Are sit-ups not giving you the flat and taut tummy you want? If you have got too much flab or excess skin on your abdomen that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, you might be considering a “tummy tuck” or a “mini tummy tuck, which doctors call “abdominoplasty”.
In this article, we will look at the different types of treatment for skin tightening of the stomach and abdomen. We will also discuss the mini tummy tuck in detail, its procedure, risk, benefits, cost, etc.
Saggy skin does not always snap back into place on its own and may appear anywhere in your body. Depending on the cause, there are different ways to tighten skin and improve its elasticity. From aging and rapid weight loss to sun exposure damage and pregnancy, several suspects could be responsible for saggy, loose, and droopy skin of the stomach.
Depending on how soon you want to see results and the extent of tightening required, some techniques may suit your needs better than others. However, the first step in your quest for finding the best skin tightening treatment for your stomach is understanding all the alternatives that are out there.

Invasive Skin Tightening for Your Stomach:
In extreme cases, you might need to undergo surgery. Invasive procedures like tummy tuck and mini tummy tucks can remove the fat cells and tighten the excess skin of the stomach area.
•    A traditional tummy tuck involves an invasive surgery of the middle and lower stomach area, wherein an incision is made along the bikini line. It is also used to treat muscle separation. A tummy tuck requires you to go under general anesthesia and is usually recommended for those who have suffered obesity or have gone through multiple pregnancies.
•    A mini tummy tuck, on the other hand, is less invasive. It involves a smaller incision above the pubic bone done under local or general anesthesia. As compared to a traditional tummy tuck, a mini tuck causes less pain, and the recovery time is reduced. This surgery flattens the abdomen by removing the extra fat and skin and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall. It is not the same as liposuction, although you may choose to get liposuction along with the tummy tuck.
Both procedures require incision lines that leave noticeable scars. Topical gels and creams may be used to reduce the scarring.

Non- invasive skin tightening for your stomach:
Unlike other parts of your body, the skin on your stomach is thicker. This makes it difficult for it to snap back into place after overstretching due to pregnancy or weight loss. Natural methods have long-term effects but it may take time to get desired results. Non- invasive methods tend to have short-term results and require multiple follow-up sessions for maintenance. Most non-invasive skin tightening treatments include the use of lasers or devices emitting energy that are fashioned to make skin tighter by synthesizing collagen. Basically, the devices aim to focus on you; to create heat which encourages the production of collagen, therefore, tightening the skin of the stomach.
Non- invasive options tend to work better for subtle or minor amounts of saggy skin. While non-invasive methods do not remove fat cells or cut out excess skin, they offer good results at a cost that is much lower than surgical procedures.
Natural methods for skin tightening of your stomach:
New mothers or those who have lost a lot of weight in little time may find that the skin of the stomach area has lost its integrity and has not adapted to your new body shape. If the problem you are facing is a relatively minor one, you can use a few natural ways to tighten the skin on your stomach.
•    Eat right. If the goal is to improve the elasticity of your skin, you need to eat food items that aid in the production of collagen. This includes nutrient-rich foods that contain Vitamin C such as strawberries, citrus fruits, bell peppers, and other colorful vegetables, as well as healthy fats such as avocados, omega-3 salmon, olive oil, nuts, and seeds. Drinking adequate amounts of water also promotes skin elasticity.
•    Do some resistance training. Loose skin on the stomach area could be due to reduced body mass. Resistance and strength training exercises such as squats, planks, leg raises, deadlifts, and bicycle crunches help you create a defined belly area.
•    Tighten your belly skin with massages and scrubs. Regularly massage the skin on your stomach with oils that promote the formation of new collagen in your body, for example, coconut oils help moisturize the skin, keep it from getting dry and flaky, and boost new collagen formation. Sea salt scrubs are another great alternatives to hurry the process of skin tightening for your stomach. Rubbing your saggy skin with quality sea salt scrubs helps improve the blood supply to those skin cells, provides healthy minerals to activate the area, and works as an effective exfoliator to get rid of dead skin cells. With time this will result in supple and elastic skin that glows with health. Another scrub is the Skin holistic sea fresh body scrub that contains organic seaweed and Vitamin E oil.

