What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A few years ago, the only options were a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck.
Technically, a mini tummy tuck tightens the skin and often the deep layer (fascia) below the belly button.
While this is a nice procedure for women who have C-section scarring and irregularities and very little loose skin, it is not for every patient. A mini tuck, if performed on a woman who also has upper abdominal fascial weakness, can yield a "mini tummy look", where the lower abdomen is flat but the upper abdomen bulges out.
If the fascia is loose, it should be tightened. Fascial tightening only occurs below the belly button with a true mini tuck.
Hybrid tummy tucks are now available that offer tightening of the entire abdominal fascia with a minimal lower abdominal incision, and no alteration of, or incision around, the belly button. Surgeons who are familiar with endoscopic techniques may be willing to perform such a hybrid tummy tuck procedure. The technical difficulty is greater than for a full tummy tuck, since a hybrid tummy tuck or an endoscopic assisted tummy tuck require special instrumentation and expertise. There are also artistic considerations unique to this type of tummy tuck as well.
The hybrid tummy tuck is suitable for fit moms who have little skin looseness but a noticeable looseness of the deep fascia (including a diastasis recti) that extends into the upper abdomen.

The mini tummy tuck is an operation designed for women who have excess skin or bulging below the belly button.  The area below the belly button is an anatomically weaker area of the abdomen. Pregnancy can further weaken this area.  The mini tummy tuck will not address any loose skin or weakness of the muscle above the belly button.  The incision is usually smaller than with a full tummy tuck.  Patients are often still able to wear a bikini without any visible scars.  There is no scar around the belly button with a standard mini tummy tuck. However, a modified variant of the mini tummy tuck may involve a scar around the belly button.  One of the benefits of having a mini tummy tuck is that full abdominal liposuction can also be performed simultaneously because there is less effect on the blood flow to the abdominal wall with a mini tummy tuck vs. a full tummy tuck.  It is important to realize the limitations of a mini tummy tuck as opposed to a full tummy tuck. Your board certified plastic surgeon is your best resource in deciding which procedure is best for you.Best of luck,

A mini tummy tuck is reserved for those patients with skin laxity only in the lower part of the abdomen. If here is muscle wall separation along the length of the abdomen or skin laxity above the belly button a full tummy tuck is recommended. A mini tuck removes skin from the lower part of the abdomen and does not require an incision around the belly button and typically may have a shorter horizontal incision than the standard tummy tuck. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.