Mini Tummy Tuck
North Raleigh Plastic Surgery
Welcome to North Raleigh Plastic Surgery. Our team of highly trained and compassionate healthcare professionals delivers excellent surgical results in a state-of-the-art medical facility.
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Both Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Jones are associated with ABMS and ABPS; all other credentials are associated with Dr. Ortiz.
North Raleigh Plastic Surgery
9104 Falls of Neuse Road #200
Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone: 919.532.2270
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
North Raleigh Plastic Surgery
3319 Heritage Trade Dr. Suite 201
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Phone: 919.532.2270
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
A stubborn belly pooch can be frustrating, especially if it persists no matter how much you diet or how many crunches you do. Often caused by pregnancy or weight loss, the slack area of loose skin below your belly button is usually best addressed with a mini tummy tuck. Our board-certified plastic surgeons perform mini tummy tuck surgery in Raleigh, North Carolina, for patients from Greensboro, Durham, and throughout the Triangle region.
Mini Tummy Tuck
Before & After Photos
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What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck targets the lower abdominal area below the belly button. Unlike a full tummy tuck, which addresses the upper and lower abdomen, a mini tuck focuses specifically on the area below the navel. During a mini tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the underlying muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile.
Ideal Mini Tummy Tuck Candidates
You may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck procedure if you are in good overall health and struggling with localized excess fat and skin in the lower abdomen (below the belly button). If you’ve had difficulty achieving your desired results through diet and exercise alone, a mini tummy tuck is an effective solution.
Additionally, if you have experienced changes in your abdominal appearance due to pregnancy or weight loss—whether through traditional means or medical weight loss programs—you may benefit from a mini tummy tuck to address excess skin and residual fat deposits.
Full Tummy Tuck vs Mini Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck smooths and tones the entire abdominal area, from just below the rib cage to the pubic area. The procedure begins with the surgeon making a horizontal incision that extends from hip to hip just above the pubic area and a second incision above the navel. They remove excess skin from the belly, repair and tighten the muscles, and pull the skin taut over the midsection to create a smoother, slimmer shape. The surgeon also creates a new belly button that looks natural.
During a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Jones repairs the lower muscles and removes loose skin using a shorter horizontal incision. Then, they pull the skin tightly over the lower abdomen, eliminating signs of a lower belly pooch.
Which Tummy Tuck Procedure Is Right for You?
A mini tummy tuck is generally ideal for people who have just a small area of concern below the navel, where a “pooch” protrudes. It’s a less invasive procedure with an easier recovery that still provides a flatter, more toned tummy that looks great in fitted outfits and swimwear.
Most patients with excess skin above and below the belly button can benefit from a full tummy tuck.
Your Mini Tummy Tuck Consultation
When you consult with either Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Jones, they’ll discuss your concerns and goals and perform a physical exam to assess the extent of the procedure needed to accomplish those goals. If they determine that a mini tummy tuck is the best approach, they’ll create a personalized surgical plan and explain what to expect during and after surgery.
How Long Is Recovery After a Mini Tummy Tuck?
Following a mini tummy tuck in Raleigh, recovery typically involves a gradual return to normal activities. If you have a desk job, you should plan to take up to 2 weeks off work. You should expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the abdominal area, which peaks during the first week. You can manage discomfort with prescribed pain medication. Wearing compression garments helps reduce swelling and enhance the results.
You should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for several weeks so you heal properly. As swelling subsides and incisions heal, patients will gradually notice improvement in their abdominal contour, with results becoming more apparent over the following months.
Combining Procedures With a Mini Tummy Tuck
Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Jones can combine a mini tummy tuck with various other procedures to address multiple concerns and achieve comprehensive body contouring results. Liposuction is most commonly combined with mini tummy tuck surgery. Women who want to address physical changes after having children may choose to combine a mini tummy tuck with a breast lift or a breast lift with implants as part of a mommy makeover.
How Much Does a Mini Tummy Tuck Cost in the Raleigh, NC, Area?
The cost of a mini tummy tuck at our practice varies depending on the extent of the surgery and if you combine it with other procedures. We offer competitive pricing for this transformative procedure. Patients can schedule a consultation to receive a personalized quote and discuss financing options to make the procedure more accessible.
Mini Tummy Tuck FAQ
What are the benefits of a mini tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck offers several benefits, including a flatter and firmer lower abdomen, reduced stretch marks, improved self-confidence, and a shorter recovery than a full tummy tuck.
Approximately how long does a mini tummy tuck procedure take?
A mini tummy tuck typically takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete. However, more complex cases may take longer, while simpler cases may be quicker. Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Jones provide patients with a more accurate estimated time based on their unique circumstances and goals.
Are there scars after a mini tummy tuck?
Yes, you will have a scar, but it is discretely located in the pubic area and shorter than what results from a full tummy tuck. With proper care, the scar should fade and become less noticeable over time.
How long do the results of a mini tummy tuck last?
The results of a mini tummy tuck can be long-lasting, especially with a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet. However, factors such as aging and weight fluctuations can affect the outcome over time.
Get Started
Our board-certified plastic surgeons provide personalized care and excellent natural-looking results for women and men considering a mini tummy tuck in the Raleigh area. You can request a consultation with Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Jones at our practice using the online form or by calling us at 919.532.2270.