Mini Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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Will I Get Good Results with a Mini Tummy Tuck?

I was prepared for the stretch marks from pregnancy, but not the sagging skin and permanent "muffin top" look that I have when wearing tighter clothes. I don't like the invasive nature of a full tummy tuck, and don't need my stomach to be perfectly flat and smooth. I just want the saggy skin at the base of my belly gone, and things to be a little firmer so there is less bulge when my clothes show my tummy outline. Would a mini tummy tuck be a good option, or would it look worse?

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by earpoker in MPLS MN

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Mini tummy tuck?

No you are not a good candidate for the mini 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 wall musculature is addressed below the umbilicus leaving the upper number... more

Mini Tummy Tuck Expectations

A mini tummy tuck may be a good option for you. It certainly will not make you look worse, but it may not be as much of an improvement as you are hoping for. A mini tummy tuck tightens only the skin from the belly button to the incision at the lower abdominal skin fold. It does not tighten the skin above the belly button, and it does not tighten the muscle/fascia of the abdominal wall. Those two additional steps are the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini. If your skin is loose... more

Mini- versus Full Tummy-tuck

From looking at your photos, I would have to agree with the opinions you received above. You are an ideal candidate for a full tummy-tuck +/- liposuction. You already have a crease along the area where the scar from an abdominoplasty would be placed. In addition, the "bulging" of your abdomen would be exaggerated significantly if you only addressed the lower area. The difference in recovery is not significant between the two procedures so that shouldn't... more

Mini tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck in Atlanta

After a detailed review of your photos and questions, you will benefit from a full tummy tuck. A mini tuck may not address some of your concerns. The length of the incision may be the same, but a full tuck will remove more excess skin and stretch marks, flatter tummy, and give you a longer result. When combined with liposuction, a full tummy tuck will improve your curves and shape better. Basically, it is better to discuss your concerns with a board certified Plastic surgeon who can... more

Mini tummy tuck vs tummy tuck

Based on your pictures and comments, a mini tummy tuck is unlikely to give you the results you desire. The extent of the loose skin in your lower abdomen suggest you will need a longer incision to correct the problem. The abdominal bulging will be hard to improve with a mini tummy tuck.

Choose a full tummy tuck

There are alot of misconceptions about the different types of abdominal contoring procedures. Skin only procedure as you have described, mini-tummy tuck or full tummy tuck may leave you with virtually the same horizontal scar in terms of length and location. A full abdominoplasty you will add a scar line around your belly button. On the other hand, I believe you are a good candidate for a full tummy tuck because your muscle weakness seems to extend above the umbilicus. A... more

Mini Abdominoplasty? Mini often Does Mini!

Min does mini. If you have a mini abdominplasty you will have a mini result. If you can accept a mini improvement, then you may be mini happy. Mini procedures done when the full abdominoplasties are indicated usually end in disappointment. You will benefit from, and really will be best served by far with a standard abdominoplastuy. Moder techniques with pain pump use and limited dissection is really quite easy. Patients get back to work and... more

Full tummy tuck vs mini-tummy tuck for "muffin top" after pregnancy

From looking at your photos, you will really benefit far greater from a full abdominoplasty with a bit of liposuction in the hip area than you can with a mini. Even if you remove half of the tissue between your umbilicus and pubis, along the natural curve that has developed, the scar length itself will be almost the same length as one with a full tummy tuck, so there is no distinct advantage from that standpoint. Even with combined liposuction of the upper abdomen, you are still going to... more

You will be unhappy with a mini tummy tuck

Beacuse your upper abdominal muscles look lax on the side view and because you have some extra skin above the umbi, the result from a mini TT will not satisfy you if you want a great looking flat tummy. Also, the scar from a mini is NOT SHORT and the recovery is basically the same as from a full TT. Mini's are a rare breed.

You have to be a good candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck...

A Mini tummy tuck is when a bikini line incision is made and the skin from the lower abdomen, below the umbilicus, is tightened. A full tummy tuck normally utilizes an incision made in the bikini area, but from hip to hip. The skin is then elevated up to the ribcage, your surgeon will then tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin, leaving you with a beautifully flat upper and lower abdomen. With that said, looking at your photos, I would think that... more

Mini-tuck not for everyone.

I see that you also have some bulging of your tummy, and the belly button is not well defined. A full tummy tuck will address both of these issues. A mini-tuck only deals with looseness or a bulge in the lower part of the tummy and causes an imbalance between the upper and lower abdomen.

Full tummy tuck vs mini-tummy tuck

Thanks for the photos. I would think that with the lax hanging skin in the upper abdomen you are a better candidate for a full tummy tuck.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Mini-tuck is for laxity below the navel

When you have loose skin and musculature both above and below the umbilicus, then the mini-tuck is not the appropriate operation. Unfortunately, your profile photo reveals sagging in the upper abdomen as well and the only way to address this is by the full abdominoplasty. The abdomen is much like dealing with the aging face---sometimes, as much as a patient wants limited intervention, it will not produce a satisfactory result and it is much better to be upfront and to perform the right... more

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini TT and some liposuction on the flank/hip area is a good combination. I would also recommend you reconsider the full TT as it is not as invasive as the common perception. Our patients have a 2 week recovery, and some are driving in less than a week. This is with a muscle repair, and lipo on the flanks if needed.