Best Mini tummy tuck surgery in Turkey | 2025 Cost, Reviews and Before & After Results

Mini tummy tuck surgery is a more limited surgical procedure performed to correct sagging and looseness in the lower abdominal area compared to the classic tummy tuck operation. Generally, a tighter appearance is achieved by removing the excess skin and fat below the navel.

The navel is not intervened on, therefore the recovery period is faster compared to classic abdominoplasty. Mini tummy tuck surgery is suitable for individuals who have mild excess skin after pregnancy or limited regional sagging.

During the operation, the muscle tissue is usually also addressed and the lower abdominal muscles are tightened. In this way, both the aesthetic appearance is improved and the supporting structure of the abdominal wall is strengthened.

After mini tummy tuck surgery, the scars are planned to remain under the bikini line. Swelling, bruising and mild pain may occur after surgery; these conditions usually resolve within a few weeks and the patient can return to daily life in a short time.

What Are the Main Differences Between Mini Tummy Tuck and Full Tummy Tuck?

One of the most frequently asked and confusing points for our patients is the distinction between mini tummy tuck and full tummy tuck. The difference between these two procedures is not limited only to the length of the incision; there are also clear distinctions in terms of surgical planning, the size of the area addressed and the results obtained. In full tummy tuck surgery, the surgical field covers the entire abdominal wall, starting from below the rib cage and extending down to the groin area. This broad approach is necessary to correct severe sagging that occurs throughout the abdomen after significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies.

In mini tummy tuck surgery, however, the focus is much more specific. The procedure is limited to the area below the navel. The targeted area is the tissue between the navel and the pubic bone. Mild skin excess, stretch marks and fat deposits in this region are the main concerns. The most obvious difference is the length of the surgical incision. While full tummy tuck requires a long incision extending from one hip bone to the other, the incision in mini tummy tuck is much shorter. This incision, which we can generally describe as a slightly longer version of a C-section scar, is positioned low enough just above the groin area to be hidden under underwear or a bikini line.

Another important difference is the situation of the navel. In full tummy tuck, since the abdominal skin is pulled completely downward, the position of the navel is changed and a new navel is created by making an incision around it. In mini tummy tuck, on the other hand, in the classic approach the navel is not touched, its position is not changed and there is no stitch mark around it. However, in some advanced techniques, the navel can be temporarily released in order to repair the abdominal muscles from higher up, but still no circular scar is left as in full tummy tuck. This offers a major aesthetic advantage, especially for patients who do not want a scar around the navel.

Is Liposuction Used During This Surgery?

In modern aesthetic surgery, seeing tummy tuck surgery merely as a “skin removal” procedure is a major shortcoming. In the past, these operations were performed only by cutting and removing the sagging skin, but today they have been replaced by much more comprehensive and “hybrid” approaches. When performed alone, the mini tummy tuck procedure may sometimes be insufficient and may fail to provide the desired contours of the body. For this reason, in our current practice, we almost always combine this surgery with liposuction within the concept of “lipoabdominoplasty”.

The role of liposuction in this process is not only to remove excess fat. Liposuction integrated into tummy tuck surgery dramatically improves the surgical results. Firstly, liposuction applied to the waist area, the sides of the abdomen and the upper abdomen accentuates the waist curve and creates a slimmer silhouette. It is not enough to remove only the excess in the front; the torso needs to be reshaped as a whole.

In addition, liposuction provides the advantage of “lipomobilization” from a surgical technique standpoint. Thinning the fat tissue under the skin allows the tissues to be released and move more easily. In traditional methods, in order to pull the skin downward, it was necessary to cut and separate the tissues, whereas with the support of liposuction, the tissues are loosened while preserving the blood vessels and nerve structures. In this way, a “sliding flap” effect is created. Skin with an intact blood supply can be safely stretched downward. This technique minimizes the risk of sensory loss and circulation problems after surgery.

Can Laxity of the Abdominal Muscles Be Corrected with Mini Tummy Tuck?

Another common misconception is that mini tummy tuck surgery is insufficient for repairing the abdominal muscles. The condition known as “diastasis recti” is the separation of the vertical abdominal muscles due to pregnancy or weight gain. This leads to a bulging appearance in the abdominal area and cannot be corrected with exercise.

In classic mini tummy tuck techniques, the surgeon’s working area was limited, so only the muscles below the navel could be stitched. However, thanks to advances in medical technology and surgical techniques, this limitation has been overcome. With endoscopic-assisted techniques or modified methods such as the “floating umbilicus”, it is now possible to reach the muscles above the navel through a mini incision.

