Aesthetic Surgery
Mini Tummy Tuck
Mini abdominoplasty for excess lower abdominal skin
At a Glance
In Brief
Tightening of the abdomen below the navel
Treatment Duration
Approx. 1–2 hours, depending on extent
Anaesthesia
Usually general anaesthesia
Downtime
Desk work usually after 1–2 weeks
Results
Visible early, final after 3–6 months
Duration of Effect
Long-lasting with a stable weight
Sessions
Usually a single procedure
Price
On request
A mini tummy tuck, known medically as a mini abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure for the area below the navel. Excess skin on the lower abdomen is removed and the remaining skin is tightened. The navel itself generally stays in its place.
The procedure may suit women and men with excess skin confined to the lower abdomen, often after pregnancy or a change in weight. In the preliminary consultation, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei explains which technique and incision suit your findings and where the scar will lie.
Surgical Procedure
This treatment is a surgical procedure performed under medical direction. Procedure, anaesthesia and aftercare are discussed in detail during your personal consultation.
Treatment Areas
The focus is on the lower part of the abdomen, and what exactly is included depends on your findings.
Lower Abdominal Skin
Lax skin on the lower part of the abdomen is removed, and the surrounding tissue is tightened. The navel and the area above it are left untouched.
Abdominal Muscles
In selected cases, the muscles of the abdominal wall below the navel are tightened as well. The examination shows whether this is advisable for you.
Fat Deposits
Small fat deposits in this region or in adjacent areas can be reduced by liposuction during the same procedure where this improves the contour.
What is a mini tummy tuck?
The procedure is limited to the lower abdomen. Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed there, and the skin that remains is tightened. It is suitable when the excess skin is slight and there is no significant laxity above the navel.
The navel usually stays in its place, and the area above it is left unchanged. Depending on the findings, the lower part of the abdominal wall is also tightened or liposuction is added to the procedure.
Like any operation, the procedure leaves a scar, which fades over time. The full tummy tuck, which also includes the upper abdomen, is presented on a page of its own.
- Tightening below the navel
- About 1–2 hours, often a day case
- Navel stays in its place
- Can be combined with liposuction if needed
- Usually under general anaesthesia
Why a mini tummy tuck at Aesthetics Medical?
Specialist Surgery
The procedure is performed by Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei, specialist FMH in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
The Right Variant
The examination shows how far your excess skin extends. This determines whether the mini procedure is sufficient or more extensive planning is needed.
The Right Timing
A steady weight is a good basis for a long-lasting effect. If a pregnancy is planned, we discuss with you when the procedure makes sense.
Anaesthesia at a Surgical Centre
Anaesthesia is provided by specialists in anaesthesiology at a certified surgical centre.
Attention to Contour
Where it improves the transition to the hips and flanks, liposuction is included in the planning. The aim is an abdominal contour that fits your proportions.
What does the procedure involve?
Consultation
Everything starts with a personal consultation at Utoquai 37 in Zurich. During this appointment, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei examines your abdomen, discusses your wishes and explains whether this variant is right for you. You then decide in your own time and without obligation.
Preparation
Ahead of the operation, you receive clear instructions on medication, nicotine and sun exposure. Blood-thinning medication is paused only after consulting the doctor.
Surgery
The operation is normally performed under general anaesthesia at the surgical centre; this removes the excess skin and tightens the abdomen. Depending on its extent, it takes about 1–2 hours and is often carried out as a day case. The need for a night under observation is decided beforehand.
First Days
Short walks are encouraged early on, and light everyday activities tend to be manageable after a few days. A compression garment may be recommended for several weeks.
Follow-Up
At the follow-up appointments, the wound and your healing progress are checked. Sport can be resumed after around 6 weeks, and the final contour shows after about 3–6 months.
| Mini tummy tuck | on request |
The cost depends on the extent of the procedure and is set out for you after the consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the procedure work and how long does it take?
During the operation, the surplus skin is taken away and the remaining skin tightened. Depending on the findings, tightening of the abdominal wall or liposuction may be added. Technique and incision are chosen to suit your case and are discussed with you beforehand. The procedure generally takes 1–2 hours and is often carried out as a day case.
What type of anaesthesia is used for the procedure?
The operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia. It is given by specialists in anaesthesiology at a certified surgical centre. Depending on the extent of the procedure, the type of anaesthesia may differ. You will learn which one is intended for you when your operation is planned.
What risks and side effects are possible?
In the first few weeks, swelling, bruising, a feeling of tightness and temporarily altered skin sensation in the operated area are common. As with any operation, risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, conspicuous scars or a seroma, a collection of wound fluid under the skin. We discuss the risks that apply to you in detail before the procedure.
What should I consider before the procedure?
For good wound healing, you should avoid nicotine for 6–8 weeks before the procedure. Blood-thinning medication and dietary supplements are paused only after consulting the doctor. A stable body weight is a good starting point for planning. We give you the exact instructions on medication, smoking and sun in good time before your appointment.
What should I consider after the procedure?
Short walks are encouraged soon after the operation. Heavy lifting and strong tension on the abdomen should be avoided in the first phase of healing. A compression garment may be recommended for several weeks. Sport should wait for about 6 weeks, and at the follow-up appointments we check the wound and your healing progress.
How long does recovery take after the procedure?
Light everyday activities are usually possible again after a few days. Many patients return to desk work after about 1–2 weeks, and to physically demanding work correspondingly later. You should wait about 6 weeks before taking up sport again. Your own timetable depends on how extensive the operation is.
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When do results become visible?
A first change in contour is visible early, although swelling still masks the picture at the beginning. In most cases, the final shape shows after about 3–6 months, once the swelling has subsided. The scar left by the procedure fades over time.
How long do the results last?
With a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, the effect of this surgery is long-lasting. Major weight fluctuations or a pregnancy after the procedure can change the contour again. We clarify during planning which factors play a role in your case.
Is more than one procedure needed?
A single procedure is usually sufficient. Occasionally, a minor correction may be advisable later on. The operation can also be combined with liposuction, which is planned together beforehand.
Who is the procedure suitable for?
A mini tummy tuck is suitable for women and men in good general health whose excess skin is limited to the area below the navel. A stable weight, good skin quality on the upper abdomen and realistic expectations are favourable. If the laxity extends above the navel or a pregnancy is planned, we discuss with you which approach and timing make sense.
How much does the procedure cost?
The price is available on request, as the cost depends on the extent of the procedure and the technique. After the consultation, you receive a transparent breakdown of costs.
Personal Consultation
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Every treatment starts with a conversation and a 3D analysis.