Can my mini tummy tuck incision be placed this low?

The mini-abdominoplasty incision can, indeed, be quite low.  In fact, patients can usually wear the lowest Brazilian cut jeans available, which hit a mere 7cm from the upper aspect of the vulvar commissure.  I usually place the incision at 5cm from the upper aspect of the vulvar commissure.  In addition, I remove the hair follicles superior to the incision line so that no pubic hair will be visible on the abdomen.  Thus, the incision is hidden by even the lowest "low-ride" jeans or shorts and no pubic hair is visible on the lower abdomen.  Another important point is to do liposuction on the mons pubis to achieve a flat abdominal contour above and below the incision.    

A Tummy Tuck is a major surgical procedure. It is therefore important that my patients have an understanding of the process and what to expect. The Tummy Tuck procedure involves making an incision just above the pubic hairline and then removing excess skin and fat. The incision is placed well below the panty line so that it can be easily concealed with underwear or a bathing suit. If you have a specific request about where you would like the incision, speak with your Surgeon before the procedure so that she can examine you and discuss the placement with you. T

The incision for a mini tummy tuck can be placed very low, just above the pubic area and following the groin crease. Therefore, some of it can be covered by pubic hair and it will remain well hidden by underwear/bikini bottom. The procedure is best suited for those who cannot reduce the bulging beneath their navels or who have stretched, lax skin, therefore it may be suitable for you. Please see an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to confirm suitability. 

Remember these words. Mini surgery will give you mini results. Just from your description of yourself I can guarantee you that you will be unhappy with the results of a mini tummy tuck. If there is any skin laxity at all, the results of a mini, pale in comparison to a well executed Bikini Tummy Tuck. You will still have loose skin, and maybe a deformed belly button, with not such a mini scar. Only 1 to 2% of women really qualify for a mini tummy tuck.

The big problem is that nobody wants a long scar. Well, it is your choice, a great result , or a long scar. Many surgeons will sell you on the mini. Why??? Because that is exactly what you want to hear. So you schedule for your magic mini makeover, and guess what?? it didn't't deliver.

Educate yourself and don't let unethical surgeons sell you hope.

The mini tummy tummy can give maximum results. The key is doing it for the correct person. The scar is placed horizontally, just above the pubic region, and below the bikini line. This makes it easy to hide in clothing. Unlike a full tummy tuck, there is no scar around the belly button. 

A mini tummy tuck can tighten the skin and muscle below the belly button. It can remove excess fat in the lower abdomen, and it is frequently combined with liposuction to reduce fat on other areas of the flanks and abdomen. In general the recovery is easier and faster with a mini tummy tuck too.

So, what's the catch? The mini in mini tummy tuck means less is done. When less is needed the results are satisfying. When more is needed, the results can be underwhelming. A mini tummy tuck cannot tighten the muscle or skin above the belly button. If these areas need improvement, a full tummy tuck is probably a better choice. 

Typically a mini tummy tuck incision is placed just above the pubic bone, in pubic area.  The lateral extent (how wide to side it goes) of incision depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed.  A well trained and experienced surgeon can decide on the minimal  extent of the incision that's needed to obtain a meaningful result.  I have seen a number of patients that came to me for revision of tummy tucks, in whom prior surgeon tried to limit how long the incision was, but at the expense of obtaining only minimal improvement.  In my experience as long as the patient obtains a significant correction the scar is secondary, especially in view of the fact that the scar fade our quite nicely with time.

I try to place the central portion of my tummy tuck scars about 5-6 cm above the vulvar commisure- that's pretty low- the lateral portions of the scar are low as well. Mini tummy tuck scars can be quite short, especially if you only have muscle laxity and very little extra skin below the belly button. In my experience, only about 5-10% of tummy tuck patients are good candidates for a 'mini' tummy tuck. Most patients have some skin laxity above the belly button, which a mini tummy tuck will not address.

The scar can be placed quite low for a mini-tummy tuck.  I typically have patients wear underwear or swimwear the day of surgery so I can place the incision within the boundary of their garment.  The incision can be tailored to a patient's particular anatomy within reason.  The lower incisions have evolved over the years to conform to the trends in women's fashion (ex. low rise jeans).  Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine first if you are a good candidate for a mini-tummy tuck.

Best wishes,

Dr. Bruno

One big advantage of the mini is that the scar can be quite low where it will be easily concealed. The disadvantage is that it doesn't do anything to improve the upper abdomen, above the belly button. So if you excess skin problem is confined to the lower abdomen but the upper is in good shape, you should get a very nice result from the mini.

Holly-
In short, yes, a MINI-tummy tuck can be a great option for the right patient. Sounds like you are that candidate, but I recommend you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to make a definitive decision on this.
A full Tummy tuck in my hands means elevating the skin from the lower abdomen up to the ribs, removing the excess, repairing separated muscles and any hernias that are present, and making a new belly button.
The "MINI" tummy tuck only lifts skin to the belly button, repairs any hernias and muscle separation as needed and removes excess skin.
The length of the scar depends on the looseness or laxity of the skin (more skin, longer scar). However, I am a huge proponent of a low scar that can be concealed by a bikini...I have patients wear their bikini to the consult or on the day of surgery, ask them to show me how low and where they like to wear it, and I keep the inicision well below it. This works great for me, and patients love the fact that they can wear their favorite swim suit without showing the scar.
Summarizing, see you surgeon, get their opinion on whether you are a candidate or not, ask where the scar will be located and how long it will be, and ask for before and after photos.
I hope this helps and good luck!
Dr. C