In these advanced techniques, the surgeon releases the navel from its base and creates a tunnel upwards. In this way, it is possible to reach up to the lower edge of the rib cage and repair the abdominal muscles from top to bottom. Thus, mini tummy tuck is not only a skin-tightening procedure, but also a functional abdominal wall repair. Bringing the abdominal muscles together at the midline flattens the abdomen and narrows the waist, as if wearing an “inner corset”. However, for this to be possible, the patient’s anatomy must be suitable and the surgeon must be experienced in this technique.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Mini Tummy Tuck?

As with every aesthetic surgical procedure, the key to success in mini tummy tuck surgery is correct patient selection. Although the word “mini” may sound more appealing to patients, this technique does not offer a suitable solution for everyone. A mini tummy tuck performed on the wrong patient can lead to inadequate results and disappointment.

Ideal candidates are usually individuals whose general body mass index is normal or near normal. The main problem of these patients is localized fat accumulation under the navel and mild skin laxity that does not go away no matter how much they diet.

The main features sought in candidates are:

• Normal body weight
• Fat accumulation below the navel
• Mild skin laxity
• Stable weight

Realistic expectations

The most critical point here is the location of skin laxity. If the patient has evident skin sagging, folding or intense stretch marks above the navel as well, mini tummy tuck will be insufficient to solve this problem. If only the lower abdomen is tightened in a patient with excess skin in the upper abdomen, bunching or rippling can occur above the navel. Therefore, patients whose problem is limited to the area below the navel benefit the most from this procedure.

In addition, patients must be in good general health. Smoking is a serious obstacle to this surgery. Smoking impairs microcirculation, delays wound healing and increases the risk of tissue loss. Therefore, quitting smoking before the operation is essential. Women who plan pregnancy in the future are also advised to postpone this surgery, because a new pregnancy may cause the repaired muscles to separate again and the skin to become lax once more, negatively affecting the surgical result.

Which Tests Are Performed During the Preoperative Preparation Period?

The preparation process that begins after the decision for surgery is made is of great importance for the safety and comfort of the operation. During this period, a detailed medical history of the patient is taken and the current health status is evaluated. The preparation phase is not limited only to tests performed in the hospital; the patient is also expected to make certain lifestyle changes at home.

The following tests should be performed before surgery:

• Complete blood count
• Biochemistry tests
• Coagulation tests
• Anesthesiology consultation
• ECG

Patients are asked to stop using medications and supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding at least two weeks before surgery. These substances, which affect the blood clotting mechanism, may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising during and after the operation.

The following should be discontinued:

• Aspirin
• Vitamin E
• Ginseng
• Ginkgo biloba
• Fish oil
• Green tea
• Cherry stem tea
• Blood thinners

In addition, maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and preparing the body for the operation positively affect the recovery process. Eating and drinking should be stopped after midnight before surgery. It is also important for patients to choose comfortable clothing when coming to the hospital and to arrange for an accompanying person for logistical support.

How Does the Surgical Process Proceed and How Long Does It Take?

Mini tummy tuck surgery is performed in a fully equipped hospital setting and usually under general anesthesia. The comfort and safety of the patient are always the top priority. The duration of the operation varies depending on additional procedures (for example, the extent of the areas to be treated with liposuction) and lasts on average between 1.5 and 2.5 hours.

The course of the operation is generally as follows: first, a special solution that reduces bleeding is injected into the abdominal and waist area. Then liposuction is performed to slim the waist and loosen the tissues under the abdominal skin. After this, a short incision is made just above the groin region. Through this incision, laxity in the abdominal muscles is repaired and the abdominal wall is reinforced.

In the final stage, the excess skin and fat tissue under the navel are removed. The remaining skin is pulled downward and adapted to its new position, and the incision line is closed with aesthetic sutures. In modern techniques, special attention is paid to preserving the deep tissue layer called the “Scarpa’s fascia”. Preserving this layer maintains the continuity of the lymphatic circulation, which helps reduce postoperative swelling and speeds up recovery. At the end of the surgery, the patient is fitted with a special compression garment.

When Does the Recovery Period End and When Can You Return to Social Life?

One of the most attractive aspects of mini tummy tuck surgery is that it offers a much faster recovery period compared to full tummy tuck. Because there is less tissue damage and the surgical field is more limited, patients can return to their daily lives more quickly. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the day after surgery.

