Mini Tummy Tuck Q&A
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Mini Tummy Tuck After Major Weight Loss?

asked 2 years ago by rschwencke505 in ny, new york
Latest answer by Young R. Cho, MD, PhD
Question viewed 595 times
Tags: abdomen, weight loss, fat, loose

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.

9 answers to Mini Tummy Tuck After Major Weight Loss?

+4

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
Young R. Cho, MD, PhD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

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

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

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

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

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
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

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
Farbod Esmailian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

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
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

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
Elan B. Singer, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

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.
Kent V. Hasen, MD

Naples Plastic Surgeon
+1

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.
Nina S. Naidu, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

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