Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck)

Mini abdominoplasty at Arte Clinic removes a limited apron of excess abdominal skin through a 15–20 cm bikini-line incision concealed by underwear. Performed under local anaesthesia with conscious sedation as an outpatient procedure in about 1.5 hours, it suits patients with loose lower-abdominal skin after weight loss or pregnancy who do not need a full tummy tuck. A compression garment is worn for 6–8 weeks.

A mini abdominoplasty addresses the zone a full tummy tuck often over-treats: localised skin excess and laxity of the lower abdomen, typically after pregnancy or weight loss, in patients whose upper abdomen and muscle wall are in reasonable condition. Through a horizontal incision of roughly 15–20 cm placed low in the bikini line — fully concealed by underwear or swimwear — the surgeon removes the redundant skin ellipse and re-drapes the remaining skin for a flatter, smoother lower abdomen. Unlike a full abdominoplasty, the navel is not repositioned and the recovery is significantly lighter. Arte Clinic performs the procedure on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia with conscious sedation, taking about 1.5 hours, with discharge the same day in the company of an escort. Recovery: a compression garment is worn for 6–8 weeks to support healing and contour; sutures are removed at 10–15 days. Desk work is usually possible within one to two weeks, while strenuous activity and heavy lifting should wait around three months. Good candidates are at or near a stable weight with skin excess concentrated below the navel; significant muscle separation (diastasis recti) or upper-abdominal laxity may warrant a full abdominoplasty instead, which is assessed at the free consultation. Combining the mini tummy tuck with liposuction of the flanks is a common refinement discussed case by case.