Tummy truck and Mini Tummy truck:
Weight loss, pregnancy and ageing are just some of the reasons that skin loses its elasticity and can result in loose, sagging skin on the tummy. A tummy tuck also known as “abdominoplasty”, is an effective cosmetic surgery procedure for removing this excess skin and fat to give you a firmer and flatter stomach.
Tummy tucks are most suitable for those who have achieved their target weight and are not active with an effective weight loss strategy. If you feel a tummy tuck could be the right choice for you, book a consultation with an experienced medical team to discuss your individual needs and receive expert advice.
The mini tummy tuck process removes excess skin and fat in the abdomen region. As a result, a youthful-looking contour is restored in the upper body. This operation removes excess fat and skin that has formed in the abdominal area of the body. Removal of loose tissue during the surgery helps to improve the aesthetic appearance of the abdomen. If you have gone through childbirth, experienced a significant decrease in weight loss, or had a negative encounter with previous abdominal surgery, this can be a preferred surgical procedure for patients.
As the mini tummy tuck surgery involves the removal of excess skin, the operation will be tailored for each individual’s needs. For example, when large deposits of stubborn fat are present, the procedure can be combined with liposuction to provide better results. Your desired results can be achieved so long as you remain open and honest about expectations during the consultation. Questions will also be asked about your health and lifestyle to help cater the surgery to your needs and avoid any potential risks. This will also help to confirm whether or not an alternative form of surgery may be suitable.
What is the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck?
The difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck can be confusing. While most people think the term ‘mini’ simply implies a shorter incision, the actual medical definition of a mini tummy tuck refers to removing some skin in the lower abdomen without incising around the belly button or tightening the muscles above the belly button. In reality, very few patients are ‘true’ candidates for this approach, and when a mini tummy truck is utilized for unqualified individuals, unsatisfactory outcomes include bulging in the upper abdomen and an odd-looking navel (sometimes appearing pulled down) often result.
In contrast, a full (or standard) tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin (and fat) from approximately the pubic bone to the navel, as well as tightening of abdominal muscles both above and below the belly button (from the top of the abdomen) to achieve a flatter, firmer look. This technique is generally performed using a low-lying incision that can be concealed by the majority of underwear and bathing suit varieties. The length of this incision will depend on the unique needs of the patient, but most surgeons typically employ a shorter scar than most ‘traditional’ abdominoplasty techniques. Some even compliment tummy tuck surgery with some ‘lipoplasty’ (or liposuction) around the hips. This provides 360-degree torso rejuvenation while helping to define the natural curves of the hips.
Ultimately understanding the between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck is essential to achieving results that meet, or even exceed, your expectations.

Who are the best candidates for a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is suitable for men and women who are in good health. Women who have had several pregnancies may find the procedure useful for tightening their abdominal muscles and reducing the skin. A tummy tuck is also an option for men and women who were once obese and still have excess fat deposits or loose skin around the belly.

Who should not consider a tummy tuck?
If you are a woman who plans to get pregnant, then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you are done having children. During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened and future pregnancies can separate those muscles. Are you planning to lose a lot of weight? Then a tummy tuck is also not for you. A tummy tuck should be a last resort after you have tried everything else. It should be not be used as an alternative to weight loss. You should also consider the appearance of scars after a tummy tuck. You can talk about scar placement and length with the doctor before the surgery.

How to prepare for a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck abdominoplasty?
The first step is to choose a surgeon and see them for a consultation. At that meeting you will talk about your goals and the following options:
•    Complete abdominoplasty:
The surgeon will cut your abdomen from hipbone to hipbone and contour the skin, tissue, and muscle as needed. The surgery will involve moving your belly button, and you may need drainage tubes under your skin for a few days.
•    Mini or Partial abdominoplasty:
Mini abdominoplasties are often done on people whose fat deposits are located below the navel. During this procedure, the surgeon most likely will not move your belly button, and the procedure may only take up to two hours, depending on your case.
If you smoke, your doctor will ask that you quit smoking from at least two weeks before the surgery until two weeks after the surgery. It is not enough to just cut down on smoking. You must stop completely since smoking makes complications more likely and slows healing. Don’t try a drastic diet before the surgery. Eat well-balanced, complete meals. A healthy diet may help you heal better.
Tell your doctor about everything you take, including prescription drugs, herbal medicines, and other supplements. Your surgeon may instruct you to stop taking certain medications for a time before and after surgery. Before getting the surgery, get your home ready, you will need:
•    Ice packs
•    Loose comfortable clothing that can be put on and off very easily
•    Petroleum jelly
•    Hand-held shower head and bathroom chair
You will also need someone to drive you home after the tummy tuck. If you live alone, you will want someone to stay with you for at least the first night. Make a plan for that.

