Mini Tummy Tuck

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Los Angeles and Lancaster, CA or by virtual appointment.

Mini Tummy Tuck in Los Angeles

A mini tummy tuck is a variation of the traditional tummy tuck that focuses on the region below your navel, without muscle repair or umbilical rejuvenation. (1) This procedure is best suited for patients with less extensive concerns, particularly those with skin laxity below the belly button being a primary concern.

Dr. Sean Satey has extensive experience performing all kinds of tummy tucks. He is an internationally recognized, fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeon, renowned for his transformational results and published work. He completed his fellowship through the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and is the 2026 California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery President!

To start working with Dr. Satey, please contact us online or call either our Los Angeles or Lancaster offices at (424) 500-3320.

About Mini Tummy Tucks

Mini tummy tucks offer several notable benefits, especially under the expert care of Dr. Satey. These include:

  • Flatter Abdomen: Mini tummy tucks restore a smoother, firmer, and more defined abdomen.
  • Easily Concealable Scar: Dr. Satey places the incision just above the pubic area, making any post-operative scarring discreet and easily concealable.
  • Reduced Downtime: A mini tummy tuck typically requires less recovery time compared to a traditional tummy tuck, allowing you to return to your routine sooner.
  • Personalized Solutions: Dr. Satey designs each treatment plan around the patient’s aesthetic concerns, goals, and anatomy.
  • Boosted Self-Esteem: Rejuvenating your figure can help you feel more confident in your day-to-day life.
  • Thoughtful, Natural Results: Dr. Satey is known for his transformative yet natural-looking results.

Candidates

Often, candidates who seek out the mini tummy tuck are those who have undergone weight changes or pregnancy, and are left with lax skin below the belly button. (2) Post-pregnancy patients should wait until they are fully healed before considering surgery, while weight loss patients should ensure they have reached a stable weight. We highly recommend that mini tummy tuck candidates have finished having children, as a future pregnancy could impact the results. Anyone with muscle separation or who is in need of umbilical rejuvenation may benefit from a more traditional tummy tuck.

Anyone interested in a mini tummy tuck should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding the results of their procedure. Patients should also be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine for an extended period of time.

Dr. Satey will finalize each patient’s candidacy during their personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

You will attend a personal consultation with Dr. Satey before scheduling your mini tummy tuck. During this consultation, he will ask you about your medical history, personal concerns, and goals. He will also perform a physical examination to assess your abdomen.

Dr. Satey will use this information to confirm your candidacy and craft your treatment plan. He will choose the most effective surgical techniques for your case, potentially recommending additional treatments, depending on your desired outcomes. He will also answer any questions you may have. Through this consultation, Dr. Satey can create a one-of-a-kind solution that caters to your aesthetic goals.

To schedule this consultation, please submit our online contact form or call either of our offices at (424) 500-3320.

We proudly serve clients throughout the greater Los Angeles area, including:

  • Beverly Hills
  • Westwood
  • Santa Monica
  • Wilshire Blvd
  • Miracle Mile
  • Mid-Wilshire
  • Hancock Park
  • Fairfax District
  • West Hollywood
  • Hollywood
  • La Brea
  • Koreatown
  • Century City
  • Culver City
  • Melrose Avenue
  • La Cienega Blvd
  • Sunset Blvd
  • Pico Blvd
  • Olympic Blvd
  • Silverlake
  • Los Feliz
  • Long Beach

Preparation

Dr. Satey or another member of his team will provide you with a set of detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare. You should do your best to follow each one to ensure a safe and successful procedure. Dr. Satey may ask that you:

  • Discontinue certain blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Prepare to take time away from your commitments and other responsibilities.
  • Arrange transportation to and from your procedure, as anesthesia will be used.
  • Refrain from alcohol consumption for several days before and after your procedure.
  • Fill any prescriptions you may need during your recovery.
  • Cease the use of nicotine several weeks before your procedure (if applicable).

Procedure

Dr. Satey performs mini tummy tucks on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 3 hours to perform, with the exact duration varying depending on the details of your treatment plan.

Dr. Satey will place an incision that extends from hip-to-hip just above the pubic area. Contrary to popular belief, this incision is similar in length to that of a traditional tummy tuck. Its low placement allows post-operative scarring to be easily hidden beneath your undergarments or revealing swimsuits.

He will remove excess tissue before carefully closing your incisions. You will then rest in our recovery suite until you are ready to return home.

Recovery

When recovering from a mini tummy tuck, you can expect minimal swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the treated area. These effects will gradually dissipate on their own, but following aftercare advice, prescribed medications, and plenty of rest will also help you manage them. Dr. Satey typically recommends gently walking around the house during the early stages of your recovery to improve your circulation.

You may return to light activities and desk work after about two weeks, but you will need to continue avoiding physically demanding activities or tasks until Dr. Satey provides clearance. You will also need to attend follow-up appointments so that Dr. Satey and his team can monitor your progress and results. You will receive additional post-operative instructions from our office.

Results

After your recovery, you will be able to enjoy the results of your mini tummy tuck! Your abdomen will appear flatter and smoother, and clothing will be more flattering and fit more comfortably.

The results of a mini tummy tuck are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying their renewed appearance for years. We recommend maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, as weight fluctuations can alter the long-term results of the procedure.

Cost of a Mini Tummy Tuck in Los Angeles

The cost of your mini tummy tuck will depend on several factors, including the extent of your corrections, the surgical technique Dr. Satey employs, and whether you incorporate other procedures into your treatment plan. Once Dr. Satey discusses your treatment expectations, he will provide a cost estimate for your procedure. He additionally offers several financing options for those interested.

Schedule a consultation today to explore your mini tummy tuck options. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Los Angeles or Lancaster offices at (424) 500-3320.

FAQ

What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a traditional tummy tuck?

The mini tummy tuck addresses more minimal concerns compared to a traditional tummy tuck. The key difference between the two is that the mini tummy tuck does not correct any muscle weakness or diastasis recti, nor does it involve the construction of a new belly button.

Can I get pregnant after my mini tummy tuck?

You may choose to continue expanding your family after your procedure, but Dr. Satey recommends waiting to undergo a mini tummy tuck until after you have completed your family. This is because weight fluctuations and pregnancy may alter your results.

Will there be significant scarring after my mini tummy tuck?

Dr. Satey understands how scarring may impact your sense of self, which is why he specializes in scar minimization techniques and places the incision just above the pubic area. This allows the scar to be hidden beneath your undergarments or swimwear.

Will a mini tummy tuck remove my belly fat?

The primary goal of a mini tummy tuck is to remove excess skin. If you have stubborn excess fat in the abdomen that you would like to address, Dr. Satey may recommend combining your procedure with liposuction. With a small cannula, liposuction removes stubborn, exercise-resistant fat and further sculpts the abdominal region.

What type of anesthesia will I need for my mini tummy tuck?

You will likely receive general anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout your procedure. If your corrections are minimal or you have concerns about general anesthesia, you may be able to discuss alternative options with Dr. Satey.

How soon will I see results after my mini tummy tuck?

While some improvement is visible immediately, swelling is expected during the early healing phase. Most patients begin to see more refined results within several weeks, with continued improvement as swelling fully resolves over the following months.

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

Mini tummy tuck results are long-lasting when patients maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Natural aging will continue, but most patients enjoy their improved contour for many years following surgery.

References

  1. Borille GB, Pereira GA, Zancanaro M, Ribeiro VW, Giannini R, Proto R. Surgical Correction of Low-positioned Umbilicus after Mini-abdominoplasty. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2024;12(6):e5873-e5873. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005873
  2. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/