Treatment Overview
An Extended Mini Tummy Tuck in Korea is a specialized abdominoplasty technique that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen while extending the correction laterally toward the flanks (love handles). Unlike a standard mini tummy tuck, which only focuses on the area below the belly button, the extended version addresses a wider area for improved waistline contour and smoother transitions.
Korean plastic surgeons are known for their precision in abdominal contouring and advanced scar-minimization techniques. By combining liposuction with skin tightening and muscle repair (when necessary), the extended mini tummy tuck provides natural, long-lasting results with shorter recovery compared to a full tummy tuck.
Purpose & Benefits
- Extended Coverage: Improves contour from the lower abdomen through the flanks.
- Targeted Skin Removal: Eliminates loose skin below the belly button.
- Improved Waistline: Enhances curves and body proportions.
- Muscle Tightening (Optional): Repairs mild muscle laxity without full tummy tuck surgery.
- Minimal Scarring: Single incision kept low along the bikini line.
- Confidence Boost: Restores a flatter, firmer lower abdomen and waist contour.
Ideal Candidates
- Patients with excess skin and fat below the belly button extending to the sides.
- Individuals with mild abdominal muscle laxity (not requiring full abdominoplasty).
- Adults in good overall health and at a stable weight.
- Non-smokers with realistic expectations.
- Post-pregnancy patients or those after moderate weight loss.
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary bruising, swelling, and soreness.
- Mild numbness or sensitivity changes in the lower abdomen.
- Fluid buildup (seroma).
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities (rare with experienced surgeons).
- Rare risks: infection, delayed wound healing, or blood clots.
Surgical Techniques Used
- Low Bikini-Line Incision: Extended laterally to allow access to flanks.
- Skin & Fat Removal: Excises loose tissue below the belly button and at the sides.
- Optional Liposuction: Enhances waistline contouring.
- Muscle Tightening (when needed): Repairs mild lower abdominal separation.
- Scar-Minimizing Closure: Fine sutures placed low for discreet healing.
Recovery & Aftercare
- 1–2 weeks: Most swelling and bruising subside.
- Compression Garments: Worn for 4–6 weeks to support healing.
- 1–2 weeks: Resume light daily activities or desk work.
- 3–4 weeks: Resume light exercise and walking.
- 6–8 weeks: Return to heavier activities and workouts.
- 6–12 months: Final scar results visible as scars fade and flatten.
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Keep incision clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Avoid bending or straining abdominal muscles early in recovery.
- Wear compression garments consistently.
- Use scar care treatments (silicone gels, laser therapy if recommended).
- Attend follow-up appointments for progress monitoring.
Results & Longevity
- Flatter, firmer lower abdomen.
- Slimmer waistline with smoother transitions to flanks.
- Long-lasting results if weight is stable.
- Discreet scarring hidden along the bikini line.
- Enhanced body confidence in fitted clothing and swimwear.
Treatment Process in Korea
- Initial Consultation & Assessment
- Surgeons evaluate abdominal fat, skin laxity, and waistline contour.
- Decision between standard mini tummy tuck vs. extended version.
- Surgical Planning & Preparation
- Incision lines mapped low along bikini line with lateral extension.
- Choice of anesthesia: usually general anesthesia.
- Surgery Day
- Extended incision made for access to abdomen and flanks.
- Skin and fat removed; optional liposuction performed.
- Muscle tightening if necessary.
- Closure with fine sutures for discreet scarring.
- Post-Operative Monitoring
- Compression garments applied immediately.
- Patients may go home the same day or stay overnight.
- Follow-Up & Refinement
- Follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
- Scar care and optional refinement procedures provided if needed.
Why Korea is a Top Destination
- Surgeons skilled in advanced abdominoplasty and body contouring.
- Expertise in combining liposuction with tummy tuck procedures.
- Use of scar-minimizing closure techniques for discreet results.
- State-of-the-art clinics with premium aftercare and scar treatment programs.
- More affordable than Western countries while maintaining high safety standards.
Cost Range
The cost of Extended Mini Tummy Tuck in Korea depends on extent of skin removal, liposuction, and clinic reputation.
- Standard Extended Mini Tummy Tuck: USD $5,500 – $7,500
- Extended Mini Tummy Tuck + Liposuction: USD $7,000 – $10,500
- Post-Pregnancy or Weight Loss Case: USD $8,500 – $12,000
- Premium Clinics (3D Imaging, VIP Aftercare): USD $10,000 – $14,000
Additional Costs:
- Consultation & imaging: USD $100 – $300
- Compression garments: USD $150 – $250
- Medications & aftercare: USD $100 – $300
Popular Clinics
- Banobagi Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Experts in combining tummy tucks with liposuction.
- ID Hospital (Seoul): Known for post-pregnancy and body contouring surgery.
- JK Plastic Surgery Center (Seoul): JCI-accredited, specializing in abdominoplasty safety and refinement.
- View Plastic Surgery Clinic (Seoul): Leaders in waistline contouring and scar management.
- JW Plastic Surgery (Seoul): Offers customized extended tummy tuck with natural, discreet results.
