Mini Tummy Tuck with Dr. Hong – Expert Body Contouring Across Gangnam, Apgujeong, Cheongdam, Myeongdong, Hongdae and All of Seoul

A smoother lower abdomen—with a smaller scar and quicker recovery

A mini tummy tuck targets loose skin and small bulges below the belly button. It’s ideal when you don’t need a full abdominoplasty or muscle repair from ribs to pelvis. Dr. Hong tailors incision placement low across the bikini line, refines the lower belly with selective lipo when appropriate, and shapes a natural navel-to-pubis transition.

Why patients choose Dr. Hong

  • Low, discreet incision: Planned to sit inside underwear/bikini lines when feasible.
  • Natural contouring: Precise skin redraping plus selective mini-lipo for a flat, smooth lower abdomen.
  • Tension-balanced closure: Helps the scar stay low and fine over time.
  • Navel harmony: Preserves the original belly button while improving the area beneath it.
  • Recovery-minded care: Gentle protocols and attentive follow-up.

Who’s a good candidate?

  • Mild to moderate skin laxity or bulge below the navel
  • Little to no upper-abdominal laxity
  • Minimal diastasis (or separation only low on the abdomen)
  • Stable weight, non-smoker or willing to pause, and realistic goals
If you have significant laxity above the navel or pronounced muscle separation, a full tummy tuck may be more appropriate.

Mini vs. Full Tummy Tuck (quick guide)

  • Mini Tuck:
  • Treats lower abdomen only
  • Smaller, lower scar; usually no umbilicus repositioning
  • Shorter downtime
  • Limited or no muscle repair (focused only below the navel when needed)
  • Full Tuck:
  • Treats both upper and lower abdomen
  • Belly button is re-opened/re-set
  • More comprehensive muscle repair and skin removal

What a mini tummy tuck improves

  • Lower belly pooch that persists after diet/exercise
  • Creasing or mild overhang at the suprapubic line
  • Early postpartum laxity confined below the navel
  • C-section shelf smoothing (often combined with lipo and scar revision)

How the procedure works

  1. Consultation & design – Standing markings for skin removal and incision height; photo documentation.
  2. Anesthesia – Typically general, sometimes deep sedation in select cases.
  3. Selective lipo (if indicated) – Refines the lower/upper border for a seamless line.
  4. Skin undermining & redraping – Excess skin below the navel is removed; limited low muscle plication if appropriate.
  5. Closure & support – Layered closure, low scar placement, dressings, and a light garment. Drains may or may not be used.

Recovery timeline (typical)

  • Days 1–3: Tightness/soreness; short, frequent walks encouraged.
  • Week 1–2: Back to desk work; garment worn 24/7 except showers; swelling and bruising improve.
  • Weeks 3–4: Light exercise and stretching; standing fully upright becomes comfortable.
  • Weeks 6–8: Most activities cleared; contour looks settled.
  • 3–6 months: Scar softens and fades; final refinement continues up to 12 months.
    Timelines vary by individual healing, amount of skin removed, and whether lipo/plication were added.

Results you can expect

  • Flatter lower abdomen with a cleaner bikini line
  • Smoother transition from navel to pubic area
  • More comfortable fit in high-waist styles and fitted dresses
  • Discreet scar designed to hide under underwear/swimwear

Scar care & aftercare essentials

  • Incision care per instructions; keep folds dry and protected early on.
  • Silicone therapy & sunscreen after clearance to support a fine line.
  • Compression garment as directed to reduce swelling and support redraping.
  • Gentle mobility right away; avoid heavy core work until cleared.
  • Stable weight preserves your result.

Risks & how we minimize them

Potential risks include seroma, hematoma, infection, delayed healing, widened scar, asymmetry, contour irregularity, numbness, and need for revision. Risk is reduced with careful patient selection, meticulous hemostasis, tension-balanced closure, and close follow-up.

Smart combinations

  • Lower-abdomen/waist lipo for extra definition
  • C-section scar revision incorporated into the plan
  • Mons contouring (reduction or subtle fat transfer) for a smooth lower border
  • Breast procedures in a staged “mini mommy makeover,” when appropriate

FAQs

Will I need my belly button moved?
Not in a classic mini. The navel typically stays in place; we improve the area below it.

Can you fix muscle separation with a mini?
Mild low diastasis can be tightened through the mini incision. Wider or high diastasis often needs a full tuck.

How long until I can work out?
Walking right away; light cardio at ~2–3 weeks; progressive core work after medical clearance (often 6–8+ weeks).

Is a mini enough for me?
If your laxity is mainly below the navel, yes. If your upper abdomen is loose or your diastasis is significant, a full tuck is likely better.

Ready for a cleaner lower-abdomen contour?

Book a consultation with Dr. Hong to map your mini tummy tuck—low scar placement, selective lipo, and (if needed) limited low muscle repair—so your midsection looks naturally flat in motion and at rest.