how painful is a mini tummy tuck?

Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall muscles and removes redundant skin below the umbilicus, belly button, only. The shortest scar technique leaves a scar at the pubic hair line. Liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with a tummy tuck to benefit selected patients
‘Mini” tummy tucks can benefit patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat or protruding of the lower abdomen. This operation may be done under local anesthesia with sedation, on an outpatient basis. Liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with a tummy tuck to benefit selected patients.
‘Mini” tummy tucks can benefit patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat or protruding of the lower abdomen (below the belly button). This operation may be done under local anesthesia with sedation, on an outpatient basis. Liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with a tummy tuck to benefit selected patients.
Far more important than deciding if a mini tummy tuck is for you is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let him explain why one technique may be better than another and if you need a tummy tuck. Many board certified plastic surgeons provide a free first time consult and you should take advantage of that!
See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for you!
I have also attached a video for a possible Tummy Tuck Candidate. 

It is difficult to predict the degree of pain patients are going to feel since everyone is different. That being said, a mini tummy tuck is generally very well tolerated. The worst pain usually comes from tightening your muscles which is done to a lesser degree or not at all during a mini tummy tuck compared to a full tummy tuck. Also, your surgeon can inject numbing medicine during your surgery to help with the immediate pain once you wake up. I would not let the fear of pain stop you from a mini tummy tuck! Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to see what is best for you. Good luck!

-Dr. Angelos