Mini Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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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?

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42 Doctor Answers | Asked by Carli_FL in Deerfield Beach, FL

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Depends on what the problem is

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 will still remain and most likely make you unhappy with your results. 1. Loose skin. If skin is loose, it needs to be removed to achieve a good result. This will involve either a... more

The best procedure depends on your body and how tight a result you want

When patients come in after having children, there are usually issues of excess skin and muscle laxity. Often there is extra fatty tissue as well and C-section scars with overhanging tissue rolls. There are several ways to approach these issues. Liposuction alone is the most limited approach. No technology has yet been developed that will make our skin shrink better than nature will allow! So, if you have stretch marks, rolls of loose skin, or skin that shakes easily when you wiggle it... more

Patients will determine what will benefit them

The basic question with any cosmetic surgery is asking what are the anatomical conditions that make you look the way you look and what do you want to achieve as an end result. It is a relatively simple puzzle of how to get from A to B. The procedure will be determined by answering these questions, not the other way around. The abdomen is affected by a number of anatomical components: intra-abdominal contents including fat and organ, muscle mass and tone, extra-abdominal fat in many locations... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Smart Lipo is not so Smart!

Tumescent liposuction tightens the skin significantly if the Plastic Surgeon is aggressive with Liposuction. Smart Lipo is just a Hype and there is nothing smart about it. Considering that you have had two c-sections, there is a high likelihood that you have poor skin elasticity, especially in the lower abdomen. Therefore, doing a mini-tummy tuck along with lipo is a very good idea. Otherwise, you will most likely have some redundant and wrinkled skin in the lower abdomen. Although all these... more

Lipo with a mini-tummy tuck.

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 abdomen with a mini-tummy tuck. The recovery from this combination treatment is only a few days, and the results are very gratifying.

It's difficult to know exactly what the best option is...

It's difficult to know exactly what the best option is for you without an examination, but in general if you have some skin laxity now, chances are liposuction alone (regardless of it is conventional lipo or smart lipo) may not be enough, especially if you have had C-sections and the scar is stuck down to your abdominal muscles, creating an indentation or "shelf". Options include tummy tuck, tummy tuck plus liposuction done at the same time (this needs to be done very carefully to... more

Sounds like you should do the mini-abdominoplasty.

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 miniabdominoplasty at the time of abdominal liposuction in patients who need the benefit of skin tightening. This can very easily be done with just light sedation and local anesthesia, even... more

Your Best Outcome

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 worse than being unhappy with your abdomen is having an operation and still being unhappy... so if the more minor operation is unlikely to achieve your goals, you would be better off... more

A mini tummy tuck certainly can be performed safely...

A mini tummy tuck certainly can be performed safely under sedation. In fact some surgeons would tell you that it would be safer than general anesthesia for a procedure such as this. Liposuction works very well for some people but given the extra skin and c-section scar you would likely have a "better" result with the mini-TT. I offer Smartlipo and some ladies in exactly your situation have been delighted with the result but you need to understand that skin tightening from Laser or... more

Lipo vs mini tummy tuck

Without being able to examine you, it is impossible to be sure what the best option for you would be. I think it is most likely, with your history of a C-section scar and extra skin, that you would benefit most reliably by a mini-TT. I also feel that this is best done under general anesthesia, which should have very low risk given your good health. Of course, you may get enough improvement from either liposuction alone or esp by the Smartlipo (this may be more beneficial for extra skin... more

Having had 2 pregnancies, it is certain you have some skin laxity.

Having had 2 pregnancies, it is certain you have some skin laxity. Liposuction by whatever technique to achieve a significant improvement in the lower abdomen without skin tightening runs a high risk of skin unevenness, which looks unnatural. A moderate amount of fat removal can be safely done, but the improvement may not meet your expectations of a flat tummy. A mini tummy tuck can be performed using a local anesthetic plus sedation. Even a full abdominoplasty can be done... more

Laser Lipo is not a replacement for a mini tummy tuck

Liposuction (laser or not laser) will remove excess fat but won't create the same skin tightening like a mini tummy tuck would. Without a picture (or an examination) I would defer to the judgement of your plastic surgeon on which procedure is more appropriate to you. You can always ask for a second opinion from another reputable plastic surgeon. If there is a consultation fee, think of it as money well spent (as it is certainly cheaper than paying for a second... more

Mini abdominoplasty can be performed safely under local anesthesia

There are three significant advantages to the mini tummy tuck, and this procedure should be in the discussion for any patient considering body contour surgery of the abdoman. As mentioned above, like liposuction, it can be performed safely under local anesthesia. It also allows the surgeon to use a smaller incision than the full abdominoplasty, and thus the patient has a smaller scar. Unlike liposuction, it allows the surgeon to remove excess skin in the lower abdoman, and revise lower... more

Mini-tummy tuck and/or lipo

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 because I find that most that need something will usually need the entire abdomen treated (a full tummy tuck). If you don't want the scar, then if you are a candidate to do the liposuction first and... more

