Can I Get a Mini Tummy Tuck with Muscle Tightening? (photo)

I am 30 with 2 kids, 2 and 5. They were both by c-section. My scar is low and almost invisible. I want a mini tummy tuck because I would like my scar as low and small as possible. I also want my muscles tightened because I have that pregnant looking pooch. My belly button also sticks out. I really don't want a new belly button. I would like to have my upper muscles tightened endoscopically. I would also like some lipo. Does this seem realistic?

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by Luckbealady in Houston, TX

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Can I Get a Mini Tummy Tuck with Muscle Tightening

There is no actual accepted definition of a mini-TT. Most surgeons use the term to describe a TT that addresses only the lower abdomen. It does not necessarily mean a smaller incision--it seldom does. It does mean no incision around the navel, that is a plus. But, only on occasional patient has an abdominal contour problem limited to the lower abdomen. From your photos it seems clear that you need a full abdominoplasty. The laxity of the abdominal wall involves the... more

A Mini Tummy Tuck Creates Less Scar But Also Less Of A Result

Your pictures demonstrate a classic dilemma that many women have. They want a full tummy tuck result but only want the scar burden of a mini tummy tuck. The reality is that one can not have both and you will have to choose which of those tummy tuck trade-offs you can live with the best. In essence if the scar pattern of a mini-tummy tuck is the only one that is acceptable, that trade-off will be that of incomplete correction...some remaining pooch and residual loose skin. The scar... more

No - you need a full TT

Don't waste your time with a mini, you will not get a good result. You need the full job. The scar is only a bit longer and if your c-section scar healed well so should the TT scar.

Tummy Tuck....mini or standard

Based on the pictures you have posted I, as others, would recommend a standard tummy tuck only. A "mini" will not address the skin issue and will not give a full contouring of the abdomen.

Mini or Full Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your history and pictures, I think you may be an excellent candidate for tummy tuck surgery; I would not offer you the "mini" tummy tuck procedure. In my opinion, the mini tummy tuck 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... more

Mini or Full Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for your question. Certainly, you have more laxity below your belly button than above. Thus you would get good improvement from a mini-tummy tuck. You also have a high riding bellybutton, so it is possible to 'float' you belly button down a little to get some benefit to tightening your skin above the bellybutton. The muscles can certainly be tightened along their entire length even with a mini-tummy tuck incision. The belly button can be recontoured so... more

Tummy tuck

You appear to have significant abdominal wall laxity and some hanging skin already. You will have even more excess skin after the internal tightening. You probably need a tummy tuck. Hopefully you will make a beautiful scar that will fade with time and make this all worthwhile/

Skin Laxity above the Belly Button and Mini Tummy Tuck?

You appear to have laxity above the belly button as well. As such a short scar tummy tuck would give a better result.

Abdominoplasty with Mesh Reinforcement

You may be an excellent candidate for a new technique called Abdominoplasty with Mesh Reinforcement, if you are not planning additional pregnancies. The most important component of the abdominal wall is the fascia, not the muscle. The fascia has been stretched from your pregnancies, damaged from the c-sections and has not returned to it's pre-pregnant state. Mesh reinforces the fascia and will give you a flat, hourglass figure that your desire. This technique requires... more

Mini Tummy Tuck vs Full Tummy Tuck

Many people wonder if a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck is best for them. The advantage to a mini tummy tuck is a shorter scar. The disadvantage is that since the scar is shorter, there is less skin removed. For patients that have excess skin not only in the center under the belly button but also out on the sides near the hips, they are better off having a full tummy tuck to get this area flat as well. If however, your problem is all in the middle and you are... more

Mini Tummy Tuck Possible

Thank you for sharing your photos. If you are satisfied with the appeance of your belly button and skin of the abdomen, then you are a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. These other issues would not be addressed beyond tightening of the muscle. Liposuction of the flanks may help with waist definition, but I do not see much fat on your photos. Best of luck!

Can I Get a Mini Tummy Tuck with Muscle Tightening? (photo)

Based upon the posted photos you need a short scar FULL TT with total muscle repair. A mini would not address the above umbilicus laxity of the muscle.

Muscles can be tightened with a mini tummy tuck

The endscopic technique isn't necessary for tightening the upper muscles with a mini tummy tuck, when a procedure called an umbilical float is used. This detaches the belly button from underneath, giving access to the upper abdomen, then reattaches it slightly lower. It is done when the upper abdominal skin has good tone and the belly button is high. Lipo can be done, but the main thing to keep in mind is that even with the umbi float the upper abdominal skin is not going to be tightened much. more

The Ipanema Tummy Tuck would be great for you!

Your photos seem to indicate rather significant muscular abdominal wall laxity, excess fat, stretch marks and a very "hooded" belly button. I do not believe a "mini" tummy tuck will do the trick. The Ipanema Tummy Tuck is a minimally invasive, Smartlipo laser-assisted, but full tummy tuck in which I do not use drains and patients rarely take any narcotics during the post-operative period. You still get full muscle tightening from the top to the bottom of the abdomen. This type of... more