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.