Mini Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Miami, FL

The mini tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that can restore the appearance of your lower abdomen by eliminating sagging skin and removing accumulated fat. This procedure is a variation of the full tummy tuck that only addresses concerns below the navel, leaving the upper portion of the abdomen undisturbed.

Dr. Rian A. Maercks is an internationally recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon at The Maercks Institute. Dr. Maercks is a pioneer in his field and has completed fellowship training across Europe, Central America, and South America under several of the world’s most prominent plastic surgeons. He is known for creating his own signature techniques and innovations, which consistently produce refreshing, natural-looking, yet transformative outcomes.

If you are ready to begin working with Dr. Maercks, please request a consultation online. You may alternatively call (305) 328-8256 to reach our Miami office.

About Mini Tummy Tucks

A mini tummy tuck, or mini abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure that can restore a flatter, firmer, and smoother abdomen by addressing sagging skin beneath the navel. (1) Unlike a full tummy tuck, it does not address muscle weakness or navel irregularities. Instead, it focuses on correcting loose and lax skin to restore tighter, smoother contours.

Dr. Maercks performs each procedure using the philosophy of histiocentricity. This is the concept of using the most minimally invasive techniques possible when performing a surgical procedure, all while providing seamless and transformative results. This allows Dr. Maercks to minimize any unnecessary tissue damage while minimizing the overall recovery time of his patients.

Benefits

Mini tummy tucks offer numerous benefits that you can enjoy when undergoing one yourself, including:

  • Smoother Skin: A mini tummy tuck can remove loose, inelastic, and hanging skin beneath the navel to restore a tighter and smoother look and feel.
  • Shorter Recovery Times: Dr. Maercks uses specialized surgical approaches that allow you to return to light activities within a week. This is a shorter timeframe compared to traditional tummy tuck methods.
  • Lasting Results: The results of a mini tummy tuck are long-lasting, and they provide effects that can last for many years to come.
  • Tailored Treatment Plans: Dr. Maercks customizes each procedure according to the needs and anatomy of his patients to create seamless results that flatter their natural figures.
  • Minimal Scarring: Dr. Maercks places the incisions just above the pubic area so that any post-operative scarring may be concealed beneath your underwear or swimwear bottoms.

Candidates

You may be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you have been struggling with mild to moderate loose or hanging skin below your navel as a result of weight loss or pregnancy, (2) and it will not respond to lifestyle changes such as dieting or exercise. You should be in good health and possess a stable and maintainable weight. You should also be a non-smoker or willing to quit using nicotine entirely. Dr. Maercks and his team will assess your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Maercks will meet with you one-on-one to establish a more meaningful connection and take the time to create a treatment plan that truly addresses your needs. He will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and learn more about your specific concerns. He will also perform a physical examination to assess your natural anatomy and skin condition. Dr. Maercks will then use this information to create a customized solution to address your concerns.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation and receive your personalized treatment plan, please contact us online or call (305) 328-8256.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your procedure, Dr. Maercks will provide you with a detailed set of pre-operative instructions to help you prepare. These may vary depending on the details of your treatment plan, but they typically include:

  • Avoiding Certain Medications: Discontinue using certain supplements and medications that may thin your blood.
  • Arranging Transportation: Have a trusted friend or relative drive you home, and if needed, stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours of your recovery.
  • Prepare Time Off: Arrange to take time away from your personal and professional responsibilities and commitments.
  • Running Errands: Fill any prescriptions you need for your recovery, and set out anything in your home that you will need accessible to you as you heal.
  • Cease Your Consumption: Avoid consuming alcohol or nicotine in the weeks leading up to your procedure, and maintain your abstinence until you have fully recovered.

Procedure

When you arrive for your procedure, a member of our team will lead you into a private treatment room to meet with Dr. Maercks one last time. He will confirm each detail of your treatment plan and answer any remaining questions you have. He will then cleanse your skin before you receive general anesthesia to ensure you are comfortably asleep throughout the procedure.

Dr. Maercks will place an incision just above the pubic area. Its length will vary depending on the corrections you receive, your personal anatomy, as well as your personal preferences. He will then excise skin and tissue in the area to restore its firmness, flatness, and smoothness. If needed, he can also incorporate liposuction to address stubborn fat accumulations. Once he has performed the corrections, he will suture both ends of the incision before dressing the treatment area. You will then briefly rest in our recovery area.

Recovery

After your mini tummy tuck, you will need to take several weeks away from your responsibilities to focus on your recovery. Initially, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, or general discomfort, but these effects are temporary and will dissipate with time. To reduce them, Dr. Maercks will provide you with Exparel, which is a long-lasting non-opioid pain manager. He will ask you to wear a compression garment, which will limit further swelling and preserve your contours as your tissues settle. You will also attend follow-up appointments throughout this phase so that Dr. Maercks may observe your healing progression and remove any necessary sutures or drains.

You may return to most of your routine activities after resting for approximately one to two weeks. However, you will need to refrain from engaging in heavy lifting or strenuous activities throughout your entire recovery period, or until Dr. Maercks has cleared your return.

Dr. Maercks will provide you with post-operative instructions to guide you through the phases of your recovery. By following them, you will be able to effectively care for your incisions, manage your side effects, and return to your routine safely.

Results

You will be able to experience the full results of your mini tummy tuck once you have fully recovered. They will vary depending on the exact corrections you underwent, but you can generally expect to enjoy a flatter, smoother, firmer, and more slender stomach, which can contribute to a more sculpted silhouette overall.

The results of a mini tummy tuck are long-lasting, with effects that you can enjoy for several years to come. To preserve them, you must maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

Cost of Mini Tummy Tucks in Miami, Florida

Dr. Maercks will discuss your financial obligations with you once he has established the details of your treatment plan. This is because the pricing of your mini tummy tuck will vary depending on factors such as the types of corrections he performs, the extent of the corrections, whether he performs additional procedures, and more.

FAQ

What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck can correct more minor to moderate concerns found beneath the navel. On the other hand, a full tummy tuck addresses physical concerns above and below the navel, and typically includes more in-depth corrections such as muscle plication or navel repositioning.

How long will it take to recover from a mini tummy tuck?

You may return to non-strenuous tasks after resting for approximately one to two weeks. However, you will need to continue refraining from engaging in intensive or demanding tasks for several more weeks, or until Dr. Maercks has cleared you to return.

Can a mini tummy tuck address diastasis recti?

A mini tummy tuck does not correct the appearance of diastasis recti. If this is a concern of yours, Dr. Maercks may elect to perform a full tummy tuck instead of a mini one.

Can I still become pregnant after my mini tummy tuck?

Yes, you may still become pregnant after your mini tummy tuck if you wish. Although we recommend that you wait until you have completed your family before undergoing this procedure, as pregnancy can alter its results.

Can Dr. Maercks combine my mini tummy tuck with another procedure?

Yes, Dr. Maercks may combine your procedure with another for more comprehensive body contouring. During your consultation, he can provide you with more personalized recommendations and further information based on your desired results.

References

  1. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Accessed August 3, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/
  2. Klinger M, Klinger F, Giannasi S, et al. Aesthetic and Functional Abdominoplasty: Anatomical and Clinical Classification based on a 12-year Retrospective Study. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2021;9(12):e3936. doi:10.1097/gox.0000000000003936