The Procedure of Mini Abdominoplasty:
Mini abdominoplasty is similar to a standard abdominoplasty with few differences. Like the latter, mini-abdominoplasty uses a waist crease incision but often (not always, depending upon the amount of skin to be removed) the incision is not quite as long as with the standard procedure. A shorter incision does not mean you will heal faster or have a shorter recovery. The difference in incision length is not enough to make such a difference. Wounds heal side to side, not end to end. So a shorter incision heals at the same time as a longer incision. There are some other substantial differences. There is no incision made around the umbilicus and it is for this reason that when the skin is lifted up off the abdominal wall. It is only to the level of the umbilicus. As only the lower abdominal wall is exposed, only the lower abdominal muscles can be tightened.
There is a type of abdominoplasty procedure where the umbilicus is left intact on the outside skin but cut at its base from the abdominal wall. This is called floating the umbilicus. In this procedure, the umbilicus is left intact to the surrounding skin on the outside, but as the abdominal skin is lifted upwards of the abdominal wall. When the umbilicus is encountered, it is transected (cut) from its attachment down below on the abdominal wall. Now the umbilicus floats upward off the abdominal wall, remaining attached to the abdominal skin. This will allow the surgeon access to the upper abdominal muscles for tightening. This is a fantastic procedure but is limited to the rare situation where there is abdominal muscle laxity but minimal to no upper abdominal skin excess. As the abdominal skin is pulled downwards to the pelvis, so does the position of the umbilicus. Lastly, when the abdominal wound is closed, the umbilicus may be pulled down slightly usually not more than a centimeter or so, and this doesn’t appear to cause any concern in most experiences. Patient selection is critical, as if this procedure is performed on a patient with too much upper abdominal skin laxity, the umbilical will end up too low on the abdomen which will not look good.
The indication for a mini-abdominoplasty is excess lower abdominal skin with or without a lax lower abdominal wall. The upper abdomen is in good shape, with no excess skin or lax wall in these cases there is no reason to alter the upper abdomen and thus no need to get the umbilicus out of the way, and therefore there is no need for an incision around the umbilicus. The recovery from this procedure is easier than a standard abdominoplasty because only the lower half of the abdomen is operated, as opposed to the entire abdomen. An easier recovery is not a reason to select this procedure. If you need a standard abdominoplasty and you select a mini-abdominoplasty procedure, you will probably be very disappointed as there will be either too much skin laxity in the upper abdomen, a bulge in the upper abdomen from abdominal muscles that were not tightened, or both. This is where the experience of the surgeon is very important. However, if you have a mini-abdominoplasty and you really need a standard abdominoplasty or later on with the weight ranges you develop the need for a standard abdominoplasty, the performance of a mini tummy tuck now will not burn any bridges for later. This is to say, if you have a mini-abdominoplasty now, you can easily obtain a standard abdominoplasty at any later time.

Steps of a mini tummy tuck:
The procedure of mini-abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck is explained in steps for a better understanding.
STEP 1:
The surgeon marks the skin to be removed and the incision to be made first. In this procedure, there is no incision made around the umbilicus. The umbilicus remains attached to the underlying abdominal muscles as well as to the remaining abdominal skin. There will not be a circular hole in the skin flap. The surgeon also marks the area where the extent to which abdominal skin is elevated off the abdominal wall.
STEP 2:
The abdominal skin is elevated off the abdominal wall, the abdominal musculature is revealed. The skin is elevated to just below the umbilicus in the midline, a little higher to either side of the umbilicus so as to maintain the attachment of the umbilicus to the abdominal wall.
STEP 3:
The abdominal musculature is tightened using a special running suture. The muscles are brought together in the midline.
STEP 4:
The abdominal musculature is completely repaired.
STEP 5:
The excess skin is elevated above the abdominal wall and pulled downward. The area of resection (removal) is left to heal. There is no hole in the abdominal skin flap because there was no incision made around the umbilicus.
STEP 6:
As a result, a scar is formed across the waist crease of the abdomen. There is no scar around the umbilicus.

What to expect during the mini tummy tuck surgery?
How long your procedure lasts is dependable on how much excess skin is required to be removed. As only a small amount of skin is required to be removed during the mini tummy tuck surgery, we can expect this to take around one and half hours.
At the beginning of this surgery, we create an incision around the pubic region just below your navel and how much tissue needs to be removed will ultimately determine the length of this. A benefit of mini tummy tuck surgery compared with a full tummy tuck or the Fleur De Lis Abdominoplasty is that it leaves a much smaller scar because the others require removing much more skin.

Possible complications:
You will have pain and swelling in the days following surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medicines and tell you how to best handle the pain. You may be sore for several weeks or months. You may also experience numbness, bruising, and tiredness during that time. As with any surgery, there are risks. Though they are rare, complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap, or blood clots. You may be more likely to have complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes, or heart, lungs, or liver disease.
You may experience insufficient healing, which can cause more significant scarring or loss of skin. If you do heal poorly, you may require a second surgery. A tummy tuck leaves scars. Though they may fade slightly, they will never completely disappear. Your surgeon may recommend certain creams or ointments to use after you have completely healed to help with scars.

