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Mini Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, or Combination for Post-pregnancy Tummy?

asked 2 years ago by confused about tummy in ny
Latest answer by Jason Brett Lichten, MD
Question viewed 1,008 times
Tags: abdomen, after pregnancy, c-section, loose, skin

I have had two consultations from reputable surgeons. Doctor A states I do not need a mini tummy tuck and that I should consider liposuction. My worries are baggy, wrinkly skin. Doctor A states it will "shrink wrap", well given my skin elasticity. Doctor B is okay with mini tummy tuck with liposuction, and states that the combination will result in a concave look but believes I will be pleased with the results. Doctor A stated mini tummy tuck with Lipo would look bad because of the bubbling effect. Both doctors were surprised at the minimal abdominal separation. I am 8 months post partum from twins and had two c sections. What would be the best procedure for my tummy?

13 answers to Mini Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, or Combination for Post-pregnancy Tummy?

+3

Mini tummy tuck vs. liposuction

Each procedure tackles a different problem. Liposuction removes fat. It does not, in my opinion, tighten the skin significantly. Even if the laser liposuction is used, I do not believe any meaningful tightening of the skin occurs without significant risk of unevenness and discoloration of the skin. If you look closely at the results of many laser procedures, the skin appears dark, mottled, and oddly contracted. If there is a significant amount of loose skin, liposuction is simply very... more
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

+1

Mini or full tummy tuck?

The simple answer is that you need to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine which technique is right for you. For most women, a full tummy tuck is a better option. Although there may be longer scars, you are able to address loose skin of the upper and lower abdomen and the belly button tends to stay in a more normal anatomic location than with a mini tummy tuck which may lower it.  
Jason Brett Lichten, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tuck and liposuction procedures

A photo would be helpful to determine which procedures would be best for you. Depending on the severity and complexity of the case, both a tummy tuck and liposuction may benefit you to achieve the best results. However, based on the information you provided, if you are worried about loose excess skin post liposuction alone, a standard (full) tummy tuck may be best. Not many women are good candidates for a mini tummy tuck, which involves only muscle repair of the muscles and removal of... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

The best procedure for your post-partum abdomen depends on how fat you are.

The best procedure for your post-partum abdomen depends on how fat you are. If you are fat, then the liposuction will be best for you. The skin will shrink somewhat, but I'm guessing it will still be loose. If you are not fat, then a tummy tuck with some lipo is the way to go. BUT after twins, i'm sure you'll need more than a mini-tuck. There are several different ways to do the aplasty; make sure your surgeon knows which of the choices is best for you.
G. Gregory Gallico III, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tuck versus liposuction

It's hard to know the best procedure for you, given that 2 plastic surgeons tell you that you have no abdominal laxity. I have never seen a patient who has had twins and did not need plication (tightening) of the abdominal wall muscles. Most patients like you get much better results with a full tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck allows for tightening of abdominal wall muscles as well as removal of baggy, loose skin. After having had twins, although not inconceivable, it would be surprising if... more
Sam Jejurikar, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tuck versus liposuction

Liposuction removes fat. There may be some tightening of the skin after liposuction if you are yong and have good skin quality. You should get even more tightening if you have laser liposuction. If there is significant skin excess, or hanging over, it is best to have this skin removed with a tummy tuck. If you have mild skin excess, then a combined liposuction with mini tummy tuck woul dgive you the best possible results with a hidden incision that is about half the size of a... more
Matthew Schulman, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Abdominal improvement after children

It is very difficult to suggest what would be better without formally evaluating you. Liposuction is good to reduce fatty volume in the subcutaneous plane. Yes, it may cause skin to be a bit loose if your skin quality is not good. A mini-tummy tuck only treats the area below the umbilicus. This will reduce excess loose skin int his region. If you have significant muscle laxity both above and below the abdomen and have loose skin above your umbilicus, then you probably need a full tummy... more
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

You probably need full tummy tuck.

Hi! 1) Of course, it's hard to say definitively without examining you, but almost certainly liposuction alone will not do the job for you. It sounds like you have too much loose skin. 2) Unless your "problem" is limited to the area just above the C section scar, you will not be happy with a mini tummy tuck either. Too many "minis" are done, because they sound less scary, but in reality few women are good candidates. Most women have loose skin above the belly... more
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck vs liposuction after pregnancy

We really need a photo of you to be useful in sorting this out. Maybe you need to see a third doctor and ask their opinion. Make SURE these are Board Certified Plastic Surgeons because only then can they offer ALL of the options for your abdomen and tell you the pros and cons of each for you and not just sell you on what they only know how to do.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini Tummy Tuck versus Liposuction after pregnancy

I can understand your confusion, and this can sometimes be a difficult call. In my experience, the results of a tummy tuck are fantastic and difficult if not impossible to reproduce with liposuction only in particular in women with loose, poor quality skin after pregnancy. With liposuction, we're completely relying on your skin's ability to contract down after surgery, which only works well in patients who have great skin to begin with and no wrinkling. With a tummy tuck, however, we... more
Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini or not

Justifiably you must be very confused, but for good reason. You probably are one of those patients who could go either way and get an acceptable result. Unfortunately without examining you I would not be able to tell, but here are some thoughts. 1. You already have a c-section scar so the scar is not a significant issue 2. Skin is never garaunteed to shrink after liposuctioning so you may be left with loose skin and need a second surgery to get rid of it. 3. Whenever you have a c-section... more
John P. Stratis, MD

Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck versus liposuction

Many patients have the same concern - you are not alone. Without pictures, it is impossible to give you specific advice. If your only concern is removing fat or bulk and you have no hanging skin, no stretch marks, no scars that you want removed and have good skin elasticity, then liposuction may be good for you. However, if you have any looseness to the skin or hanging skin or stretch marks, then you absolutely would have a much nicer result from abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. After any... more
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

+1

Mini Tummy Tuck or Liposuction

SEE VIDEO BELOW: I understand why you are confused. In my experience, there is no substitute for a tummy tuck to correct loose skin. Most individuals fear the scar but it is likely that a mini tummy tuck would result in only a slight elongation of your existing c-section scar. see video
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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