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Few benefit from Mini-TT

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 need a muscular repair, I would recomend a general anesthetic so your muscles are relaxed and the operation can proceed normally. Muscle tightening under lesser anesthesia is less than... more

Mini tummy tuck vs liposuction

It sounds like you have received fair and honest advice. Lots of patients have exactly what you describe. The purpose of liposuction is to remove fat. If you have reasonable skin quality without too many stretch marks you can expect some skin contraction over time (couple months). If the liposuction is excessive or your skin quality is poor then the wrinkling may actually worsen. In this case removal of skin with a mini tummy tuck would be advantageous.... more

Liposuction Vs Mini Tummy Tuck

The type of procedure indicated will be determined by the type of deformity that is present. If there is some loose saggy skin that needs to be tightened then a Mini Tummy tuck may be needed but if a fullness is present then a Liposuction is needed.

Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction

Dear Carli, I will provide you with general guidelines as only through physical examination that a precise opinion can be generated. The following points are to be taken into consideration to better choose the right procedure to give you the best results: 1. Laxity of the skin 2. Amount of excess skin 3. Presence of diastasis recti, hernias, etc. 4. Patient's preference as to the size and the location of scars. Naturally, the ideal look of an "hourglass" shaped... more

Liposuction Vs Mini Tummy Tuck

The amount of skin tightening with smartlipo varies considerably from patient to patient. If the area is more extensive (such as an abdomen) and you have skin laxity, you probably would benefit from a mini tummy tuck. Consult in person with 3 - 4 experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeons to understand your options. Since you are just South of us, I would invite you for a free and private consultation.

Liposuction vs tummy tuck

The results following liposuction are different than a tummy tuck. Liposuction will deflate the volume of the abdomen but probably not tighten it. Even smartlipo will not address excess skin if present. The only way to tighten skin is to cut out the excess. I think combining liposuction and tummy tucks give the most dramatic before and afters. I think more women benefit from a tummy tuck than liposuction. The ideal liposuction candidate is already thin and... more

Mini Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction alone vs SlimLipo or SmartLipo

A decision for a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck depends a great deal on the amount of tissue laxity and the status of the underlying muscles. Liposuction: If there is very little skin laxity and some extra volume, then liposuction is a great option, especially if the underlying muscles are in good shape. SlimLipo: You have a mild/moderate amount of skin laxity, want to avoid the larger scar that goes along with a mini or full tummy tuck, and the muscle... more

Lipo vs mini tummy tuck

Hello, A mini tummy tuck is designed to remove some skin and soft tissue from your abdomen and correct excess laxity. Liposuction will only remove excess fat. The two procedures are designed to accomplish different things but can work well together if you are a good candidate. Your plastic surgeon can guide you as to what is the best option for you. If you are on the fence about the mini tummy tuck you can get liposuction alone and get the mini tummy tuck... more

Liposuction vs. Mini tummy tuck?

Simply put, if you have excess fat, liposuction is what you need to reduce it. If you have loose skin, a skin tightening is what you need. (Smart lipo will not tighten loose skin.) If you have both excess fat and loose skin, then you need both liposuction and skin tightening. What type of skin tightening? If your laxity is mild and just below the belly button, then you may be a candidate for a lower or mini tummy tuck. If the laxity is greater and is both above and below the belly button,... more

Lipo vs. Mini Tummy Tuck

The right answer for you depends mostly on your expectations, as well as your anatomy. You might be happy with lipo only if you do not expect it to tighten your skin or muscles and are looking for a little improvement. "Smart Lipo" or any other lipo does not tighten stretched out skin. As you already have a C-section scar, it could be utilized to perform some minor tightening of your lower abdominal skin and muscles - the Mini Tummy Tuck. If... more

Do I need a mini tummy tuck?

First of all, don't rely on SmartLipo to tighten the skin. The amount of skin tightening one gets from SmartLipo, compared to regular liposuction, is very small. One recent study only found a 4% difference. Hardly worth mentioning, unless you're trying to sell something! The more laxity and looseness you have in the tummy skin, the more you need to think about actual skin removal, with some form of tummy tuck. If there's just a little more laxity... more

Abdominal Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck vs Mini Tummy Tuck

Abdominal liposuction alone may be suitable for patients who have very elastic skin and have a modest amount of excess fat. This is relatively uncommon. Patients with excess skin and tight abdominal wall muscles may benefit from a mini tummy tuck where only the skin is removed. Still other patients have little or no skin excess, but have lax abdominal wall muscles. They may benefit from a mini tummy tuck where the abdominal wall muscles are tightened using... more

The abdominal liposuction vs mini-tummy tuck dilemma

For some patients, the decision between liposuction alone as opposed to that of a mini-tummy tuck can be a difficult one. Many of these patients are what I call a 'tweaner' (between two procedures)...if your lower abdominal skin was a little tighter you would not need to think about a mini-tummy tuck...if there was more loose skin then liposuction alone would not be considered. Choosing which one is better should factor in other issues such as tolerance for a lower abdominal scar, hig more

