Mini Tummy Tuck After Major Weight Loss?

I had a major weight loss in my teens. I'm slender but I have loose fat on my stomach below and above my belly button. Is a mini tummy tuck right for me? You can't even notice my that stomach looks tiny in a shirt, but I won't dare wear a bikini.

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abdomen fat loose weight loss

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by rschwencke505 in ny, new york

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May need more than a mini-tummy tuck to remove your excess skin

Congratulations on your weight loss. I would not suggest a mini-tummy tuck. The fact that you mentioned you have loose fat above your belly button tells me that you need a full abdominoplasty. A mini-tummy tuck only would address some of the fat below your belly button and would not relocate the belly button. Almost all of my weight loss patient’s undergo a full abdominoplasty with significant improvement. Mini-tummy tucks are not ideal for weight loss... more

Mini tummy tuck after major weight loss?

Congratulations on your weight loss! Unfortunately, mini tummy tucks are rarely effective after major weight loss, especially if you have loose skin above your belly button. Mini tummy tucks tighten skin and muscles below your belly button, not above it. So it sounds like you'd be a candidate for a full tummy tuck, if you want to flatten and tighten your entire abdomen. I hope that helps and wish you all the best!

Mini v. full tuck after major weight loss

Mini-tucks can be considered when the skin is loose below the BB; if you have excess skin above and below, then the full tummy-tuck would be the procedure of choice. You should be at your ideal weight prior to undergoing surgery so, if you are planning an additional weight loss or your weight has not yet stabilized, this is an excellent time to scope out your options and to pre-plan a surgery.

Mini vs Full tummy tuck - pros and cons

The mini tummy tuck really only addresses concerns below the belly button. On occasion the concerns above the belly button can be addressed with liposuction alone, but if there is any laxity or bulging, then a full tummy would be best approach. In addition, the mini will stretch the appearance of the belly button downwards and give it more of a vertical appearance. From your description of your concerns, I would recommend a full tummy tuck, but would go talk to a board... more

Mini or full tummy tuck with massive weight loss

If you had massive weight loss and complain of loose skin above and below your umbilicus, then you probably need a full tummy tuck.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

A mini tummy tuck will not treat loose skin above the belly button

The brief answer is that a mini tummy tuck will not eliminate loose skin above the belly button and this is best treated with a midi or full tummy tuck. See the vdeo in the link below for description.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Mini vs. full tummy tuck

First off, congratulations on your success with your weight loss. Based on the information you provided, it sounds as though you a great candidate for a full (standard) tummy tuck rather than a mini. A mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision but only improves the area below the belly button. You would benefit from a standard tummy tuck dramatically because it would involve muscle repair of the rectus muscles and removal of loose excess skin in the abdominal region above and below the... more

Tummy Tuck vs Mini

From what you describe, having loose skin above the belly button, then I would say no you are not a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. Mini will only address the skin below the belly button and if you have lost siginificant weight then I would say from that only, you will require a full tummy tuck likely. I would look at it this way, would you be happy with a scar that is few inches shorter in length and leaves some loose skin on you abdomen, whereas if you extended the incision longer... more

Mini Tummy Tuck is frequently NOT the answer after major weight loss?

Before having ANY cosmetic surgery, it is best that your weight remain stable for at least 6-8 months or so. There is NO point in doing a tummy tuck while your weight is still falling. I have done a lot of tummy tucks and have yet to see a person who after a significant weight loss has a skin laxity that is limited to BELOW the belly button (the indication for a MINI tummy tuck). The overwhelming majority of patients, require a formal abdominoplasty. A full TT will not only flatten the... more

Mini tummy tuck

It sounds like you need a traditional tummy tuck. There are very few patients who are true candidates for mini tummy tuck. If you had significant weight loss, a mini tummy tuck would only give you a mini result and is just not the right operation. There's no reason to be reluctant to have a full abdominoplasty, however. Tummy tuck patients are amongst my happiest patients because the change is so dramatic with a low complication rate. I suggest you find a board-certified plastic... more

Mini-abdominoplasty and Full abdominoplasty Post-Massive Weight Loss

After major weight loss, typically the problem is not just the loose muscles that a mini-abdominoplasty can address, but it is the large amount of excess skin. It much more common in these situations that a full abdominoplasty or even a circumferential lower body lift would better suit you. It would be best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to see what they say after examining you.

Tummy tuck after weight loss

Hi, it really sounds like you will need a full tummy tuck. A mini tuck will only get rid of the skin below your belly button. It would leave an unnatural look if you were flat below the belly button but still loose above it. The other benefit of a full tummy tuck is that your muscles could be tightened, if needed, at the same time. The downside of course is the longer incision and the slightly longer recuperative time. Good luck, /nsn.