Think of a mini tummy tuck as a “light version” of a full tummy tuck. It’s the perfect procedure if your lower belly just won’t flatten, no matter how much you work out. That little pooch below the belly button? This targets exactly that.
We remove the extra skin, tighten the muscles just in the lower part, and leave your belly button alone. That’s a big difference from the full version, which deals with the whole abdomen.
So, a short scar, quicker recovery, and less invasive. It’s not about dropping several dress sizes. It’s about smoothing out the small stuff that diet and exercise can’t touch.
Antalya isn’t just a holiday spot; it’s also a go-to place for mini tummy tuck surgery. Why? You get skilled surgeons, modern hospitals, and prices that make you do a double take (in a good way). The doctors here know exactly how to target that stubborn lower belly area – nothing overdone, just clean, natural-looking results.
No need for a full tummy tuck if your main issue is below the belly button. That’s what they focus on in Antalya: quick procedure, tiny scar, fast recovery. Most patients fly in, stay for about a week, and leave literally feeling lighter.
"A flat lower belly and a sea view to heal with."
That’s Antalya for you. Beauty, care, and confidence, all in one place.
| BENEFITS |
| Flattens lower belly bulge |
| Tightens lower abdominal muscles |
| Removes loose skin |
| Leaves smaller, hidden scar |
| Keeps belly button untouched |
| Shorter healing time |
| Improves waistline shape |
| Clothes fit more naturally |
| Boosts self-image and confidence |
Let’s say your belly isn’t big, just stubborn. You eat well, you move, but that little bulge under the belly button won’t leave. That’s exactly what a mini tummy tuck fixes.
It removes loose skin and tightens muscles just in the lower abdomen. So if you’ve had a baby, lost some weight, or simply feel like your body doesn’t match your effort, this gives you that smooth, flat finish.
No full scar, no big downtime.
Just a sharper waistline and clothes that finally fit right again.
"Will I see a real difference?"
If the problem is small but bothering you daily, yes, you’ll feel it every time you zip up your jeans.
It’s a small fix with a big mood boost. That’s the charm of a mini tuck.
Am I one of them? Let’s see.
| If this sounds like you... |
| My weight is stable—not planning big changes soon |
| I’m close to my ideal shape—just need a small fix |
| My upper belly is flat—it’s just the lower part bothering me |
| I have mild loose skin or a small lower pouch |
| I’m healthy—no serious medical issues |
| I don’t smoke or drink heavily |
| I’m not planning a pregnancy anytime soon |
| I want natural-looking, subtle improvement |
Honestly? If you're already taking care of yourself, staying close to your ideal weight, and your only issue is that soft area right below your belly button, yes, you're a great candidate.
You don’t need a full tummy tuck. Your upper abdomen is probably already flat, or at least firm. But that lower belly? Maybe a little loose skin, maybe a slight bulge that just won’t go. That’s exactly what a mini tummy tuck is for.
If you're healthy, not dealing with any serious conditions like heart or lung disease, and you don’t smoke or drink heavily, you’re already ticking major boxes. Healing goes smoother when your body’s in good shape, and it sounds like you’re already doing your part.
You're not planning to lose a tonne more weight or get pregnant soon.
Then yes, this procedure was pretty much designed for you.
Preparation steps
The surgeon checks your belly, talks about your goals, and makes sure you're a good candidate.
Your surgeon will draw gentle lines on your lower abdomen while you’re standing. This helps plan where to remove skin.
Some clinics take photos for your file before and after comparisons.
You get either general anesthesia (you sleep) or local with sedation (you stay relaxed but feel nothing).
The area is cleaned with antiseptic to keep everything sterile.
A short horizontal cut is made just above the pubic line. Low enough to hide under underwear.
Loose, saggy skin below the belly button is gently removed.
If the lower muscles are loose, they’re stitched together to create a flatter look.
The belly button stays in place. No cutting or repositioning.
The surgeon makes sure everything looks smooth and symmetrical.