Tummy Tuck Operation vs Liposuction

All my tummy tuck clients photos as well as liposuction abdomen photos are taken with the patient in a sitting position. Let 's just say that all of us look better in our tummy area standing up. Your photos are in a standing position so it is hard for me to definitely say you would be happy with only liposuction surgery. When you are in a sitting position and if you have excess skin hanging over your underwear then this would indicate a mini-tummy may... more

Liposuction versus Tummy Tuck

There are three things that help determine the contour of your abdomen, your skin, muscle and fat. Liposuction can help remove excess fat cells and provides a minimal amount of skin tightening. Tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens muscle which has stretched from changes in weight or pregnancy. If there is minimal skin excess, the sometimes a mini tummy tuck can be used with or without liposuction. What procedure will be best for you is dependent on yor anatomy and your discussion... more

Liposuction vs. Mini tummy tuck

These procedures treat different things. Liposuction treats contour deformities secondary to fat deposition. Mini tummy tuck addresses excess skin in the area between the umbilicus and the pubis. The correct procedure all depends on your body and your goals. Best to see a couple of board certified plastic surgeons and get a couple of opinions. they may have a different approach that works in their hands. Anesthesia is also dependent on... more

Liposuction versus mini tummy- tuck

The key determinant is wether your abdominal muscles have been spread as a result of the two pregnancies. The video below will help you determine what is your condition. As for being able to do the procedure under IV sedation, I do ALL my procedures, including lower body lifts with IVsedation Check out the link below for info on IVsedation see video

Mini tuck is a good procedure for a small perecentage of patients

I think the plastic surgeon you saw was pretty accurate about his advice. If your skin tone is tight and there is minimal excess liposuction is a good option. If some skin excess is present, the mini tuck will insure the removal of such skin.

Liposuction versus "mini" tummy tuck / abdominoplasty

The question of liposuction versus abdominoplasty requires an evaluation of your skin quality, your fat distribution and your abdominal tone. If you have loose skin, then liposuction will not be very helpful and may actually make your problems worse. If you have a moderate amount of fat, but good skin quality, then liposuction may be very helpful. If you have loose abdominal tone or a diastasis (separation of your abdominal muscles) then you need an abdominoplasty to repair these problems... more

Mini tummy tuck with prior c-section

In my experience much of your problem may be related to the c-section scar which liposuction alone will not fix. Liposuction plus skin removal plus scar revision plus lower abdominal muscle tightening = a mini tummyu tuck which is probably your best option for a reliable result. Depending on your pain tolerance, IV sedation is an option.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Mini Tummy Tuck and Liposuction may be good options for you

These two procedures differ in what they target: Liposuction targets excess fat and the Mini Tummy Tuck targets excess skin below the belly button. As you mentioned in your question, these two procedures may be done at the same time, but the Mini Tummy Tuck can also be done later on, if you desire. Since you state you have good skin elasticity and the excess skin is small in amount, perhaps you would feel more comfortable waiting until after Liposuction to see if the Mini Tummy Tuck would be... more

Mini tummy tuck works great in the right patient

There are 3 main issues with a woman and her tummy, particularly after childbearing. 1. Abdominal Wall Laxity 2. Fat accumulation 3. Skin laxity A liposuction procedure alone addreses only one of these issues and that is the fat accumulation. No significant, if any ,skin tightening is realized. No tightening of the abdominal wall is accomplished. Therefore, a liposuction procedure alone may fall far short of fully rejuvenating this area- it all depends on what you are trying to accomplish. A... more

Mini Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

Your goals and expectations are the most important factor in your decision. While tummy tucks will certainly give a tighter and flatter abdomen, you much decide is the scar from the tummy tuck is worth this improvement. Liposuction will work well if you have good skin quality (minimal stretch marks), good underlying musclar anatomy (lack of rectus diastasis), and no fat overhang in the pubic region. The term "mini" tummy tuck generally refers to the fact that only skin and a... more

Benefits of a tummy tuck

A picture would be very helpful in your situation. If you are unhappy with your abdomen area and you say that you can notice the saggy skin when bending over or moving you may want to consider a tummy tuck. Usually with pregnancy, the rectus muscles are stretched and the quality of the skin is somewhat ruined. Liposuction alone may not be such a great idea because you may not be happy with the results of just lipo alone. If you want to achieve a "flat" stomach then look more into a... more

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

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 that it does produce skin tightening as well as liquefication of fat which allows for easier fat removal. This technique is new be certain to consult a board certified plastic surgeon who... more

Mini Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

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 is needed because of price or myths about anesthesia actually does a disservice to the patient. The decision-making depends on the quality of the skin, the amount of fat within the... more

Liposuction and mini-tummy tuck

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 had children yet. Make sure you are examined for a hernia prior to proceeding with liposuction. A mini-tummy tuck only addresses the lower abdomen below the belly button, but may be... more

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

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 my operative experience, I have seen very desirable results with Smartlipo alone. It is best for you to communicate to me a clear picture of what you anticipate as a result with which you will be... more