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What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is a version of abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, that targets only the areas of the torso the patient wants to contour. Typically, this results in a shorter procedure and a smaller scar, and it may involve simply removing fat and contouring the stomach rather than tightening the abdominal muscles.

Typically, a mini tummy tuck is used to address the area below the belly button, but there is no standardized procedure. It’s a fully customized, lower-impact version of a tummy tuck that omits unnecessary steps and treatment areas.

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Creating a Smooth, Tight Abdomen

Dr. Teitelbaum understands the deeply personal nature of your decision to pursue plastic surgery, and he knows that every patient has a different motivation for seeking treatment. In general, patients can expect the following benefits from a mini tummy tuck in Los Angeles: 

  • A short, well-hidden incision
  • Undisturbed navel
  • Improved appearance of stretch marks
  • Smoother, flatter abdomen
  • Toned lower belly

Are You a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck?

Ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck in the Los Angeles & Santa Monica area are healthy, non-smoking patients who wish to remove excess skin, fat, and tissue in the lower abdomen. During your consultation, Dr. Teitelbaum will perform a short physical exam to confirm your candidacy.

Before & After Mini Tummy Tuck

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Why Choose Dr. Teitelbaum?

As one of the leading plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and beyond, Dr. Teitelbaum has performed hundreds of customized mini tummy tucks for happy, satisfied patients. His unique approach puts your desires at the forefront, ensuring your final results suit your frame.

An Elite Education

Prior to opening his private practice in 1995, Dr. Steven Teitelbaum received his doctorate from the UCLA School of Medicine and completed his residency at Harvard University, earning dual board certifications in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. In addition to delivering successful patient outcomes, he now serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine. Over the course of his 30+ years in practice, Dr. Teitelbaum has lectured peers and students on five continents, sharing his advanced expertise and cutting-edge techniques worldwide. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals like the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and he's earned memberships and leadership positions in the following professional organizations:

  • Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, 2016-2017 President
  • California Society of Plastic Surgeons, Treasurer and Legislative Committee Chair
  • Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, Board Member

Putting Patients First

Dr. Teitelbaum and his licensed team, which includes a Harvard-trained anesthesiologist, lead with transparency, integrity, and trust every step of the way. Together, their goal is to achieve your ideal results and bring your vision for yourself to life without gimmicks or trendy treatments. They work at Dr. Teitelbaum's private, accredited surgical center, delivering safe, high-quality procedures to patients.

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Your Confidential Consultation

Every patient's journey with Dr. Teitelbaum begins with a one-on-one consultation at his Los Angeles office. There, you'll discuss your aesthetic goals, concerns, and medical history, and Dr. Teitelbaum will evaluate your abdominal skin quality, muscle strength, and anatomy to determine if a mini tummy tuck is right for you.

Pricing Your Procedure

Once your consultation is complete, Dr. Teitelbaum's team will share a complete cost breakdown and extensive financing options, so you know what to expect.

The cost of your mini tummy tuck in Los Angeles will depend on the following factors:

  • Surgical complexity
  • Extent of correction
  • Whether additional treatments are performed in the same surgical session

What to Expect From Your Mini Tummy Tuck in Los Angeles

A typical mini tummy tuck in Los Angeles involves a short incision just above the bikini line, which can easily be hidden under clothing. During the procedure, Dr. Teitelbaum will remove as much skin and fat as the width of the incision allows, helping smooth the area around your belly button, mons pubis, and groin region. This will also remove any stretch marks in the treated areas.

To finish out your procedure, Dr. Teitelbaum will close your incision with small sutures to facilitate rapid healing and a smooth scar. His unique approach avoids the use of surgical drains, further streamlining your recovery.

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Patient-Centered Recovery

Recovery after a mini tummy tuck in Los Angeles typically involves minor bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the lower belly, which should resolve within one week. Most patients return to light activity, including walking, desk work, and social gatherings, within a few days, but you may need to wait several weeks to resume strenuous exercise. Depending on your anatomy, you may need to wear a compression garment to support the healing tissues and reduce swelling. After your procedure, Dr. Teitelbaum will share a customized recovery plan tailored to your body's needs. The plan may include the following items:

  • Incision site care and cleaning protocols
  • Supportive garment guidance, if needed
  • Sleep position restrictions
  • Swelling and pain management strategies
  • Activity limitations
  • Clothing guidelines
  • Hygiene recommendations

Over the coming weeks, you'll return to Dr. Teitelbaum's Los Angeles office for regular follow-up visits. There, he'll remove any remaining sutures, monitor your healing progress, and approve your resumption of high-impact exercise when appropriate. Your final results will reveal themselves as residual swelling fades, which may take several weeks.

Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Tummy Tuck

A standard tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and fat, tightening the abdominal muscles, and creating a wide scar around the belly button.

A mini tummy tuck, on the other hand, removes excess tissue with a smaller scar that does not surround the navel.

At Dr. Teitelbaum’s practice, liposuction is typically performed alongside a mini tummy tuck to further smooth the abdomen.

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Completing Your Transformation

Many patients include a mini tummy tuck as part of an overarching body rejuvenation plan. Complementary procedures include the following:

Mini Tummy Tuck FAQs

Are there any risks associated with a mini tummy tuck?

Like all surgical procedures, a mini tummy tuck carries some risks, such as infection, bleeding, scarring, and anesthesia-related complications. Dr. Teitelbaum will walk you through all risks before your procedure so you’re fully informed.

How long do the results of a mini tummy tuck last?

The results of your mini tummy tuck are designed to be long-lasting, with many patients enjoying their outcomes for 10 years or longer. Maintaining a stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help extend the longevity of your results.

Can a mini tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Most often, patients will combine their mini tummy tuck with liposuction along the abdomen, but you can also undergo a thigh lift, arm lift, or breast augmentation in the same surgical session.

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