Having a Full Tuck After a Mini Tuck, What Can I Expect? (photo)

asked 7 months ago by danielle2950
Latest answer by Rigo Mendoza, MD
Question viewed 229 times
Tags: female, expectation, scar tissue

I had requests for pictures. So I'm going to repost those and ask my question again. I had a mini tummy tuck on September 26, 2011..which I opted for. However, I am left with a lot of extra skin still. I talked with my PS about this and he suggested getting a FTT. According to him I am able to go ahead with the FTT whenever I like. If i go ahead and have this surgery will the scar be worse? Will having a full after a mini cause more scarring? my PS only uses local anesthetic..no sedation..safe?

10 answers to Having a Full Tuck After a Mini Tuck, What Can I Expect? (photo)

Full Tummy Tuck After A Mini-Tuck-Expectations?

Dear Danielle2950, Thank you for including the photos with your question. They really do speak a thousand words. I think you would get an excellent result with a full-abdominoplasty(tummy tuck). The ability to repair your diastasis(separation of your abdominal muscles) and remove the extra loose skin and fatty tissues will significantly improve your result-something a mini-tummy tuck never could have addressed given your photos. I have two concerns regarding your... more

Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

Full Tummy Tuck after a Mini Tummy Tuck

Thank you for the pictures. First I think you need to make sure your doctor is a board certified plastic surgeon. There are two concerns I have. First, I do not of any Plastic Surgeon that would do a full tummy tuck under local anesthesia only. I do my mini tummy tucks under local, but full tummy tucks I do under general anesthesia at a fully accredited surgery center. My second concern is that looking at that bent over photo, you were not a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. You have... more

Rigo Mendoza, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Full tummy tuck after a mini tummy tuck

Based on pictures It looks like you may be a great candidate for a full tummy tuck. Local anesthesia only? I do a lot of full tummy tucks without general anesthesia using deep IV sedation and local anesthesia. I would not feel that I could do the same procedure without sedation, in my hands. Make sure he is board certified in plastic surgery and operating in an accredited facility. Timing? I would prefer to wait 3 months after the initial... more

York Jay Yates, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

Full Tuck after Mini

As all of my colleagues have mentioned, you certainly can have a full tummy tuck with what you still have after your mini. My personal preferences would allow you to heal for several months before proceeding and for general anesthesia. I know of a doctor in Texas who uses Ketamine liberally to allow tummy tucks under local anesthesia but that is the exception to most doctors in our society. I am wondering how your options were presented to you that allowed you to choose... more

Curtis Wong, MD
Redding Plastic Surgeon

Full Tummy Tuck after Mini TT

Hello, Usually a full tummy tuck is harder after a mini. In your case this may not be so. You seem to have enough tissue to make it possible. Of course I can't be certain without examining you, but it appears you may be OK. Best Regards, John Di Saia MD

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Full abdominoplasty after mini tuck

You would benefit from a full tummy tuck. There will likely be a longer scar, but the scarring shouldnt be much different from the mini. Regarding the local anesthesia, I do not think it is a great idea. Please see the other discussions posted. It would be beneficial to seek a second opinion.

Michael Orseck, MD
Greenville Plastic Surgeon

Full vs. Mini Tummy Tuck

Thanks for the very informative photos. I believe that you would do well with a complete or full tummy tuck. It appears from the photos that you have laxity of the entire front (anterior) of the abdominal wall, and the entire abdomen needs tightening. I never do these surgeries under local anesthesia, since it is extensive and requires some degree of relaxation. Most surgeons do these under general anesthesia, but some use heavy sedation with or without epidural anesthetic. The amount of... more

Wilfred Brown, MD
Fairfield Plastic Surgeon

Full Tummy Tuck after Mini Tummy Tuck

Its unfortunate that you are having to undergo a second procedure this soon after your first, but I do think you should have a good result from a full tummy tuck. The skin above the belly button can only be addressed from this procedure. It does appear that you will need some degree of muscle tightening and this can be challenging under local anesthetic alone - as would a full tummy tuck. I would consider getting a second opinion as this is an uncommon practice and make sure that... more

Vincent P. Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Having a Full Tuck After a Mini Tuck, What Can I Expect? (photo)

Thanks for the posted photos. From the bent over side view I wonder why you even chose a mini TT? Now you could have a full TT with MR but there are issues only an in person consult could describe to you. Also NO WAY under local, I know of no boarded PS who would undertake this surgery under local alone!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Full Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question and pictures. Yes I think you're a good candidate for a full tummy tuck operation. I personally do not think it is a good idea to have the procedure done under local anesthesia only. I would not do the procedure under any type of anesthesia except general anesthesia. I would suggest obtaining a second opinion. Please make sure you're working with a experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes.