Mini abdominoplasty: What is it and how is it different from a traditional abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty is a surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, eliminating flaccidity and strengthening the muscles of the abdominal wall. How does it differ from a mini abdominoplasty? We explain it below:

What is a mini abdominoplasty?

Mini abdominoplasty, also called partial abdominoplasty, is an option for patients with a smaller amount of abdominal skin to remove and with less pronounced muscle laxity. This plastic surgery technique is performed on people whose abdomen is beginning to sag due to age or on those who wish to improve their figure and achieve a more streamlined appearance.

How is a mini abdominoplasty procedure performed?

This body contouring surgery, although less invasive than a full abdominoplasty, is performed under general anesthesia. The size of the incision in a mini abdominoplasty varies depending on the amount of skin to be removed, but it is generally smaller than the incision used in a traditional abdominoplasty.

Differences between abdominoplasty and mini abdominoplasty

The main difference between both procedures lies in the amount of skin to be removed. On the one hand, mini abdominoplasty is indicated for patients with a smaller amount of fat or flaccidity, while abdominoplasty is used for people with a greater volume of abdominal fat.

Another distinguishing feature is the scar, which is usually smaller in mini abdominoplasty. This is because this procedure only addresses the area below the navel, whereas abdominoplasty works on the entire abdomen (above and below the navel).

Although mini abdominoplasty is not a scarless abdominoplasty, the scar is minimal and similar to that of a cesarean section in terms of location and length. In some cases, the scar becomes almost invisible as it is located just above the pubic area.

Regarding the techniques used, mini abdominoplasty only reconstructs the lower part of the abdomen, so it is generally not necessary to reposition the navel. In abdominoplasty, this is required through a technique called umbilicoplasty, which allows changing the shape, size, height, and/or location of the navel according to the patient’s needs.

Both procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia, although in the case of mini abdominoplasty, local anesthesia combined with sedation may sometimes be used. As for the duration of the procedure, mini abdominoplasty usually takes less time than abdominoplasty.

Which one is better?

Like all plastic surgery procedures, there is no universal answer, as it depends on each patient. Mini abdominoplasty is a less invasive option and leaves less scarring than traditional abdominoplasty.

However, it is suitable for those with a small amount of abdominal skin to remove. On the other hand, traditional abdominoplasty is indicated for people with more abdominal volume, since it is more effective than the other in this regard.