The situations that may be experienced in the first few days are:

• Mild pain
• Feeling of tightness
• Swelling
• Fatigue
• Limited mobility

These complaints can be easily controlled with prescribed painkillers. Most patients can return to desk work or non-strenuous social activities within 5 to 7 days after surgery. Considering that this period can be 2–3 weeks in full tummy tuck operations, this is a major advantage for mini tummy tuck patients.

However, a fast recovery does not mean that you can do everything immediately. In order to protect the integrity of the internal muscle repair, certain physical activities need to be restricted for a period of time.

The following should be avoided in the first 3–4 weeks:

• Lifting heavy objects
• Intense housework
• Abdominal exercises
• Fast running
• Weight training

Wearing a medical compression garment for approximately 3–4 weeks after surgery is recommended. This garment helps reduce swelling and supports the abdominal wall, making the patient feel more secure. Walking, on the other hand, is recommended from the first day, as it increases blood circulation and is the best initial activity.

What Are the Risks and Possible Complications of This Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, mini tummy tuck surgery carries certain risks, but these risks are lower compared to full tummy tuck. When performed by competent hands and under appropriate hospital conditions, it is a highly safe procedure. Still, it is important for patients to be informed about possible situations for the sake of transparency.

The most common condition is fluid accumulation called “seroma”. This refers to the accumulation of tissue fluid in the surgical area and can usually be prevented with the use of drains and modern surgical techniques (such as preserving Scarpa’s fascia). If it occurs, it can be drained with a simple needle aspiration.

Other possible complications include:

• Hematoma
• Infection
• Wound healing problems
• Prominent scarring
• Sensory changes
• Asymmetry

In particular, in patients who smoke, the risks of infection and wound healing problems increase significantly. Therefore, adhering to the smoking ban is of vital importance. At first, scars may be red and pronounced, but over time they fade and approach skin color. The fact that the scar is short and remains hidden inside underwear is a major aesthetic advantage. Temporary numbness or reduced sensation usually resolves on its own within months as the nerve endings heal.

Does the Position and Shape of the Navel Change?

One of the most delicate aesthetic points in mini tummy tuck surgery is the navel. In the classic method, the navel is not touched, but when the skin is pulled downward, the position of the navel may shift slightly downward. If the patient’s navel is naturally in a high position, this does not pose a problem. However, in a patient whose navel is already low, pulling the skin downward may cause the navel to sit too low, leading to an unnatural appearance.

In some cases, the “umbilical float” technique is used, in which the navel is cut free from its base and allowed to move downward together with the skin. This technique also allows for some tightening of the upper abdominal skin. However, the surgeon’s experience is very important here. The ideal aesthetic position of the navel is at the level of the pelvic bones. If the navel is pulled too far down, the upper abdomen can appear disproportionately long. Therefore, the current position of the navel should be carefully evaluated during preoperative planning, and the appropriate technique should be selected accordingly. If the position or shape of the navel is likely to change excessively, it may be more appropriate to recommend full tummy tuck instead of mini tummy tuck.

Are the Results Permanent and What Should the Expectations Be?

The results of mini tummy tuck surgery are noticeable immediately after the operation. When the patient wakes up and looks at their abdomen, they see a flatter profile. However, due to swelling, the abdomen may appear more bloated than it actually is in the first weeks; this is a completely normal process. Most of the swelling subsides within the first 6 weeks, but it may take 3 to 6 months for the tissues to soften, for the swelling to disappear completely and for the abdomen to take its final shape.

The permanence of the results depends largely on the patient’s lifestyle after surgery. Tummy tuck surgery is not a shield that protects the patient from gaining weight. Excessive calorie intake and a sedentary lifestyle may cause the remaining fat cells to increase in volume and compromise the result. However, in patients who maintain their weight, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly, the results can remain for many years, even a lifetime.

What is important here is that the patient’s expectations are realistic. Mini tummy tuck, in exchange for a shorter scar and faster recovery, requires sacrificing to some extent from the “maximum” tightness obtained with full tummy tuck. If a patient wants a completely flat, board-like upper abdomen and the skin is not suitable for this, mini tummy tuck may not satisfy them. Therefore, open communication between surgeon and patient, and clearly discussing what can and cannot be done, are the most important keys to surgical success. Mini tummy tuck performed with correct patient selection and the right technique is a satisfying procedure that improves the patient’s body image and self-confidence.