solution you need to tighten your stomach, don't let a scar stop you from achieving that.

Scarring is a natural part of the healing process, but can it negatively impact your view of tummy tuck results. So if you're considering getting a tummy tuck, make sure you're aware of what mini tummy tuck scars look like and how to care for them.

How long is the scar for a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck scar can range from 4 to 8 inches in length and it'll be located on your lower abdomen right above the pubic region. The length of the scar depends on how much skin needs to be removed.

Fortunately, a mini tummy tuck scar is relatively easy to hide with a bathing suit or underwear, so it shouldn't have too much of an impact on your daily life. You can even bring in a bathing suit that you plan to wear so that your surgeon can place the incision line where you know it will be hidden.

Do tummy tuck scars go away?

A common fear of getting a surgical procedure is that the scars won't go away. While scars are inevitable, that doesn't mean they're going to be noticeable for the rest of your life. Mini tummy tuck scars will fade! Especially if you take good care of them.

It can take up to 6 months for a mini tummy tuck scar to fade, so you should expect that the scar will be red and raised in the beginning recovery stages. However, once the incision is completely healed, you can use a treatment kit to reduce visible scarring.

Embrace Scar Therapy carries tummy tuck scar treatment kits to help with scarring. These tummy tuck kits help to prevent the appearance of dark, raised, and visible scars with adhesive sheets. These sheets are made with medical-grade silicone and adhesive that protect your scar from everyday movement while keeping the skin hydrated. Consistently using these sheets will result in a lighter, thinner, and flatter scar.

As for recovery, mini tummy tuck recovery is less intense than a full tummy tuck and you can expect to be back at work within a week's time. You may have to stay overnight in the hospital, but it's less likely with a mini tummy tuck. However, you will definitely have to stay in the hospital for at least a few hours following the surgery.

You'll likely have some discomfort for the first few weeks following the procedure, but you'll be able to resume most of your daily activities within a week. You'll have to wear a compression garment following the procedure to reduce swelling and provide support while you heal. You should also avoid exercising and heavy lifting for at least 7-10 weeks after the surgery.

It can take up to 6 weeks to see the results of your mini tummy tuck, so patience is key. You've finally achieved your dream body, you just need a little bit of healing time before you can see it in the flesh.

3 Womens Tummies

Final Notes

If you've tried exercising, healthy eating, and making other lifestyle changes, and yet your belly pooch just doesn't seem to go away, a mini tummy tuck might be your perfect solution. A mini tummy tuck will remove excess fat and tighten saggy skin in your lower abdomen, helping you to achieve that super toned stomach you've always wanted.

But before you can go ahead and book your surgery, it's important that you understand what's in store. A tummy tuck is a serious medical procedure that involves an incision and anesthesia, so it's not something to take lightly. Do your research so you know what the procedure and recovery process entails. The more prepared you are for the surgery, the more calm you will feel walking into that surgical room.

As with any surgical procedure, scars are inevitable. But a scar shouldn't deter you from getting a mini tummy tuck if it's what you truly want. To reduce visible scarring, you can use embrace Scar Therapy to enhance the results of your plastic surgery procedure even further. With the right care, your mini tummy tuck scar will be almost nonexistent in no time.