A stubborn pooch below the belly button can linger long after pregnancy or weight loss, even with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Dr. Venkata Erella, a board-certified plastic surgeon and a pioneer in awake plastic surgery, performs the mini tummy tuck as an awake procedure under local anesthesia at Aspira Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Austin. The result is a flatter, firmer lower abdomen without general anesthesia.
Also called a partial abdominoplasty, a mini tummy tuck treats loose skin and excess fat below the belly button only. A full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdomen, often repositions the belly button, and repairs muscle separation across the whole abdominal wall.
Because the mini version works on a smaller area, it uses a shorter incision, leaves the navel in place, and typically involves a faster recovery with less swelling and discomfort. Those qualities also help make it well suited to awake surgery.
Dr. Erella performs the awake mini tummy tuck under local anesthesia, with a mild oral sedative when appropriate. Your lower abdomen is numbed before he begins, so you should not feel pain, though you may notice pressure or pulling as he works. You remain conscious throughout and can talk with him at any point.
The procedure focuses on a limited area below the navel and typically takes about one to two hours, which lends itself to local anesthesia. During your consultation, Dr. Erella will confirm whether an awake mini tummy tuck suits your anatomy and goals or whether a full tummy tuck under general anesthesia would serve you better.
The incision is shorter than a full tummy tuck incision, and your navel stays in place, so the scar is smaller and sits low on the abdomen.
With a smaller treatment area, you can typically expect less swelling and discomfort than with a full tummy tuck. Many patients are back at work within two weeks.
Having your mini tummy tuck under local anesthesia minimizes the risks associated with general anesthesia, which can offer peace of mind if you would rather not undergo it.
Being awake means you can ask Dr. Erella questions during your procedure, and he can make sure you are comfortable as he shapes your lower abdomen.
Once you have healed, you can enjoy a smaller waistline and a more proportionate figure.
You may be a good candidate if you:
Dr. Erella will also consider chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, and any scars from previous abdominal surgery. If your muscle separation extends above the navel, a full tummy tuck may be necessary for a complete repair.
A mini tummy tuck is often paired with liposuction for enhanced waistline definition. Since Dr. Erella also performs awake liposuction, the two procedures can complement each other for a more proportionate shape. Adding a procedure does lengthen surgery and can affect your recovery, so Dr. Erella will let you know whether a combined plan can be done awake.
Your process begins with a consultation, where Dr. Erella reviews your health, discusses your goals, and takes pre-operative photos to guide your procedure and track your progress. It is also your chance to ask questions and understand the risks and recovery.
Once you decide to move forward, you will receive pre-operative instructions covering dietary restrictions, quitting smoking, and managing medications that could affect your outcome. Plan for someone to drive you home after your procedure, especially if you receive a sedative.
After numbing your lower abdomen, Dr. Erella makes a horizontal incision above the pubic area. Its size depends on how much correction you need, but it is typically shorter than the incision for a full tummy tuck. Through this opening, he removes loose skin and excess fat from the lower abdomen to flatten and smooth the area.
He then closes the incision carefully with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips to minimize scarring. A surgical dressing is placed over the incision. Usually the drain is not required in mini Tummy Tuck unlike in full Tummy Tuck.
Since you stay awake for your mini tummy tuck, you won’t need time for general anesthesia to wear off after surgery. Some discomfort and swelling are normal at first, and oral pain medication prescribed by Dr. Erella can help. He will explain how to care for your incision and any drain, which medications to use, and when to return for your follow-up visit.
Plan for a restful period of about a week, and avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting during that time. Most patients return to work within 4-5 days, depending on their job. Swelling and numbness may linger for several weeks, but you should notice a difference in your shape early on. Full recovery takes 3-4 weeks, and Dr. Erella will tell you when you can resume all of your normal activities.
Most patients see a flatter, more toned lower abdomen right away, and the results become more defined as healing progresses. The changes are significant yet natural-looking, with better overall body proportion.
The skin and fat cells removed during surgery do not come back. Still, weight gain or loss, pregnancy, aging, genetics, and lifestyle habits like smoking can all affect your results over time. Keeping a stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is the best way to protect your new contour. You can view patient outcomes in Dr. Erella’s tummy tuck gallery.
Dr. Erella has more than 30 years of surgical experience and extensive training in abdominal reshaping, and tummy tucks are one of his areas of focus. He is also a pioneer in awake plastic surgery, and his work in this field was spotlighted in Plastic Surgery News, published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
He customizes every mini tummy tuck to your personal goals and stays involved through your follow-up visits, so you have one experienced surgeon guiding your care from start to finish.
Mini tummy tuck costs at Aspira typically range from $6,000 to $8,000. Your price depends on your specific needs and usually includes costs for local anesthesia, facility and aftercare. Because an awake mini tummy tuck is performed without general anesthesia, it may help keep those anesthesia costs down.
Dr. Erella will give you a detailed quote at your consultation, and financing is available to help you pay over time. To get started, call (512) 730-3885 or request your consultation online. Learn more about Dr. Erella’s other awake surgery procedures.
Discover inspiring customer transformation.
M. R. |
“I love Dr Erella and his team! They have so much knowledgeable in plastic surgery for someone like myself that has had an excessive amounts of extra loose skin because of massive weight loss. I was 500lbs and lost a total of 300lbs. I achieved my goal weight in my weight loss journey. I wanted a Doctor that could help bring out the person I saw in my mind and I found just that with Dr Erella and his practice. I love that he was very thorough in what to expect in my skin removal surgery and what can be achieved and what outcomes can take place with their care. If you're looking for a reputable cosmetic surgeon practice here in the Austin area please look no further than ASPIRA! 😊 (I had extended tummy tuck with a mons pubis reduction)”
Read more “I had tummy tuck with muscle repairs by Dr. Erella almost three months ago. I am very pleased with the whole process. The surgery went well and recovering process is smooth, I didn’t experience much pain. OneDr. Erella is very knowledgeable and experienced and explained everything in details. It is still early to see the final results, but I am pleased about the results so far. Thank you Dr. Erella and your staffs.”
Read moreKatie S. |
The incision runs horizontally above the pubic area and is typically shorter than a full tummy tuck incision. Because the belly button is not repositioned, there is no scar around the navel.
Most procedures take about one to two hours. The time can be longer if additional procedures are performed.
No. While it removes excess skin and fat and can tighten the lower abdominal muscles, visible abs depend mainly on your overall body fat and muscle development through exercise.
Most patients return to work within a week, depending on the nature of their job.
Pregnancy after a mini tummy tuck can stretch the skin and abdominal muscles and change your results. But it will not affect your pregnancy.
Yes, if the separation (diastasis recti) is below the belly button. If it extends above the navel, a full tummy tuck may be necessary for a complete repair.
