Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Full Vs Mini Tummy Tuck with Liposuction for Mother with High Umbilicus?

I am a 33 year old mom with 2 kids and I don't plan to have any more kids. I have a low c-section scar and a high umbilicus or so I´ve been told. I've consulted 2 plastic surgeons and they told me the best option for me was Liposuction and a mini-abdominoplasty, but one other doctor told me I could benefit from a full Abdominoplasty, so now I'm confused. If you could please give me your opinions. Thank you very much!

22 Doctor Answers | Asked by Penny Sheperd in Baltimore
+3

Mini-Tummy Tuck vs. Tummy Tuck

From your pictures it appears that you have significant abdominal wall laxity and weakness. The only thing that is going to tighten your abdominal wall is a full tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. a mini-tummy tuck usually only removes lower abdominal skin and maybe only tightens the lower part of the abdomen. tummy tuck is possible even in a person with a tall torso or high umbilicus.
+1

Tummy Tuck vs the Mini Tummy Tuck

You can always have a stronger result with a full tummy tuck vs a mini as it allows you access to tighten the muscles of the upper abdomen (above your belly button). Having said that, the real difference depends on amount of laxity you have in upper abdominal muscles. Based on the pictures, I do think you might be benefit from a full tummy tuck, but liposuction may reduce the upper abdominal fullness enough that you will be happy. Part of the physical exam that I cannot see... more
+1

Mini Tummy Tuck or Full Tummy Tuck?

Without a physical exam, it is difficult to tell definitively whether a full tummy tuck of mini tummy tuck would best serve you. However, based on your photo and history of pregnancy, I believe you would probably be best served by a full tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck is the only surgery that will tighten you abdominal wall muscles above and below the umbilicus while removing the maximal amount of skin. You will likely get the best abdominal contour with a full tummy tuck.... more

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+1

Extended mini-tummy tuck with umbilical transection best for high belly button

Based on your description and your photographs, I would hate to perform a full tummy tuck on you as your scar would be rather high or you would have a lower scar with a vertical scar as well. In my opinion, you would do best with an extended mini-tummy tuck where the umbilicus is separated from the muscle and lowered an inch or so. This allows for near-complete muscle tightening, more skin removal than with a standard mini-tummy tuck and a lower scar than you would get with a full tummy tuck... more
+1

Mini or full tummy tuck?

Thank you for the question and picture. Based on your picture and history I think you would best benefit from a full tummy tuck procedure. In my opinion the mini tummy talk is an operation that produces very limited results and is very rarely indicated. It involves a shorter incision but does not address the majority of the abdominal wall issues present for most patients who present consultation. For example, the area of skin excised is quite small. The abdominal... more
+1

Full vs. a Mini-TT

You are a  good example of why a proper consultation with a complete exam is essential before a recommendation can be made. Your photos suggests a fair amount of muscular laxity that should be repaired for a optimal improvement to your shape. Accomplishing this requires floating your umbilicus lower or transposing it completely. Ask your Plastic Surgeon again to discuss the plan and the trade-offs of different approaches. Dr. Mosher
+1

Full tummy tuck will give a better contour.

Although I cannot tell you for certain from your photo, it seems that you will obtain a better contour from a full tummy tuck.  You have a laxity of fascia (muscle) in both upper and lower abdomen as well as excess skin and fat in upper and lower abdomen.  Mini tummy tuck will only address tightening of muscle, skin, and fat in lower abdomen.  It may also pull on your umbilicus inferiorly. You will have a better abdominal contour from full tummy tuck; however, you may or... more
+1

Tummy tuck and position of umbilicus [with video]

Without an examination I cannot offer you a definitive answer. However, looking at your photos, I believe you are a good candidate for a full tummy tuck. Worse case scenario is that the skin cannot be removed up to your umbilicus, and you may end up with a small vertical scar in the center which meets the standard tummy tuck scar. I have had 4 patients like this and the vertical scar is usually an inch long and I have not had any patient complaint about this scar. Liposuction with... more
+1

Full tummy tuck provides best improvement in contour

Most women who have had children will have some loose skin both above and below the umbilicus. A full tummy tuck provides better correction of the loose skin of the entire abdomen as well as tightening of the muscles of the abdominal wall. A mini tummy tuck only tightens skin and muscles below the umbilicus, thus providing less correction. Even though you umbilicus is high, your main scar can still be positioned low, at or below your c-section scar. You will likely have a small up and down... more
+1

Mini- Tummy Tuck, in my opinion, is a poorly conceived operation... Here's why

Hi there- In a mini tummy tuck, only the muscles below your belly button are repaired. Initially, you may be very happy with this outcome... But as some time passes, I predict that you will experience a problem all too common with this operation. Because the muscles above your belly button have not been tightened, as time passes the upper abdomen stretches even more, until you feel you look worse than before you started. Think of a balloon- if you only squeeze one end, the other enlarges, right? more
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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