Mini Tummy usually cost a bit less than tummy tuck which cost 5,000-13,000. The lower price range for a tummy tuck is seen for smaller surgeries in low cost areas of the country or overseas and with less experienced surgeons with less reliable result. Another option is a liposuction which cost a good bit less than a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. Liposuction removes fat, but generally does not give much skin tightening as a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. Liposuction combined with skin tightening cost a bit more that regular liposuction, but can give nearly the skin tightening abdominoplasty. All three of these procedures can be good options, I recommend consulting with a surgeon who has a reputation for candor and straight talk to determine what is the best option for you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are many possibilities, both surgical and non-surgical, but it is difficult without at least seeing photos to advise you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Concerns about the appearance of the abdomen are very common among patients consulting with a plastic surgeon. Just like every patient is different, so too is every abdomen. Different problems require different solutions. Your board-certified plastic surgeon is uniquely trained to identify the problems as well as the appropriate solution.

The abdomen is commonly addressed via liposuction or abdominoplasty (“tummy – tuck”). Which procedure is best is dependent upon the source of the problem.

Excess fat deposits underneath the skin can be addressed via liposuction. Liposuction will not address any other issues and may worsen the situation if there are other factors at play such as skin excess and muscle laxity.

Common patients concerns are centered around issues of excess skin as well as fat. A third factor, which is often overlooked by most patients, is abdominal wall muscle laxity (typically seen in postpartum moms).

The tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate excess skin and fat and tighten the muscles in the abdominal wall to create a smoother and slimmer contour. The tummy tuck is designed to target areas of the abdomen that have not responded to diet and exercise, making it particularly popular among people that have a lot of loose or sagging skin around the abdominal area due to significant weight loss, as well as women with excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles following pregnancy and childbirth.

Candidates for tummy tuck should be already at or near their ideal weight for optimal results. It is recommended to women that are planning on becoming pregnant to postpone the procedure until they are finished having children.

A mini-abdominoplasty is a short scar abdominoplasty. Optimal candidates have minimal skin excess localized below the level of the umbilicus (belly button). The major benefit of the procedure is the shorter scar burden. Alternatively, the drawback to the procedure is it's minimal access nature. The shorter scar and the upper limit of dissection (belly button) limits the opportunity to tighten the muscle as you only have access to the lower 1/3 of the muscle in the midline for plication (unless you float/detach the umbilicus which can only be performed in cases of minimal infraumbilical skin excess).

Without photos, it is difficult to offer an opinion. Choice of procedure is based on the unique features of a given patient's abdomen. The most cost-effective procedure is that which addresses your unique problems/issues.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012