This article has been reviewed and approved by Chief Physician and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Ali Bagher on September 28, 2026.
Do you have excess skin on your lower stomach that won't go away despite exercise and a stable weight? For example, after pregnancy or a major weight change, the skin can lose some of its elasticity, which means that the stomach doesn't always regain its previous shape.
For those who have a smaller amount of excess skin, especially below the belly button, a mini abdominoplasty may be an option. The procedure is also called a small abdominoplasty and is a less extensive version of a traditional abdominoplasty.
Here we go over what a mini abdominoplasty involves, who the procedure may be suitable for and what you can expect from the results.
What is a mini abdominoplasty?
A mini abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure in which excess skin is removed from the lower abdomen, usually the area between the navel and the pubic bone.
Unlike a full abdominoplasty, the navel usually does not need to be moved during a mini abdominoplasty. The incision is often shorter and the surgery involves a smaller area of the abdomen.
In some cases, the procedure can be combined with liposuction to treat localized fat deposits. Which surgical method is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances and what you wish to change.
Who is a mini abdominoplasty suitable for?
A mini abdominoplasty may be appropriate for those who have a small amount of excess skin on the lower abdomen, but who have relatively good skin elasticity above the navel.
For example, the procedure may be an option if you:
- Has a small amount of excess skin below the navel.
- Experience that the skin on the lower abdomen has become loose after pregnancy or weight changes.
- Have a relatively stable weight and are not planning any major weight loss.
- Do not have extensive excess skin over the entire stomach.
If you have a lot of excess skin or a major separation of the abdominal muscles, a full abdominoplasty may be more appropriate.
During a consultation, the surgeon makes an individual assessment of your stomach and discusses which surgical method may suit your circumstances.
What is the difference between mini abdominoplasty and regular abdominoplasty?
The biggest difference between a mini abdominoplasty and a full abdominoplasty is how much of the stomach is treated.
A mini abdominoplasty primarily removes excess skin from the area below the navel. A full abdominoplasty can treat a larger amount of excess skin over the stomach and, if necessary, also correct a separation of the rectus abdominis muscles.
A complete abdominoplasty usually means a longer surgical scar and the navel needs to be repositioned in the skin.
Which procedure is right for you therefore depends not only on how much skin you want to remove, but also on the anatomy of the stomach and what changes need to be made.
Please read more about our different options for abdominoplasty at Estetikcentrum in Malmö.
What does the scar look like after a mini abdominoplasty?
In a mini abdominoplasty, the surgical incision is usually placed far down on the stomach, so that the scar can in many cases be hidden under underwear or swimwear.
Because the procedure involves a smaller area, the scar can often be shorter than with a full abdominoplasty. However, the length of the scar depends on how much skin needs to be removed.
During the first few days after surgery, the scar is usually red and may feel raised. Over time, it will usually become softer and less prominent, but it will not disappear completely.
How long is the recovery after a mini abdominoplasty?
After surgery, it is common to experience swelling, tenderness and a feeling of tightness in the abdomen. You may also need to wear a compression garment for a period of time to provide support to the operated area.
Because a mini abdominoplasty is usually less extensive than a full abdominoplasty, recovery may be shorter in some cases. However, how quickly you recover depends on the extent of the surgery and your individual healing process.
It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions regarding physical activity, wound care, and return to work and exercise.
Conclusion
A mini abdominoplasty may be an option for those who have a small amount of excess skin on the lower abdomen and wish to change the shape of the stomach. The procedure is less extensive than a full abdominoplasty, but which method is right for you depends on your individual circumstances.
At Estetikcentrum in Malmö, you have the opportunity to discuss your wishes with a surgeon and receive an assessment of which treatment may be appropriate for you.
Want to know more? Read about our treatment, abdominoplasty or book a consultation with one of our surgeons to discuss your questions and options.
