Is Labiaplasty Right for You? A Guide to Costs, Benefits, and Realistic Expectations

With a tailored approach for every patient, we ensure that just the right amount of correction or refinement is provided based on specific needs in order to avoid excessive procedures or an overdone look. With the innovative Mini Tummy Tuck Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian offers patients a highly customizable option to fine-tune their physique with a targeted method.
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The mini tummy tuck focuses on tightening and flattening the area below the belly button, making it an excellent option for those with minimal muscle separation or moderate excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. By making an incision just above the pubic area, excess skin can be removed, and the lower abdominal muscles may be tightened. This precise and refined approach allows for a smoother, firmer abdominal profile with less downtime.
Both procedures aim to enhance abdominal contour by removing excess skin and fat, but they differ in scope and technique.
A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal area. This involves repositioning the belly button, which requires an incision around it, tightening muscles both above and below the belly button, and removing excess skin from the upper and lower abdomen. This comprehensive approach often necessitates an extensive incision and a longer recovery period.
In contrast, a mini tummy tuck focuses solely on the lower abdomen, specifically below the belly button. Unlike a full tummy tuck, it does not involve incisions around or repositioning of the belly button. Muscle tightening is limited to the lower abdomen, and excess skin removal is only performed in this area. A pubic lift can also be incorporated to address sagging in the pubic region.
It's important to note that the incision length for a mini tummy tuck can be similar to that of a full tummy tuck, depending on individual needs. The primary distinction lies in the area addressed and the preservation of the belly button’s position.
Mini Tummy Tuck Benefits
By focusing on the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck provides a streamlined process and a toned appearance with minimized scarring and less recovery time. At our practice in Los Angeles mini tummy tuck patients see and feel incredibly positive benefits that include:
Ideal candidates for a mini tummy tuck are those in good health who are near their goal weight but may struggle with loose skin or a small lower belly "pooch" that has been resistant to diet and exercise. Many patients seek this treatment to address stubborn fat deposits and mild skin laxity below the belly button that has occurred after pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Patients considering a mini tummy tuck should have realistic expectations and should be able to commit to maintaining a stable weight to ensure long-lasting results.
Your consultation will include an assessment of your abdomen, a discussion of your aesthetic goals, and a review of your health history to ensure you are an ideal candidate. We will also discuss if any additional treatments, such as liposuction or other body contouring options, may be helpful in reaching your goals. Prior to any surgical procedure, we may require lab work and adjustment of certain supplements and medications.
During the mini tummy tuck procedure, a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic area, allowing for the removal of excess skin in the lower abdomen. If necessary, the lower abdominal muscles may be tightened to enhance contour. A pubic lift can also be performed to address sagging in the pubic region. If liposuction is part of the treatment plan, it will be done simultaneously for additional sculpting. Once the necessary adjustments are made, the incision is carefully closed with sutures to ensure optimal healing. This surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about one to two hours.
Recovery after a mini tummy tuck is typically quicker than a full tummy tuck, and most patients can return to light activities within a week and more strenuous activities like exercise within four to six weeks. While patients will notice an immediate improvement in their lower abdominal contour, final results will gradually be revealed as swelling subsides over the following weeks and months.
Contact us today to learn more about this procedure and the wide array of body contouring surgeries offered by Dr. Sheila Nazarian. Call now at (310) 263-8237, message us anytime online, or use our very easy contact form, and we'll reach out to you.
Patients can expect to feel some discomfort or tenderness during early recovery, but this is typically easily managed with proper rest and by regularly taking prescribed pain medications.
Risks that should be taken into consideration include common surgical risks such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, or complications due to anesthesia. We will discuss risks and side effects in detail during your consultation.
Patients typically experience permanent results after a mini tummy tuck, but weight fluctuations or future pregnancy will affect the long-term outcomes.
For some patients, recovery from this procedure only lasts about two weeks and is, on average, shorter than recovery after a traditional tummy tuck.
The cost of a mini tummy tuck will vary between patients and depends on their overall treatment plan, geographic location, surgeon's fees, and facility costs.