Your Initial Consultation with Dr Dona

During your initial consultation, Dr Eddy Dona will assess whether a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) may be an appropriate procedure for you. This appointment also provides an opportunity to discuss your medical history, expectations and relevant surgical details.

Topics typically include:
• Your areas of concern and treatment preferences
• Your medical history and any previous abdominal procedures
• An examination to evaluate skin quality, muscle tone and the lower abdominal area

If the procedure is considered appropriate, Dr Dona will explain what the surgery involves, outline the associated costs and discuss recovery expectations, potential risks and possible complications.

The consultation is also an opportunity to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of the procedure before making any decisions.

What to Expect from a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

During your consultation, Dr Dona will assess your individual circumstances and provide recommendations regarding a surgical plan.

Some general features of this procedure include:
• Scar placement: A Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) typically removes a small section of skin from below the belly button and above the pubic area, which requires a shorter incision than other forms of Abdominoplasty.
• No belly button incision: As this procedure removes tissue below the belly button only, a separate incision around the belly button is usually not required.
• Hospital stay: A Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is generally performed as a day procedure, allowing most individuals to return home on the same day.

When tightening of the abdominal wall muscles is required, the surgery may be performed in an overnight facility. This enables post-operative monitoring, pain management, and care, such as the management of surgical drains if needed.
• Recovery period: Recovery progresses over several weeks and varies between individuals. Light activities are generally resumed earlier, depending on individual healing.

The Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Procedure

During surgery, Dr Dona makes a horizontal incision, usually slightly longer than a caesarean (c-section) incision, just above the pubic bone. The skin and fat layer are carefully lifted from the underlying muscle. If tightening of the abdominal wall muscles is required, this is performed using dissolving sutures. The skin is then repositioned, and any excess tissue is removed before the incision is closed with multiple layers of dissolving sutures beneath the skin.

Recovery and Your Post-operative Care Plan

Before your procedure, you will receive a tailored post-operative care plan. Care begins shortly after surgery with a series of in-clinic visits to our nursing team, which continue for several weeks. These appointments allow Dr Dona and the nursing staff to monitor progress, manage wound care and provide guidance throughout the recovery period.

As part of this process, all patients participate in the HeaLED Program. This program includes treatments and medical-grade skincare designed to support tissue healing and assist with scar management.

Key elements of the HeaLED Program include:
• LED Light Therapy – Used to assist in managing swelling and inflammation during recovery, which may also help with overall comfort and pain management.
• Rejuran Therapy – A polynucleotide-based treatment that supports collagen formation and skin repair.
• Medical-grade Skincare – Used to maintain skin integrity and assist with scar care during recovery.

Microneedling may also be recommended as an additional option to assist with scar management, depending on individual healing progress.

Travelling To Sydney?

Individuals from interstate or overseas often travel to see Dr Eddy Dona in Bella Vista, Sydney. To assist with planning, we have prepared an information page for patients travelling for surgery. It includes details about referrals, pre-surgery consultations, local accommodation, post-operative nursing support and transport options.

For those undergoing a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty), it is recommended to remain in Sydney for approximately one week after surgery. During this time, daily in-clinic reviews and treatments, such as light therapy and wound care, are part of the post-operative monitoring process. After returning home, follow-up appointments can be arranged via Zoom to review progress in recovery and healing.

FAQs

In some cases, a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) can be performed at the same time as another surgical procedure. Examples may include Breast Reduction, Breast Lift (Mastopexy) and Breast Augmentation. Whether procedures are combined depends on individual circumstances and the surgical plan discussed during consultation.

Will my belly button be involved in a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

In most cases, a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) does not involve the belly button and no incision is made within it. However, in some situations, the belly button may be adjusted or “floated” as part of the procedure, depending on individual anatomy and the surgical plan discussed during consultation.

Are muscles tightened during a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

In the traditional sense, a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) involves only the removal of excess skin. However, if an individual requires tightening of the abdominal wall muscles (rectus divarication), this can be incorporated into the Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) procedure as part of the surgical plan.

Who is suited to a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

A Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) may be considered for individuals with a healthy body composition, low body fat, and a small amount of loose skin confined to the lower abdomen. It can also be considered for those with a deep or tethered caesarean (C-section) scar, causing irregularity in the lower abdominal area. This procedure generally does not involve any changes to the navel.

How much downtime is involved with a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

Most individuals require about one week of rest before resuming light activities. Office-based work can often be resumed within two to three weeks, depending on recovery progress. Normal daily activities are generally resumed after approximately four weeks, while heavier physical activity or lifting is usually delayed for around six weeks. Recovery times can vary between individuals.

Potential Risks & Complications

All surgical procedures involve potential risks and complications. It is essential to understand these and discuss any questions during your consultation before deciding to proceed with surgery.

Find out more about the potential risks and complications related to surgery >

Specific Risks & Complications Related to a Mini Tummy Tuck

Asymmetry: There may be some unevenness of the skin or a difference between the right and left sides after surgery.

Circulation: In some cases, blood supply to the skin near the surgical site may be reduced, leading to delayed healing or skin loss. These wounds may require dressing changes or, in some cases, further surgery. Avoiding smoking for at least two weeks before and after surgery is strongly recommended to support healthy circulation.

Further Surgery: As with any surgical procedure, additional surgery may be required to refine the procedure or address healing issues.

Loss of Sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation can occur around the incision site. Some individuals may regain sensation over time, while others may experience a lasting change.

Scarring: Scars typically change in appearance as healing progresses and may take several months to mature. Some individuals may develop thicker or darker scars (hypertrophic or keloid). A structured post-operative care plan is provided to support healing and assist in scar management.

Seroma: A fluid collection (seroma) can develop beneath the wound and may require drainage if it occurs.

Swelling: Swelling is common after a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) and usually settles gradually over time, although it can occasionally take several months to resolve fully.

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Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Sydney

When a Mini Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) May Be Considered