Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Tummy Tuck Options for Me? (photo)

I'm 25, had 5 kids inc. twins. I have diastasis, hernia, excess skin/stretch marks. My PS said I dont have enough loose skin in upper ab so I can't have a full TT. So he's planned a mini-TT + endoscopic repair. Lookin into other options as I've read mini-tt aren't usually satisfactory to most patients. So far I've researched: 1. Full TT with a small T-incision or 2. Reverse TT + mini TT or 3. Floating BB + mini TT I'm learning more towards requesting a full TT with *short* T. Recommendations?

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age 25-34 diastasis recti excess skin hernia stretch marks after pregnancy candidate

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by lisarose3387 in Australia

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Tummy tuck

From your history it sounds like the twins really stretched you out. the diastasis repair by itself will significantly add to your shape. the amount of skin excision will become a intraoperative decision based on safety.

What type of TT?

Hi there, You're smart to do the research you're doing. And you have the most difficult type of physique for TT: Very good physique, very damaged skin, poor abdominal skin elasticity and relatively high belly button. Some comments: Short scar / mini TT will not give you a good result. Your diastasis is not major, but looks like it does need repair. And, have you finished having babies? You look young in your pix... if more babies are a... more

Tummy Tuck Options for Me?

You will get the best long lasting results with a full TT. As long as the doctor dissects the skin high enough, which means up over the lower ribs (we do this with all our TTs) you will either get the standard horizontal scar or at worst a very short vertical scar, the "T" you mentioned which is worth the extra benefit of the tightening and redistribution of the entire abdominal skin surface. You have too much loose and damaged skin above the BB to leave it untouched, and your belly button... more

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A full tummy tuck with hernia repair is best

Your history and pictures suggest that you can, in fact, have a full tummy tuck and diastasis plication with a hernia repair. After child birth, especially in the case of 5 children, the skin has been stretched multiple times almost always allowing for a full tummy tuck. The best and tightest waistline appearance can only be achieved in this way. The full tummy tuck will also allow for you to have the most skin removed including your lower stretch marks. Good luck more

Options for Tummy Tuck

The options you have researched are reasonable for some, but not all. Based on your photos, it appears that you have excellent rectus abdominis ("6 pack") muscle tone. If this is the case and your abdomen looks fairly flat on a side view, then plication repair of your rectus muscles above the level of your belly button may not be necessary and a mini-tummy tuck can be performed to address loose skin below the belly button. But, if your goal is to remove as much stretch marked skin as... more

Tummy Tuck Options for Me?

Looks like you have listed all (at least most) of the options. It is hard to tell based on a photo alone. But based on the photo and your surgeon's opinion that the upper abdominal skin is not loose enough for a classic TT, I would probably favor a full TT which would then require a vertical closure of the defect from the navel. But with an exam, that recommendation might change! Thanks and best wishes.

Tummy Tuck Options

I can't be specific since that determination has to be made by examining you and sometimes cannot be fully determined until you are having surgery. If you are willing to accept an inverted T scar, a full tummy tuck may allow better contouring and more removal of skin. BUT you have to be willing to settle for the vertical scar. Sometimes that vertical scar is not necessary but cannot be decided until all the skin is elevated. Discuss this with your surgeon. Keep... more

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