Awake body surgery
Awake Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty) in Ottawa
A mini tummy tuck treats loose skin and fat below the belly button through a short lower-abdominal scar. Selected patients can have it done awake, often combined with liposuction.
Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini Abdominoplasty) at a glance
| Typical operating time | About 2 to 3 hours |
|---|---|
| Awake suitability | Selected patients |
| Typical return to desk work | Desk work often within 1 to 2 weeks |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia with or without sedation. General anesthesia arranged if needed |
| Setting | Outpatient, with an anesthesiologist present throughout |
Times are typical ranges for planning, not promises. Your plan is individualized.
What is mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty)?
Excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen are removed through an incision just above the pubic area, and the muscle is tightened if needed. It is smaller than a full tummy tuck and does not move the belly button.
Who may be a good candidate
- People with loose skin or a pouch below the belly button
- Those with a tight upper abdomen
- Patients at stable weight and in good health
Why awake mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty) may work
A study of mini abdominoplasty with liposuction under tumescent local infiltration anesthesia describes this approach, and tumescent anesthesia is well established for the liposuction component. The lower abdomen is a defined area that can be numbed well.
When awake may not be the right choice
If skin laxity extends above the belly button, a full abdominoplasty under general anesthesia may be better. Combined procedures raise clot risk.
Your awake mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty) journey
1. Before surgery (pre-op)
We assess skin laxity above and below the navel, muscle separation and clot risk.
- A consultation to review your goals, health history, medications and previous surgeries, and a physical examination
- An anesthesia assessment to decide whether an awake plan is appropriate and safe for you
- Photographs, with your consent, and a written plan, quote and consent form
- Medication guidance, including when to stop blood thinners, certain supplements, and smoking or vaping
- Fasting instructions from the anesthesia team. Follow them exactly
- A ride home and an adult to stay with you after surgery
2. Day of surgery (intra-op)
The abdominal wall is numbed with tumescent fluid, liposuction is performed, and skin is removed and closed in layers.
- You arrive, change, and meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist, and your markings and plan are confirmed
- An IV and monitors are placed. The anesthesiologist stays with you from start to finish
- Local anesthetic is given. Expect brief stinging, then numbness, and light sedation if planned
- You can listen to music, talk with the team, and tell us at any time if you feel discomfort
- Afterward you rest in recovery, receive written instructions and go home with your driver
3. Recovery (post-op)
You are observed in recovery, given written instructions and pain-control guidance, and scheduled for follow-up. Call us or seek urgent care for fever, spreading redness, severe or worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain or swelling.
| When | What is typical |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 3 | Soreness and tightness. You may walk slightly bent. A compression garment is worn. |
| Week 1 | Walking is encouraged. Drains if used are removed. |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Gradual return to activity. No heavy lifting. |
| Months 3 to 6 | Swelling resolves and scar matures. |
Timelines are general and vary. Your surgeon gives you instructions specific to you.
Anesthesia options
Anesthesia options range from local anesthesia, with or without sedation, to general anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is present throughout your procedure and recommends an approach after reviewing your health, the extent of surgery and your preferences. If an awake approach is not suitable, general anesthesia is arranged. Plans can change during surgery if comfort or safety requires it, including deepening sedation or converting to general anesthesia.
Learn more: anesthesia options, levels of anesthesia, fear of intubation, and pain perception and music.
Alternatives
Liposuction alone, full abdominoplasty, or no surgery.
Risks
Scarring, seroma, bleeding, infection, wound-healing problems, asymmetry, numbness, blood clots, and anesthesia-related risks.
Anesthetic risks include reactions to medications, breathing or airway events, the need to deepen sedation or convert to general anesthesia, and, rarely, transfer for further care. All surgery carries risk, and results are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions about awake mini tummy tuck (mini abdominoplasty)
Is a mini tummy tuck right for me?
It suits loose skin below the navel only. We examine you to decide.
Can it be done awake?
In selected patients.
Where is the scar?
A short scar low in the abdomen.
What about clots?
Walking early and individual risk assessment help reduce the risk.
Related procedures
Starting from $10,000 (CAD, before 13% HST), including surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees. Your written quote follows your consultation. See pricing and financing.
Explore your options at a consultation
References
- Mohamed AA, Safan TF, Hamed HF, Elgendy MAA. Tumescent local infiltration anesthesia for mini abdominoplasty with liposuction. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(11):2073-2078. PMID 30559863
- Mittal P, Heuft T, Richter DF, Wiedner M. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after abdominoplasty and liposuction: a review of the literature. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2020;44(2):473-482. PMID 31858207
- Hatef DA, Trussler AP, Kenkel JM. Procedural risk for venous thromboembolism in abdominal contouring surgery: a systematic review of the literature. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;125(1):352-362. PMID 20048626
- Perzia BM, Marquez J, Mellia JA, et al. Venous thromboembolism and bleeding events with chemoprophylaxis in abdominoplasty: a systematic review and pooled analysis of 1596 patients. Aesthet Surg J. 2021;41(11):1279-1289. PMID 33599713