Liposuction vs Mini Tummy Tuck?

I am 35 and have had 2 C-sections. I do have a acummulated fat in the lower part of the abdomen and on the flanks. I had a recent consultation with a Plastic Surgeon who mentioned that I may be happy with Lipo alone, but could benefit from lipo+ mini tummy tuck (he says only a smalll % of people can actually qualify for it). I don't want the added risks involved with another procedure, and not the cost if would not make a drastic difference. He did say my skin is not in bad condition ...I do have some extra skin, but nothing sagging. You can notice it if I bend, for example, or move etc....It seems to be a lot of hype about samrtlipo and the benefits of skin Tightening. Would that be enough to have a flat tummy? Also, I don't like the idea of general anesthesia. Can a mini tummy tuck be performed under local+sedation, maybe?

Sort: Date | Helpful
16 answers to “Liposuction vs Mini Tummy Tuck?”

A: Slim Lipo laser liposuction can be an alternative to a mini tummy tuck

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
By Brooke R. Seckel, MD - Boston Plastic Surgeon

If you have minimal loose skin and your primary goal is to remove small fat deposits in the lower abdomen and flanks, then Slimlipo laser assisted liposuction can be an alternative to a mini tummy tuck. The procedure can be done under local anesthesia with sedation. The benefit of the laser assisted lipo is... more

A: Mini Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
By Raffy Karamanoukian, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Choosing between liposuction alone, mini tummy tuck, and full tummy tuck is not difficult. The decision is based on three factors that should be assessed objectively by a board certified surgeon without taking into account biases about price, anesthesia, and length of surgery. Doing a lesser surgery than what... more

A: Sounds like you should do the mini-abdominoplasty.

York Jay Yates, MD
By York Jay Yates, MD - Ogden Plastic Surgeon

If there is loose skin, this may improve or may get worse after liposuction of your abdomen depending on your skin elasticity. If your plastic surgeon recomends the mini-abdominoplasty, you would probably benefit from it. You already have a portion of the scar from your C-section. I frequently do a... more

A: Liposuction and mini-tummy tuck

Bahram Ghaderi, MD
By Bahram Ghaderi, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

It really depends on the looseness of your skin and how the C-section scars have affected the contour of your abdomen. Liposuction will only remove the fatty tissue and you have to rely on your skin to contract. Liposuction is typically good for patients who have not had previous abdominal surgery and have not... more

A: Mini-tummy tuck and/or lipo

Steven Wallach, MD
By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

First, in my opinion Smartlipo doesn't tighten the skin as much as the company says it does.  Liposuction of the abdomen is OK if your skin is not too loose.  If you have a midline that is very lax, then liposuction alone may not flatten your abdomen.  I don't performe a lot of mini-tummy tucks... more

A: Few benefit from Mini-TT

John P. Di Saia, MD
By John P. Di Saia, MD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Hello, I would get a few opinions before I went forward. As one surgeon said, few benefit from a mini TT. Many feel "not much improved" afterward. Also be careful of seeking absolutes like "flat." If you are targeting "flatter" then you are likely to be happy afterward. If you... more

A: Your Best Outcome

Armando Soto, MD
By Armando Soto, MD - Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Hi- Your desire to avoid a larger operation is very understandable, and I agree that you should- but only if the more minor operation will achieve your goals. I do believe that you should always have the smallest operation necessary to make you happy, but just as important is understanding that the only thing... more

A: Smartlipo may be beneficial and meet your expectations for recovery, but a thorough exam is needed

Christine A. Petti, MD
By Christine A. Petti, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Truly to evaluat the extent of laxity of your abdominal skin, I would need to do an examination. Some patients with skin laxity of mild to moderate degree, without any element of "hanging skin" or what we term as an "apron or pannus", can benefit tremendously from Smartlipo.  In... more

A: Depends on what the problem is

Brent Moelleken, MD
By Brent Moelleken, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Which procedure you choose depends on what is wrong and how it can be fixed. Most women who have had at least two children and two C-sections have several problems: Loose skin, a C-section scar with irregularities, extra fat, loose fascia. If you choose not to fix any of these problems, the unfixed problems... more

A: Lipo with a mini-tummy tuck.

George J. Beraka, MD
By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

I think I can visualize what your problem is because it is very common. Many women who have had a C-section develop a shelf along the C-section scar with skin and fat hanging over this shelf-like scar. If this is what your stomach looks like, then you are an ideal candidate for liposuction of the... more

Ask your question:

Get your answer
Email to friend
Permalink

Mini tummy tuck FAQ

IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.