93%
1,904 reviews
Worth It Rating
Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings
Am I a Good Candidate for a Full or Mini Tummy Tuck?
After having 4 children and from yo yo dieting, my stomach is a mess. I have lots of stretch marks and lower abdominal loose skin. I have been to 2 different surgeons, one recommended a full tummy tuck and the other (which quoted me more) stated that a full tummy tuck would be too invasive and that a mini tummy tuck would be good for me. Now my concern is the stretch marks and my ab muscles underneath. The second surgeon stated that i have a pretty strong core so i wouldn't need tightening of the abs. That is hard to believe after having 4 kids. So, am I a candidate for a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck?
Asked 37 months ago by
peachgirl1
After having 4 children and from yo yo dieting, my stomach is a mess
+4
Full vs. mini TT
Even though you are in excellent physical condition, there is considerable loose skin from childbirth.
Your would benefit best from a full tummy tuck with deep plication of the fascia.
A mini tuck would likely leave you disappointed. Although there are now many new types of mini-tucks available now, all are best for women who have minimal damage from childbirth.
You should talk to your surgeon about the location of incisions, the overall appearance of the abdomen, how the belly button wil...
more
+5
You would be better with a full tummy tuck
It is unlikely that after 4 children your muscles don't need tightening from xyphoid to pubis. Also, to remove more of the stretch marked damaged skin, a full tummy tuck will serve you much better than a mini tuck.
+4
Go with the Full Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck only removes a small amount of skin, and is generally done when just the muscles need to be tightened.
Looking at the photo you provided, I would suggest a "full" or "standard" tummy tuck. I would expect that almost all of the stretch marks from your belly button down would be removed, and the remainder would be moved down low on your abdomen.
Additionally, the muscular tightening would certainly benefit you after having 4 children.
Review the...
more
+4
I agree that a full tummy tuck is the way to go
I highly doubt that a mini tummy tuck will give you the desired result. Don't opt for an inadequate surgical procedure. It looks as if you need to have a lot of skin removed and the muscles tightened. If you have love handles - then a small lipo can be done at the same time.
+3
It depends on your goals.
The answer to this question depends on your goals, finances and recovery. If the stretch marks and appearance of your umbilicus bother you significantly, these will be best addressed with a full abdominoplasty. This generally costs more from both a recovery and expense standpoint. You will be pulled tight enough that you can plan on 7-10 days in a flexed position day and night after a full abdominoplasty. Generally this costs about $1,500 to $3,000 more as well. A mini-abdominoplasty...
more
+3
Only a full abdominoplasty will help you.
To peachgirl1,
Hi! A mini tummy tuck only deals with the lower stomach. In your picture, you have loose skin and stretch marks at least a couple of inches ABOVE your belly button.
I have seen several women like you who had a mini tummy tuck and later had to have the full operation.
+3
Full tummy tuck may be the answer
Thanks for your question. What I generally tell my patients is that if you are looking for or just need mini results, then a mini tummy tuck is fine. Otherwise, big improvement can happen only with a full tummy tuck. Why compromise your result for several centimeters of incisions on each side?
It appears that you have lots of stretch marks, even above the belly button. And after 4 children it is very likely that you will need the muscles tightened (plicated) from under the chest down to...
more
+3
Full tummy tuck
The Mini tummy tuck works well in very selected patients. I think that a full tummy tuck will be the best option for you. The full procedure will get rid of the excess skin, most of the stretch marks (below the belly button) as well as the define your muscles.
+2
Full abdominoplasty (TT) with muscle plication best addresses these concerns
A mini abdominoplasty would not remove as many of your stretch marks as a full abdominoplasty would. I would recommend this instead of a mini. With four children, I would advise a vertical muscle plication of the inner edges of the rectus (sit-up) muscles as part of the full abdominoplasty. I am sure you will find many Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who can accomplish your goals for you. I would not hurt to see their before and after photos or speaking with one or more of their...
more
+2
Stretch marks are high
Peach,
Since the stretch marks are so high on your abdomen and they are your biggest concern, you really need the full monte. A mini tummy tuck would tighten the stretch marks, but they would still be present. Good luck!
+2
You need a Full TT
Based on your picture, you are an excellent candidate for a full TT. You have loose skin and severe stretch marks. Nothing besides a full TT will correct both of these problems -- you will see a correction of >90% of your stretch marks and have a nice flat abdomen. Good luck with your surgery.
+2
HLT
A high Lateral tension abdomenoplasty will give a great result and maximize the hourglass shape of your body. It also has better scarring in my hands and give a nicer shaped umbilicus.
+1
Umbilical Float
Your picture is not good, but from what I see you have very little fat, some loose skin and a lot of stretch marks. The best TT choice for you will probably be an UMBILICAL FLOAT. The scar is VERY low and the umbilicus is raised from below and relocated about an inch lower on your abdomen without any external umbilical scar (it is floated down). The muscles can be tightened and what little fat you have can be removed.
+1
Benefits of a Full Tummy Tuck
Based on the picture you provided, you are definately a great candidate for a full (standard) tummy tuck procedure. The benefits of a full tummy tuck are much greater than a mini, which involves minimal results. A full tummy tuck involves tightening of the rectus muscles stretched from pregnancy, as well as removal of the loose, excess skin along with the stretchmarks on the abdominal area.
A mini procedure limits the surgeon from providing the best results possible. It involves work...
more
+1
Probably full tummy tuck
If you have a good deal of loose skin, a mini tummy tuck is liable to leave you disappointed. After 4 children I would not shy away from at least some muscular tightening as well depending upon how things looked at surgery.
Best Regards.
+1
Full tummy tuck will remove more stretch marks
The majority of your stretch marks would probably be removed with a full tummy tuck. I would consider that over the mini and you will probably be happier.
+1
Tummy tuck can help you
You can benefit from a tummy tuck.
After four children it is hard to believe that your muscles has not separated and gotten lax.
The skin is severely damaged with stretch marks above the belly button. You look ideal for a full tummy tuck for the best results. But you have to accept the bikini scar from hip to hip.
+1
Full tummy tuck is the way to go
Looking at the picture, it appears that a standard abdominoplasty (full tuck) may be a better option vs. that of a mini-tuck. Another option would be a full tummy tuck wherein the umbilicus (belly button) is "floated" wherein it is detached, pulled down with the rest of the skin and then re-attached. This is best addressed by your plastic surgeon. One thing defrinite, a mini-tuck will not completely remove all the stretchmarks. In fact, even a full tuck may not. It is best to...
more
Anxious about a tummy tuck and whether you're getting the full story? Learn 12 secrets from a RealSelf community member who went through it all.