Fine, often hidden stitches are used to close the skin neatly.
A light dressing or bandage is placed over the incision. Occasionally a small drain is added (not always).
You rest while waking up from anesthesia. Most people go home the other day.
Most people recover from a mini abdominoplasty in about 2 to 3 weeks, but each phase has its own pace.
This is when you’ll feel the most tightness and soreness. Walking is possible, but you’ll move slowly and need rest. Pain is manageable with medication.
Swelling starts to go down. You can walk more upright. Light daily activities become easier. Many people stop taking pain meds around this time.
Stitches (if visible) are often removed. You’ll feel more mobile and less bloated. Still, no workouts yet. Continue wearing your compression garment.
Most people return to work if the job isn’t too physical. You can start light walking, but no core exercises yet.
You’ll feel like yourself. Swelling is minimal. Scars begin to fade. You can slowly return to normal exercise with your surgeon’s okay.
A mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure compared to a traditional tummy tuck. The mini version focuses on the lower abdomen, removing excess skin and tightening muscles below the belly button. It's ideal for people with mild sagging or localised fat in that area.
In contrast, a full tummy tuck addresses both the upper and lower abdomen, often including muscle repair across the entire abdominal region. It’s a more extensive surgery, recommended for those with significant skin laxity or after substantial weight loss or pregnancy.
The choice depends on the severity of the issue, with a mini tummy tuck offering a quicker recovery and less scarring, while a full tummy tuck provides more comprehensive results.
A mini tummy tuck is typically performed in the following cases:
A full tummy tuck is usually recommended for:
In Turkey, a tummy tuck usually costs between $2,500 and $4,000. That often includes almost everything: surgery, hospital, anaesthesia, aftercare, and even hotel and airport transfers if you’re coming from abroad. Kind of a full-package deal.
In the UK, prices jump to around £6,000 to £9,000. And that’s mostly just for the surgery. Want follow-up care or extra services? They usually come with extra fees.
In the US, it’s even higher: $8,000 to $15,000 depending on the surgeon, city, and clinic. Some places charge more, especially in big metro areas.
Subsequently, why is Turkey so much more affordable?
Because costs like rent, staff, and equipment are just lower there. That’s it. You’re not giving up quality. Clinics in Turkey are modern, clean, and equipped with the same tech. Many surgeons know what they’re doing.
So, if you want great results without wiping out your savings, Turkey is worth checking out. It’s not a shortcut; it’s just a better route.
Yes, there will be a scar, but let’s talk about how well it can hide.
Surgeons place the incision just above the pubic area, super low. Right where your underwear or bikini bottom naturally sits. It’s not random; it’s planned to stay hidden, even when you're on a beach.
For a mini tummy tuck, the scar is shorter. Usually hip to hip, or even smaller.
For a full tummy tuck, it’s longer but still low and easy to cover.
Right after surgery, the scar looks pink and slightly raised. That’s normal. Around 6 weeks, it starts calming down. By 3 to 6 months, it fades. What happens after a year? In many cases, it’s just a soft, thin line.
You’ll start seeing a difference within 1 to 2 weeks, once the swelling begins to go down.
The area will look flatter early on, but final results take time. By 6 to 8 weeks, things settle. And in around 3 to 6 months, you’ll see the full, smooth-shaped scar faded, the swelling gone, and everything in place.
Yes, the results are permanent if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
Gaining or losing a lot of weight, or pregnancy after surgery, can affect the outcome.
If your loose skin or bulge is just in the lower belly, under your belly button, and the top part still feels flat, then a mini tummy tuck could be all you need. It’s less surgery, less downtime, and leaves a smaller scar.
But if the entire front of your tummy feels loose, or your belly button looks like it dropped after pregnancy or weight loss, then a full tummy tuck might be the better call. That one fixes everything from top to bottom: skin, muscle, and shape.
To get more and detailed information, it's best to consult a board-certified Op. Dr. Onur Oğan experienced in performing face lift procedures.