Mini Tummy Tuck

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Oswego, Portland, OR and Woodburn, OR

A mini tummy tuck, or a mini-abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure that can restore a flatter and smoother stomach. It removes sagging skin and tightens weakened muscles below the navel, leaving the upper portion of the abdomen untouched. (1)

Dr. Quita Lopez is the Medical Director and Cosmetic Surgeon of Aesthetic Laser Center. Dr. Lopez is deeply trusted by the greater Oregon community and has earned her reputation by openly communicating with her patients and providing them with individualized attention.

To begin working with Dr. Lopez, please request a consultation online. You may also reach both our Lake Oswego and Woodburn offices by calling (503) 353-0888.

About Mini Tummy Tucks

A mini tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that can resculpt the lower abdomen by removing redundant skin and tightening lax muscles. This procedure is a variation of the full tummy tuck, but unlike its traditional counterpart, it only addresses concerns below the navel. Dr. Lopez typically performs this procedure to address concerns resulting from factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, aging, genetics, and more, allowing you to achieve a silhouette that aligns with your ideal aesthetic.

Benefits

There are several benefits you can experience when undergoing a mini tummy tuck, including:

  • Flatter Stomach: A tummy tuck can remove redundant skin from below the navel to create a flatter and more defined stomach.
  • Smoother Skin: Removing lax or sagging skin can restore a tighter and smoother look and feel to the region.
  • Enhanced Contours: A mini tummy tuck can restore a smoother, more symmetrical, and proportionate appearance across the lower abdomen.
  • Shorter Incision: Mini tummy tucks typically use a shorter and lower-placed incision compared to traditional tummy tucks. (2) This can make it easier to conceal the appearance of post-operative scarring.
  • Strengthened Pelvic Floor: Dr. Lopez can restore the natural strength and tension of your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles during the procedure.
  • Heightened Confidence: Recontouring your figure can instill a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance, especially after you see the results of your procedure.
  • Tailored Solutions: Dr. Lopez customizes each procedure according to your needs and anatomy to ensure natural-looking results.
  • Long-Lasting Results: The results of a tummy tuck can last for several years on end, especially when you maintain them with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you have found loose or sagging skin beneath your navel, and you want to address it to achieve a flatter and smoother stomach.

To undergo this procedure, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should have already reached a stable weight that you can maintain long-term. It is also important that you are nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine. Dr. Lopez will assess your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step to restoring your natural figure is attending a personal consultation. During your visit, Dr. Lopez will meet with you individually to finalize your candidacy and determine the best approach for your needs. She will explain what a mini tummy tuck entails, review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and establish realistic goals. She will also perform a physical examination to assess your natural anatomy and skin quality.

Dr. Lopez will use this combination of open conversation and thorough evaluation to finalize your candidacy and create your personalized treatment plan. She will tailor each aspect of your procedure and explain what to expect, such as the incision length and the amount of tissue she plans to remove. Depending on your goals, she may also suggest pairing your procedure with another.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation and receive your tailored treatment plan, we invite you to either contact us online or call (503) 353-0888. We offer consultations at our Woodburn and Lake Oswego offices.

Preparation

Dr. Lopez will give you a set of instructions once you have scheduled your mini tummy tuck. We ask that you follow each one as she directs, as this will optimize your procedure, recovery, and results. They include:

  • Avoiding Certain Medications: Under the proper medical guidance, discontinue using any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties.
  • Coordinating Care: Have a trusted friend or relative transport you home after your procedure and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours of your recovery.
  • Arranging Time Away: Prepare to take time away from your career and other commitments to give yourself time to rest.
  • Running Errands: Fill your prescriptions and rearrange your home so that everything you need for your recovery is within reach.
  • Ceasing Any Substance Use: Stop consuming nicotine or alcohol in the weeks before your procedure.

Procedure

Dr. Lopez performs each mini tummy tuck at her accredited surgical center on an outpatient basis. When you arrive for your procedure, a member of her team will greet you and lead you to a private treatment room. They will cleanse your skin before transporting you to the operating room, where you will receive general anesthesia.

To access your underlying tissues, Dr. Lopez will make an incision that extends between your hips, just above the pubic area. She will then proceed to remove your redundant skin and tighten any lax or weakened abdominal muscles. She may also integrate liposuction into your procedure if there is a significant amount of fat in the treatment area.

After Dr. Lopez has completed each of your desired corrections, she will carefully close the incision using sutures. You will then be transported to her recovery suite to rest.

Recovery

After a mini tummy tuck, you can expect to experience some initial swelling, bruising, and general discomfort around the treated areas. These effects are temporary and will subside on their own with time, but you may also manage them using prescribed medications and plenty of rest. Dr. Lopez will also have you wear a compression garment to limit further swelling and maintain your curves as your tissues heal.

You may return to non-strenuous activities after resting for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. However, you will need to refrain from anything demanding or heavy lifting for several more weeks, or until Dr. Lopez has allowed you to return. She will provide you with additional instructions when meeting with you in person.

Results

Your results will vary, but you will be able to enjoy smoother skin, a flatter stomach, restored pelvic floor strength, and a more defined silhouette—each of which can create a more sculpted appearance and heighten your sense of self-confidence.

Mini tummy tucks yield durable results, which means you may enjoy your renewed appearance for several years to come. To preserve these effects, we recommend upholding healthy lifestyle habits, as weight fluctuations can affect your appearance over time.

Cost of Mini Tummy Tucks in Portland, Oregon

The cost of your mini tummy tuck will vary depending on several aspects of your surgical plan, such as the type of corrections you receive, the extent of your corrections, and whether you pair your procedure with another. Once Dr. Lopez has discussed these details with you, she will give you an inclusive pricing estimate.

FAQ

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

A tummy tuck is a procedure that can address loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles above and below the navel to restore its natural appearance and strength. On the other hand, a mini tummy tuck only addresses concerns found below the navel.

Can a mini tummy tuck help me with my weight loss journey?

No, a mini tummy tuck cannot help you lose weight. In order to undergo this procedure, you should already have a stable weight that you can maintain long-term.

How long will it take Dr. Lopez to perform my mini tummy tuck?

The duration of your mini tummy tuck will vary depending on its extent and whether you combine it with another procedure. Dr. Lopez will provide you with more specific details during your in-person consultation, but you can expect your procedure to last between 1 and 3 hours.

What type of anesthesia will Dr. Lopez use to perform my mini tummy tuck?

Dr. Lopez will use general anesthesia to perform your procedure. This means you will be comfortably asleep throughout the entire experience.

How long will it take for me to recover from my mini tummy tuck?

Many of Dr. Lopez’s patients are able to return to non-strenuous activities after resting for 1 to 2 weeks. However, you will need to wait several weeks longer before returning to anything more demanding.

How long will the results of a mini tummy tuck last?

The results of your mini tummy tuck can last for several weeks, especially when you maintain them with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle.

Can Dr. Lopez combine my mini tummy tuck with another procedure for enhanced benefits?

Yes, she may integrate your procedure into a more comprehensive treatment plan to help you achieve more transformative results. During your consultation, she can provide you with further information and personalized recommendations based on your goals.

References

  1. Daniel El Israwi, Watfa W. Rectus Muscle Plication in Mini-abdominoplasty with Umbilicus Preservation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2023;11(5):e4998-e4998. doi:10.1097/gox.0000000000004998
  2. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty. Nih.gov. July 24, 2023. Accessed September 16, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/#article-17029.s4