Should I Get a Full Tummy Tuck or a Mini Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Hi. I am 41 years old. I have a nine year old daughter.I exercise about 4 times a week but can't get read of my belly. I never had a flat stomach or a waist. I been thinking about getting a tummy tuck. Should I get a mini or a full? Thanks a lot :)

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by Lovemyyorkie

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Full tummy tuck with liposuction on the sides to define your waist.

Thank you for your question. You would likely benefit from a full tummy tuck with liposuction on the sides to define your waist. To be sure, see two or more board certified plastic surgeons in your area in consultation. Best of luck.

Mini or Full Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question and pictures. You should be congratulated on the appearance of your abdomen, despite having had a pregnancy. For the best results, I think you should undergo a full tummy tuck operation. 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... more

Full or "mini" tummy tuck?

Without a full examination, the amount of information available to form an opinion on this question is very limited. That said, your photos (especially the lateral view) suggest that you have skin and muscle laxity both above AND below the umbilicus. Therefore, I would recommend a full tummy tuck, which will tighten the entire abdomen top to bottom.

You're most appropriate for a mini-abdominoplasty

I would suggest you'd get a very good result from a mini-abdominoplasty for a few reasons 1. modest skin excess 2. thin frame 3. high native belly button position These features make you the stereotypic patient for this type of short scar procedure. A full abdominoplasty incision (much like a facelift or breast lift) is only required for redraping the amount of excess skin you have. You really don't have much which makes the need for a traditional surgery likely... more

Tummy tuck

Your photos don't reveal much looseness of your skin with you standing up straight. An exam by a Plastic Surgeon will help get a better idea if you have enough excess skin to warrant a tummy tuck .

Should I Get a Full Tummy Tuck or Mini Tummy Tuck?Answr:

Your case is really one of those tough ones because just from the pictures I cant tell exactly how loose you are above the belly button and how loose your skin is all over...I think in your case you really will need to spend some time with a Board Certified PS and let them push and pull a bit on you and see what your goals are as well!!

Mini vs full tummy tuck

Based on the photos, the muscle laxity of the central abdomen appears to be the primary concern. A standard mini tummy tuck can only provide access to the muscle below the umbilicus. A full tummy tuck would address the muscle better but is probably overkill based on the quality of the skin. You may consider a mini tummy tuck skin excision pattern with "floating" the umbilicus with the skin to give access to the upper abdominal muscles. Basically this involves... more

Mini Tummy Tuck v. Full Tummy Tuck

The mini tummy tuck works best on people with a trim upper abdomen and a shape like a "pot belly" bellow the belly button. A full gives a tighter result and a more sculpted waistline. It would be important to examine you in person to see what would work well on you. It may be possible that even liposuction without a "tuck" could make for good change. Ask your surgeon to compare these choices in your circumstances.

Mini versus Full Tummy Tuck

From your photos, it appears that you have some loose soft tissues-skin and subcutaneous fat-in both the upper and lower abdomen. Also, there appears to be some muscle laxity that can be addressed. All that said, the only way to truly determine which procedure would be the best for achieving the results you desire is to obtain a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who after performing a detailed examination can provide the guidance you are seeking. Hope... more

Tummy tuck, mini or full

It appears that your primary problem is muscle loosening and not excess skin and fat. This can be be addressed with a mini tummy tuck. The recovery time will be about the same but you will have a smaller scar and no scar around the belly button.

See a board certified plastic surgeon

You need to be examined in person, not over the internet. Let the doctor feel your stomach and see how loose the muscles and skin are. Then you will know.

Better shaping with full tummy tuck

You should get a full tummy tuck for maximum contouring. Unlike a mini, a full tuck will address the looseness or laxity of the abdominal wall muscles and overlying fascia above and below your belly button. You also have the opportunity to reshape the belly button with a full tuck and create more of an inward scoop. If you do just a mini, you may still bulge below the rib cage and around the belly button. Liposuction may help you get more curvature in the... more