Sometimes, even with consistent exercise and healthy eating, the lower belly holds onto loose skin or a small bulge. A mini tummy tuck may be the right approach if you’re looking for a surgical option with less downtime than a full tummy tuck.
At Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics, our board-certified plastic surgeons perform this body contouring procedure for patients across Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, and Denver, Colorado. Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams have years of experience delivering beautiful results.
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
A mini tummy tuck, sometimes called a partial abdominoplasty, focuses on the area below the belly button. It involves removing excess skin, tightening the lower abdominal muscles, and improving the shape of the lower stomach.
It’s a great choice for individuals with mild to moderate loose skin or a lower “pooch” from pregnancy or weight fluctuations.
Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Full Tummy Tuck
The primary difference comes down to the treatment area. A full tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens muscle from above and below the navel, often requiring a longer incision and a longer recovery.
A mini tummy tuck only treats the area beneath the belly button, so it’s less invasive. The scar is usually smaller and sits low on the abdomen where it can be hidden beneath underwear or swimsuit bottoms. Belly button repositioning is not part of this procedure, so if you have loose skin higher up, you may not get the results you want from a mini approach.
Ideal Candidates for a Mini Tummy Tuck
Mini tummy tucks are best suited for individuals who:
- Are close to their ideal body weight but bothered by the appearance of their lower belly
- Don’t smoke
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome
- Are finished with pregnancy and major weight changes
What to Expect During Recovery
Most people feel ready to return to light activity within a week. Exercise and more strenuous movement should wait a bit longer. You’ll have some swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness at first, but that should gradually improve. Your surgeon may recommend wearing a compression garment to support healing and reduce swelling.
You’ll start to see changes within a few weeks, and your results will continue to improve as your body settles. Scars take time to fade (often several months to a year), but your surgeon will guide you through care and recovery.
Why Choose Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics?
Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics is home to two board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Christopher Williams and Dr. Jeremy Williams, who bring clinical training and experience to every procedure they perform. Both completed their plastic surgery residencies at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and are known for their commitment to surgical safety. Our surgeons offer thoughtful recommendations based on your unique needs.
We also take pride in our setting. Our surgical facilities in Lone Tree include accredited operating rooms, private recovery spaces, and a comfortable atmosphere. With our team, you'll receive personalized care that reflects our practice’s high standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
There’s no perfect age, but most patients are in their 30s to 50s. The procedure is more about skin elasticity and anatomy than age alone.
You can most likely return to a desk job within five to seven days. If your work is physically demanding, you may need to take more time off.
Yes, for some people. A mini tummy tuck can help improve the appearance of the lower abdomen after a C-section, especially if there’s skin laxity or scar-related contour irregularities.
Most patients can resume light activity after one to two weeks, but intense workouts should wait at least four to six weeks, depending on your healing progress.
Connect With Our Team
A mini tummy tuck could be the right solution if you're ready to refine your shape. Patients in Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, and throughout Denver can call Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics at 303-706-1100 to book a complimentary cosmetic consultation.
