LOWER-BELLY REFINEMENT
A shorter, less invasive tummy tuck focused on the area below the belly button. For a small ‘pooch’ or mild loose skin that doesn't need full muscle repair, it removes the excess through a short, low scar.
THE PROMISE
Mini abdominoplasty is a less invasive version of a full tummy tuck that concentrates only on the area below the belly button. Where a full abdominoplasty addresses the whole abdomen and repairs separated muscles, the mini version targets a smaller problem — a little excess skin and a stubborn lower ‘pooch’ — through a shorter incision and a quicker recovery.
It is a less invasive version of the tummy tuck that focuses solely on the area below the belly button. It is ideal for patients with a small ‘pooch’ or mild skin laxity who do not require muscle repair, and is often combined with liposuction to refine the result.
FROM INSTAGRAM
Short videos Dr Karatzias has shared on Instagram.
Before and after
A short horizontal incision is made low down — within the bikini line, similar in position to a caesarean scar — and the excess lower-abdominal skin is removed and the remaining skin re-draped smoothly. Because the looseness is confined to the lower abdomen, the belly button does not need to be repositioned and the abdominal muscles are not formally repaired, which keeps the scar shorter and the recovery faster than a full tummy tuck. Liposuction is often added to refine the contour.
Whether a mini or a full abdominoplasty best suits you, and the type of anaesthesia, are confirmed with Dr. Karatzias at your consultation.
A compression garment is worn for several weeks. Because it is less extensive than a full tummy tuck, recovery is quicker — most patients return to office work within about a week, with strenuous activity and exercise resumed gradually over four to six weeks. Swelling settles over the following weeks and the final, flatter contour appears over the following months.
Good candidates are people close to their ideal weight with a small amount of loose skin or a stubborn lower ‘pooch’ confined to below the belly button, who do not have significant muscle separation or excess skin higher up. If the looseness extends above the navel or the muscles are widely separated, a full abdominoplasty is usually the better choice — which we assess at your consultation.
To see if you are a candidate for this procedure or if you wish to learn more details about it, please complete our online consultation form or call at +357 22 275522.
+357 22 275522
BEFORE & AFTER CASES
Results vary from person to person.
Where will the scar be, and will it be visible?
The scar is a short horizontal line placed low down, within the bikini line and similar in position to a caesarean scar, so underwear and swimwear usually cover it. It is shorter than a full tummy-tuck scar; like any surgical scar it is firmer and pinker at first and then softens and fades over the following months.
Does it hurt, and what will the bruising and swelling be like?
Most people describe tightness and soreness across the lower abdomen rather than sharp pain, managed with simple pain relief. Some bruising and swelling is normal early on and then settles over the following weeks; a compression garment supports the area and helps the swelling go down.
How much time off work will I need?
Because a mini is less extensive than a full tummy tuck, downtime is shorter — most patients return to office or desk work within about a week. Strenuous activity, lifting and exercise are reintroduced gradually over roughly four to six weeks once healing allows.
How long do the results last?
The skin and fat removed do not come back, so the result is lasting. Keeping a stable weight protects it best, since significant weight gain or a future pregnancy can stretch the area again. The final, flatter contour settles over the months after surgery as the swelling fully resolves.
What anaesthesia is used?
A mini abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia, though the exact plan depends on the individual case and whether it is combined with other work. The anaesthesia and what to expect are confirmed with Dr. Karatzias and the anaesthetist at your consultation.
Can it be combined with another procedure?
Yes — it is frequently combined with liposuction of the abdomen and flanks to refine the overall contour in one session. Whether combining procedures is right and safe for you is assessed individually at your consultation. Costs vary with the personalised plan and are discussed there.
RELATED PROCEDURES
The full procedure — tightening the whole abdomen and repairing separated muscles.
Removing stubborn fat — often combined to refine the abdomen and flanks.
Advanced sculpting that etches athletic definition into the abdomen.
Book a consultation with Dr. Karatzias to discuss whether a mini abdominoplasty is right for you. In-person in Cyprus.
CALL +357 22 275522
Staying at the forefront of medical advancement. Dr. Karatzias is proudly accredited by leading global organizations in both Plastic Surgery and Wound Management.
+150
Excellent 4.9 out of 5
Prefer to chat first? Send me an email or connect with me on social.