Mini abdominoplasty removes only the loose skin and fat below the navel, with a shorter incision and recovery period than a full abdominoplasty.
Abdominal sagging does not always cover the same area. The skin above the navel may be relatively firm while only the skin below it is loose and folds, or the skin may overlap a cesarean section scar. In such cases, mini abdominoplasty removes only the excess skin and fat through a short horizontal incision in the lower abdomen, without touching the navel.
Because the incision is short and the area of dissection is narrow, recovery is faster and the scar is shorter. However, if sagging extends above the navel or the rectus muscles are widely separated, choosing a mini abdominoplasty leaves the skin above the navel and the rounded abdomen as they are. The result of a mini abdominoplasty is decided less by the surgery itself than by choosing the right candidate for it.
At Atelier Plastic Surgery, we check the extent of sagging in standing and seated positions during consultation and measure the gap between the rectus muscles with ultrasound. We recommend a mini to those for whom it is enough, and explain the reasons to those who need a full abdominoplasty. Dr. Go performs the surgery herself.
A horizontal incision is placed above the pubic bone, the skin and subcutaneous fat are lifted only up to the navel, and the excess skin is removed. The navel is not incised. The incision length depends on the amount of excess skin and is generally a little longer than a cesarean section scar.
When diastasis recti is present only below the navel, the lower rectus muscles are sutured through the same incision. If the separation continues above the navel, it cannot be reached through a mini incision, so a full abdominoplasty is planned instead.
When fat is also present in the upper abdomen and flanks, liposuction is added to the mini abdominoplasty. The area above the navel, which is not excised, is thinned by liposuction so that the upper and lower contours connect.
When a small amount of excess skin remains above the navel, the navel can be detached from the abdominal wall together with its skin, moved 1–2 cm lower and fixed in place, which allows the skin above the navel to be tightened as well. This extends the excision slightly without leaving a scar around the navel, but because the navel ends up lower, it suits people whose navel sits relatively high.
Surgical designs and results are drawings based on photos; results vary by individual.
These may vary depending on your condition; we will give you precise details at your consultation.
We pull the skin upward while you stand and check where it folds while you sit. If the skin above the navel is also loose, or diastasis recti extends above the navel, a mini abdominoplasty is unlikely to satisfy you. We make this judgment first, at consultation, before deciding on surgery.
Insisting on a short incision leaves the skin folded and protruding at both ends of the incision line. We match the incision length to the width of skin to be removed and place the incision low, within the underwear line, so the scar is concealed.
The advantage of mini abdominoplasty is that no incision is placed around the navel. We consider an umbilical float only when the skin above the navel must also be tightened, and if more than that is needed, we guide you toward a full abdominoplasty.
Even with a small extent of surgery, seroma and hematoma can occur. You visit on a set schedule after surgery, and Dr. Go personally checks the wound and the condition beneath the skin, using ultrasound to look for fluid collection when needed.
After waking from anesthesia in the recovery room, you are discharged the same day or stay one night depending on your condition. You wear a compression garment and begin short walks the same day.
If drains were placed, they are removed once the output has been checked. The lower abdomen feels tight, so a slightly bent posture is more comfortable. Pain is controlled with prescribed medication.
At the first visit we check the wound and look for seroma. Showering is permitted depending on the wound, and light housework and desk work are possible.
Stitches are removed. Most people return to daily life and can straighten the waist without difficulty. Some swelling and bruising may remain.
You finish wearing the compression garment and start light aerobic exercise. If the rectus muscles were repaired, abdominal exercises are postponed until about 6 weeks.
Swelling subsides and the contour settles. Scar redness fades during this period, and laser scar care continues as needed.
Although the extent of excision is small, mini abdominoplasty can involve the following complications: bleeding and hematoma; seroma, a collection of fluid in the dissected space; infection; delayed wound healing and separation of the closure; skin necrosis along the incision line (the risk is higher in smokers); reduced sensation and numbness in the lower abdomen; thickened or discolored scars; skin bunching at the ends of the incision (dog ears); and asymmetry. Sagging of the skin above the navel may remain unchanged, the navel may sit lower after an umbilical float, and if the sagging extends beyond the treated area, additional surgery as a full abdominoplasty may be needed. Under general anesthesia there is a risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, which we prevent with compression stockings and early walking. Results vary by individual, and all of the above is explained fully at consultation.
The content on this page is general medical information provided in accordance with the Medical Service Act. The results of surgery and treatments and the recovery period may vary by individual. All surgeries and treatments carry a risk of side effects, so please decide after a thorough consultation with a specialist.
Abdominoplasty and diastasis recti repair with the excision planned in advance
Learn more Related LiposuctionLiposuction matched to the fat layer and skin elasticity of each area
Learn more Related UmbilicoplastyUmbilicoplasty to refine the shape and depth of the navel and repair an umbilical hernia
Learn more Related CoolSculptingCoolSculpting reduces localized fat by cooling, without incisions
Learn more Related Academic ActivityPapers · books · conference lectures and chairs · society positions · ORCID
Learn moreConsultations are conducted by the Director herself. Schedule one by phone or KakaoTalk, or leave an online consultation request.
