Mini Tummy Tuck

Offered at our convenient location in Baltimore, Maryland

A mini tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that can recontour the lower abdomen. It removes sagging skin and tightens loose muscles found beneath the navel, allowing you to correct the lasting physical effects of events such as pregnancy or weight loss.

Dr. Alyson Wells is a double board-certified plastic surgeon at Valley Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa. Dr. Wells has a true passion for surgery and is known for her exceptional precision and results. No matter what procedure you receive or what results you are seeking, you can trust that Dr. Wells can help you without compromising any aspect of your care.

To learn more, we invite you to contact us online. You may also call (410) 628-8200 to reach the front desk of our Baltimore office.

About Mini Tummy Tucks

A mini tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure that can remove inelastic skin and repair your muscles to restore a more contoured and defined abdomen. It is a variation of the traditional tummy tuck that exclusively addresses concerns below the navel, leaving the upper portion of the abdomen untouched.

The lower abdomen is constantly subject to different life events, intrinsic factors, and extrinsic forces—each of which can cause the skin to stretch and contract. When you pair this with declining collagen levels, moderate levels of sagging can begin to develop. With a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Wells can help you address this skin and achieve a more toned and slim silhouette.

Benefits

Mini tummy tucks offer several benefits that you can experience when undergoing this procedure for yourself, such as:

  • Smoother Skin: A mini tummy tuck can remove inelastic skin to restore a smoother appearance and feel.
  • A Resculpted Figure: Dr. Wells can recontour the lower abdomen to improve its overall appearance and definition.
  • Quicker Recovery: Mini tummy tucks offer a shorter recovery time compared to other tummy tuck variations. (1)
  • Improved Contours: Dr. Wells can perform this procedure to highlight the natural curves of your figure, especially after having children or losing weight.
  • Restored Proportions: Your mini tummy tuck can create a more even and balanced appearance across your entire torso.
  • Heightened Confidence: Resculpting your figure may leave you with an elevated sense of self-esteem.
  • Tailored Solutions: Dr. Wells personalizes each procedure according to the anatomy, needs, and goals of her patients.
  • Lasting Results: When maintained with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy the results of your mini tummy tuck for several years to come.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you have recently given birth or lost weight and have developed loose or sagging skin below the navel that will not respond to regular exercise, dieting, or other lifestyle changes.

You should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results.

You should be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine. If you have recently lost a significant amount of weight, you will need to have attained a stable weight you can maintain long-term. Dr. Wells will assess your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step to attaining a more alluring figure is attending a personal consultation at our Baltimore office. During this visit, Dr. Wells will meet with you individually to discuss what a mini tummy tuck is, review your medical history, and learn about your desired appearance. She will also assess your natural anatomy, skin condition, and muscle quality.

Dr. Wells will then use this information alongside your goals to confirm your candidacy and create your one-of-a-kind treatment plan. She will determine how much tissue she will remove and where she will place the incision. Depending on your goals, she may also suggest pairing your procedure with another. She will also take the time to answer any questions you may have, as she wants each patient to leave their consultation feeling confident about their upcoming procedure.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation with Dr. Wells, we invite you to contact us online or call (410) 628-8200.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your procedure, Dr. Wells and her team will provide you with a detailed set of instructions to help you prepare. They include:

  • Avoiding Certain Medications: Refrain from taking medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning properties.
  • Arranging Time Away: Take time away from your professional responsibilities and personal commitments.
  • Coordinating At-Home Care: Have a trusted friend or relative drive you home after your procedure and stay with you for the first few days afterwards.
  • Preparing Your Home: Rearrange your home to ensure everything you need during your recovery is within reach.
  • Limiting Your Consumption: Avoid consuming nicotine or alcohol in the weeks leading up to your procedure, as well as the weeks afterwards.

Procedure

Dr. Wells performs mini tummy tucks on an outpatient basis at her accredited surgical center. The duration of your procedure will vary, but you can expect it to last between 1 and 3 hours.

When you arrive, a member of her team will help you get checked in. They will lead you to a private treatment room, where they will cleanse your skin. You will then receive general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

Dr. Wells will then make a small incision that extends just above the pubic area. She will proceed to resculpt your figure by removing any inelastic skin and tightening any weakened abdominal muscles. She will then close the incision and dress the region to protect it.

Recovery

After a mini tummy tuck, it is common to experience some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort around the treated areas. These effects will begin to dissipate after a few weeks, but you may manage them using medications and getting plenty of rest. Dr. Wells will also have you wear a compression garment to limit further swelling and maintain your figure as you heal.

You should begin taking light walks and incorporating gentle movements into your routine as soon as you feel comfortable. This will increase circulation in the healing regions and reduce your chance of developing blood clots. You will need to wait at least 1 to 2 weeks before returning to desk work and other light activities. However, it can take up to 6 weeks before you can return to more arduous or demanding tasks.

Dr. Wells and her team will provide you with a full set of post-operative instructions to guide you through caring for yourself. By following them, you can ensure a quick and safe return to your routine.

Results

The results of your tummy tuck will vary, but you can expect to enjoy smoother skin, a flatter stomach, more even contours, and a more defined waist—each of which can lead to a more sculpted silhouette overall. You may also notice a heightened sense of confidence, which may empower you to wear more revealing or form-fitting clothing.

Cost of Mini Tummy Tucks in Baltimore, MD

The pricing of your mini tummy tuck will vary depending on a combination of different factors, such as the type of corrections you undergo, the extent of your concerns, whether you combine your procedure with another, and more. Once Dr. Wells has established these details with you, she will provide you with a comprehensive cost estimate. She additionally offers financing for those who qualify.

FAQ

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

A full tummy tuck addresses loose skin and weakened abdominal muscles found above and below the navel. On the other hand, a mini tummy tuck uses a shorter and lower incision, and addresses a small amount of loose skin and inelastic muscle found below the navel. (2)

What type of anesthesia will Dr. Wells use when performing a mini tummy tuck?

Dr. Wells performs every mini tummy tuck using general anesthesia.

Can a mini tummy tuck help me lose weight?

No, a mini tummy tuck cannot help you lose weight. In order to be considered a candidate for this procedure, you should already possess a stable and maintainable weight.

Will my mini tummy tuck leave noticeable scarring?

Every surgical procedure leaves some degree of scarring, but Dr. Wells will place the incision in a region that you can easily conceal beneath your clothing and undergarments. Additionally, any scarring you experience will fade and flatten with time.

Can Dr. Wells combine my mini tummy tuck with another procedure?

Yes, Dr. Wells can combine your procedure if you are interested in achieving more comprehensive results or addressing several concerns at once. During your consultation, she can provide you with personalized recommendations based on your desired results.

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

Many of Dr. Wells’s patients are able to return to desk work and nonstrenuous tasks after resting for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. However, you will need to refrain from participating in demanding or arduous activities for another several weeks, or until Dr. Wells has cleared you to return.

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

When you maintain them with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, the results of your procedure can last for several years to come.

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 (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. 2020. Accessed October 2, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/