If your concerns are limited to that stubborn lower belly pouch, a mini tummy tuck offers dramatic results without the extensive recovery of a full abdominoplasty. With a shorter scar, no belly button repositioning, and faster healing, you'll enjoy a flatter, firmer lower abdomen and be back to your normal routine in weeks rather than months.
Procedure
1.5–2.5 hours
Hospital Stay
Day case or 1 night
Recovery
2–3 weeks
Minimum Stay
7–10 days
What Is Mini Tummy Tuck?
This partial abdominoplasty is a scaled-down version of the full procedure, targeting excess skin and stubborn fat below the belly button. It involves a shorter incision, no navel repositioning, and limited muscle tightening, ideal for those close to their target weight with a stubborn lower pouch.
Recovery is faster than a full tummy tuck since the upper abdomen remains untouched. The incision sits just above the pubic area, similar to a caesarean scar, making it easily concealed.
Common Concerns Mini Tummy Tuck Can Address
Lower abdominal bulge or pouch
Loose or sagging skin below the navel
Stubborn fat resistant to diet and exercise
Post-pregnancy lower abdominal changes
Are You a Good Candidate?
You have good skin elasticity in the upper abdomen
Your concerns are limited to the area below the belly button
You're at or near your ideal body weight
Techniques & Options
A mini tummy tuck only makes sense when the problem is genuinely limited to the lower abdomen. Your surgeon will check whether the skin above your navel is still firm, assess how much lower muscle separation exists, and determine whether adding liposuction to the flanks would improve the overall result. The procedure can range from a straightforward lower skin excision to a more refined approach that slims the waistline at the same time.
There are three main approaches:
Standard Mini Abdominoplasty
The most common approach for moderate lower abdominal skin laxity. Shorter incision above the pubic area without navel repositioning.
Shorter horizontal incision above the pubic area
Removal of excess skin without navel repositioning
Limited muscle repair if needed in lower abdomen
Mini Abdominoplasty with Liposuction
Combines skin excision with targeted fat removal for enhanced contour, particularly around the flanks and waistline.
Removes both excess skin and stubborn fat deposits
Improves overall body contour and waist definition
Provides more dramatic results than skin removal alone
Extended Mini Tummy Tuck
A slightly longer incision extending towards the hips, treating mild love handles alongside lower abdominal correction.
Addresses lower abdomen plus mild hip fullness
Incision extends slightly beyond standard mini tuck
Still avoids belly button repositioning
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3
Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal and expected. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation and reduce stiffness. Your care coordinator will check in daily to monitor your comfort and healing.
Week 1–2
Most patients feel significantly better and can return to light activities and desk work. Swelling begins to subside and you'll start feeling much more like yourself as the lower abdomen flattens.
Weeks 3–4
You can gradually resume low-impact exercise such as walking and gentle stretching. Swelling continues to diminish and you'll notice improved abdominal contour emerging each week.
Months 2–6
Final results emerge as residual swelling resolves and the scar matures to a thin, pale line within the bikini crease. Most patients feel completely back to normal by this stage.
What to Expect
Flatter Lower AbdomenToned appearance below the navel
Shorter ScarHidden within the bikini line
Faster RecoveryQuicker return to activity
Safety & Risks
Mini tummy tuck is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon, but like all surgeries, it carries some risks.
Infection at the incision site
Seroma or fluid accumulation
Bleeding or haematoma
Wider or raised scarring (uncommon)
Temporary numbness in treated area
Asymmetry or contour irregularities
Although a mini abdominoplasty is less extensive than a full tummy tuck, the lower abdominal incision still requires careful wound management. Your surgeon will assess your skin healing history, explain how the shorter incision reduces certain risks, and advise on scar care to achieve the best cosmetic outcome.
How Much Does Mini Tummy Tuck Cost in Thailand?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive — your quote covers everything from surgeon fees to hospital stay.
Mini Tummy Tuck
All-inclusive surgical package
From$2,500
Board-certified surgeon fee
Anaesthesia & operating theatre
Hospital stay & nursing care
Post-operative medications
Follow-up appointments
Dedicated care coordinator
Add Recovery Package
Hotel, breakfast, airport transfers & 24/7 support
From$89 / night
Affordable suites on Sukhumvit Soi 23, a short ride from Bumrungrad Hospital. Rooms include a kitchenette, daily breakfast, and access to the pool and fitness centre — a comfortable, budget-friendly base for your recovery.
A well-appointed serviced residence in the heart of Sukhumvit with full kitchen, washer-dryer, pool and gym. Ideal for patients who want a home-away-from-home feel with hotel-level service during recovery.
A luxury hotel close to the hospital district, known for impeccable Japanese-standard service. Spacious rooms, an acclaimed spa, and 24-hour room service — the premium choice for a first-class recovery.
Common Questions About Mini Tummy Tuck
Everything you need to know before your procedure
We recommend staying for 7–10 days to allow for your procedure, initial recovery, and follow-up appointment with your surgeon before flying home.
A mini tuck addresses only the lower abdomen with a shorter incision and no navel repositioning. A full tummy tuck treats the entire abdomen and repositions the navel. Recovery is faster with a mini tuck.
No. One of the defining features of a mini tummy tuck is that the belly button remains in its original position and is not altered during the procedure.
Yes, mini tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction, breast surgery, or other body contouring procedures. Your surgeon will advise on safe combinations during your consultation.
The incision is placed low on the abdomen, typically within the bikini line, making it easily concealable. Scars fade significantly over 12–18 months and proper aftercare helps optimise healing.
Most patients return to desk-based work within 1–2 weeks. Physical jobs requiring lifting or core engagement may require 3–4 weeks off.
Some surgeons place small drains temporarily to prevent fluid build-up. These are usually removed within a few days during a follow-up appointment.
Results are long-lasting provided you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Significant weight fluctuations or future pregnancies can alter your results.
Yes, it's an excellent option for mothers with lower abdominal concerns who don't require full muscle repair. However, it's best to wait until you've finished having children and reached a stable weight.
Since this procedure targets only the lower abdomen, preparation is straightforward compared to a full abdominoplasty. Stop smoking at least four weeks beforehand, discontinue aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks prior, and maintain a stable weight. Prepare high-waisted, loose trousers for the recovery period, as anything sitting on the incision line will feel uncomfortable initially.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Individual results, recovery times, and suitability vary. Always consult a qualified surgeon before making decisions about treatment.
What's Included
Board-certified surgeon fee
Anaesthesia & operating theatre
Hospital stay & nursing care
Post-operative medications
Follow-up appointments
Dedicated care coordinator
Ready to Get Started?
Speak with our care coordinators for a free, no-obligation consultation and personalised quote.
Patients who chose Thailand for their cosmetic surgery, and would do it again.
Charlotte M.
Auckland, New Zealand
"I was quoted eight grand at home. I paid less than half that in Bangkok and the surgeon had twenty years' experience. It's not a compromise, it's a better deal."
Liposuction
Sophie T.
Dublin, Ireland
"What impressed me most was the follow-up. Three weeks after I flew home, my specialist did a video check-up and adjusted my care plan. That attention is rare."
Brow Lift
Nicole K.
Toronto, Canada
"The clinic was nothing like I expected. It felt like a five-star hotel. The surgical suite, the recovery room, the staff. Everything was spotless and modern."
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