Can I Get Away with a Mini Tummy Tuck Vs. a Full Tummy Tuck? (photo)

I'm wondering if I can get away with a mini tummy tuck vs. a full tuck if I can get similar results with a smaller scar and less down time. I have mostly loose skin and the whole area feels very hollow, i.e. not much fat in that area. Please note that I do not presently workout and I plan on incorporating more exercise prior to having a tummy tuck. I am 5'5 and 128 lbs.

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by noreaster in MA

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Mini Tummy Tuck Vs. a Full Tummy Tuck?

It would be best to have an in person consultation with a BCPS. An in person consultation would be a complete review of the positives and negatives of each procedure. You mention a smaller scar and less down time with a mini, but the trade off may be not having an optimal result...these are just some of the things that would be discussed during the consultation process in my practice.

If you're going to have surgery, have the procedure most likely to result in a lovely outcome

Hi there- If we step back from the trees and appreciate the forrest, the answers are usually easier to understand.... Your goal in pursuing this plastic surgery endeavor is to safely achieve the very best outcome you can, right? An abdominoplasty ("full" tummy tuck) is a much better operation for you.

Can I Get Away with a Mini Tummy Tuck Vs. a Full Tummy Tuck?

Thanks for the posted photos. Very hard to be exact but I am leaning towards a full TT. Best to obtain in person opinions.

Mini v full tummy tuck

From the lateral view, there is bulging above the umbilicus and, based on this, I believe that you would be better served by a full abdominoplasty. Given your weight and starting point, you appear to be an excellent surgical candidate. Mini tuck is a limited procedure and is not applicable to most patients.

Full tummy tuck is most often a better choice than mini

A few things to keep in mind when deciding between a mini and full abdominoplasty: First, recovery time is similar though there is a shorter scar with the mini. Second, a mini will have no effect on the skin tone of the upper abdomen. Third, exercise will not change this. Bottom line is that for most patients the full tummy tuck is the better choice.

Mini versus Full Tummy tuck

There is no question that a full tummy tuck will give you the best result. Mini tummy tuck is an overly used term and gives the impression that you will somehow achieve the same results through a smaller incision. This is not true. You will have the same incision in your lower abdomen. The only difference with the full tummy tuck is that all the skin between your belly button and your pubis is removed. Additionally, your muscles are tightened from your breast... more

Can I Get Away with a #MiniTummyTuck Vs. a #FullTummyTuck? (photo) ANS:

I have found that very few women are really perfect candidates for a mini-tummy tuck. It seems when sitting that it is really the bottom part of the tummy but many times it is a looseness in the whole thing and when you tighten up just the bottom part, then the top part really looks worse!!!

Mini Tummy Tuck Vs. a Full Tummy Tuck

I cannot quite tell from the photos which would work best, but an in person exam by a plastic surgeon can help sort out the possibilities. I might add that a mini-TT implies surgery limited to the lower abdomen, obviating the need for an incision (and therefore scar) at the navel. A mini-TT will not change the length of scar in the lower abdomen. Only a select few of patients seeking rejuvenation of the abdomen are candidates for a mini-TT. Those patients typically have... more