Aftercare:
Due to the position of the surgery on your body, the hospital staff will take you to the ward which gives you the ability to regain movement following the procedure. Once the anesthesia has worn off you will be able to eat and drink again. Pain relief will also be provided shortly after the surgery to help numb any pain you will feel which arises from the expected swelling. After the surgery, it’s worth following these steps in order to ensure a speedy recovery.
•    Arranging for a pick-up from the hospital will help to avoid the area from becoming strained whilst you drive.
•    Having someone available to care for you whilst you are at home will prevent the struggle of maneuvering which you are likely to feel for about a week or so.
•    Have someone available to help you attend the appointments back at the hospital which will be scheduled after your surgery so you can get the full support.
•    You can avoid any unnecessary straining during the first week of your recovery.
•    A support garment will be provided after the surgery and you should wear this for around 4-6 weeks after the surgery to aid your recovery.
•    Light exercise after a week or two, such as walking, can resume.
•    You can be encouraged to start normal exercise around three to four weeks after your mini tummy tuck surgery.
•    Once your scar has healed, begin to regularly massage it in order to improve its long term appearance.

How much of a scar will there be?
There will be a scar at the site of the incision although the surgeon will make every effort to ensure it is below the bikini line and therefore not immediately visible when you are wearing underwear or swimwear. In time and with the proper aftercare, this scar will fade and return to your usual skin tone.

Cost of tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck:
You have most likely asked yourself “how much does a mini tummy tuck or tummy tuck cost?” if you have considered getting one. According to the American Society of Plastic surgeons, the average cost of a mini tummy tuck stood at $6,092 in 2019. However, with the increasing costs of living, everything seems to be getting more expensive. It is therefore likely that this figure has increased in the past few months. There are also additional expenses that come with the procedure. This put the cost in the range of $3,000 to $15000. You should consider these fees and expenses when researching tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck prices.
So you may want to get several opinions to find a plastic surgeon who fits within your budget. Because it is an elective cosmetic procedure, a mini tummy tuck won’t be covered by your insurance.

What affects the cost of a tummy tuck?
There are actually a lot of factors that come into play when determining the cost of a tummy tuck.
1.    The extent of the procedure: In some cases, all that is involved in a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck is tightening the loose, sagging skin below the navel. However, the process is customizable to meet your needs and preferences. Depending on how much work the surgeon has to do, the procedure can be either a full, mini, or extended tummy tuck.  A mini tummy tuck that only addresses the loose skin may cost between $4,000 and $5,000. A traditional tummy tuck may cost between $8,000 and $10,000, while an extended tummy job may be worth up to $20,000.
2.    The size of the area: If the procedure only entails tightening of loose skin and eliminating fat from the lower abdomen, the cost will be relatively low. However, when you need a full tuck, the procedure’s scope calls for more expenses. This is because it involves both the upper and lower abdomen. Extended tummy tucks are also more expensive because they involve the front side, back, and sides.
3.    The volume of fat removed: The extent of the procedure can be fat removal, muscle tightening, skin lifting and tightening, and muscle reshaping or repairing. The more services you get during the process, the higher cost will be.
4.    The type of anesthesia used: The type of dosage of anesthesia you receive during a tummy tuck is another significant factor that affects the procedure’s cost. If you require a larger dose of anesthesia depending on the extent of the surgery, the price will be higher. General anesthesia is usually more expensive than local anesthesia. The reason for this is that with local anesthesia, you may also have to take a sedative to help you sleep through the procedure, hence a lower dose. The cost of general anesthesia is between $425 and $1,800 while that of local anesthesia is between $500 to $3,500.
5.    The number of procedures to be performed: In some cases, lifting and tightening your stomach skin is not enough to help you achieve your ideal aesthetic level. As such, you may be a good candidate for an extra procedure. Doing so will help to contour your body by removing excess fat. Liposuction is usually an ideal complementary procedure to tummy tuck as it draws more fat than a tummy tuck.

How to find a provider?
A mini tummy tuck should be performed only by a board- certificate plastic surgeon and if the price for the procedure seems too good to be true, it probably is. You may want to meet with the surgeon beforehand to talk about your desired results and what to expect from the procedure, as well as to see before and after photos of real clients. You can also use the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ surgeon finder tool to find a list of board-certified plastic surgeons near you.