Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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How Do I Know if a Mini or Full Tummy Tuck is Right for Me? (photo)

I had my first consult today and the doctor suggested a mini TT. I am concerned I wont have the results I want as he said he would only be removing the skin from my belly button and below. He did say he would repair my diastasis and umbilical hernia. Is it possible to get a flat result with a mini TT like when I am sucking in, picture below? I was told that if I did opt for a full TT that I would have a small vertical scar from my old belly button. Should I get a mini or full TT?

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by Beesgirl

Doctor Answers (14)
Community Comments (0)

Mini or Full Tummy Tuck

This is a common question. Rather like the question: "Do I need a mini-facelift or a full one." As patients, we all want the least amount of surgery and yet obtain the maximum benefit. The answer here is easier than usual since you have provided such excellent photographs. Although some benefit could be gained from a mini tummy tuck, or some version of it, the biggest bang for the buck for you would be a formal tummy tuck where all the problems can be addressed. Scar position is... more

Tummy Tuck-Mini or Full How to Decide

Thank you for your question. Your concerns are quite correct. You do have a lot of loose skin and a mini Tummy Tuck will pull your belly button down and not improve the upper abdomen. I also think it is unwise to try to repair a Diastasis and Umbilical Herni through a Mini Tummy Tuck. This will change the contour of the muscles under the skin and likely accentuate the loose skin of the upper abdomen. From your photos it appears that you have plenty of excess skin to undergo a... more

Full or Mini Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your pictures and description of your goals you will benefit from full tummy tuck surgery. 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... more

How Do I Know if a Mini or Full Tummy Tuck is Right for Me?

You have received a lot of good information below. IF you need a small vertical scar from the old belly button site it is better than making the horizontal scar higher. I find when I undermine the abdominal skin up over the lower ribs and close with progressive tension sutures we rarely need that vertical scar. Call around and find a surgeon who uses the progressive suture technique. It is quite common. I'll bet you get a great new look.

Mini TT vs full TT abdominoplasty questions

You can see from the below answers most PS feel you need a full TT to get the full result. I'm glad your PS told you about the vertical scar as I'd have told you that as well. If they keep the scar low you may realize a great bikini look, nice and flat/taut. You wouldn't be happy with a mini, I suspect. Best of luck to you.

TT as bigger the abdomen as bigger the scar dimension/tan ancha la paciente tan grande la incision TT

You are a perfect patient to realize a mini TT and realize besides, umbilicoplasty plus abdominal rectus diastasis correction. mientras mas delgada es la paciente la cicatriz del TT sera mas chica y mas corta y por ahi mismo se puede realizar la umbilicoplastia mas la correccion de diastasis de rectos

Most patients do better with full tummy tuck rather than mini

A mini tummy tuck only improves the appearance of the lower abdomen and most patients do better with the full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty.) There are a few patients who get good results with a mini but this has to be dtermined based on a personal examination and discussion of your goals.

Flat tummy after full tummy tuck

If you want a chance to have a flat tummy like you show on the "sucking in" photo, then you need a full abdominoplasty. Only the full version can tighten up the muscle layer like that. Based strictly on your photos (and, of course, an exam is necessary to be sure), you have enough skin laxity in the lower abdomen to warrant a full abdominoplasty as well.

Full vs mini tummy tuck

Based on the photos you provided I think you need a full tummy tuck. The photos however, are no replacement for proper examination. Mini tummy tuck is a very limited procedure where the skin of the lower abdomen is resected and there is limited undermining of the skin. Remember less surgery is less results. With full tummy tuck, there is more undermining, the muscles are plicated (approximated) in the midline, the umbilicus is addressed and the waist is improved. It is difficult from the... more

Mini vs. full Tummy Tuck

I think the consensus of this panel so far is that you need a full tummy tuck. I agree. It will best enable you to address the diastasis recti and the umbilical hernia. While the scar may be a little larger, I think that is the better way to go. Mini tummy tucks have their place. It is rare that we do them. I think the indications are folks with just a very little floppy skin that they want to get rid of. All told, in your particular case the... more

Full or Mini Tummy Tuck

Dear Beesgirl, As a short answer, I would say that if you are looking for optimal results then a full tummy tuck is mostly the way to go. Through a full tummy tuck, your diastasis recti and umbilical hernia will be repaired; this makes a big difference. Nonetheless, without a physical examination to assess the excess skin and its laxity, it is hard to give you a definitive answer. So, I encourage you to seek consultations with board... more

Full tummy tuck

Thank you for your question and the photos. A full tummy tuck is likely your best option. To be sure, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery. I hope this helps.

Mini or full tummy tuck

In my opinion you are in the best position to decide whether you will be happy with a mini tummy tuck or whether you need a full abdominoplasty. If you are happy with the way your tummy is above the belly button now then you will probably be happy with just a mini which will address your concerns below the belly button. If you want changes above the belly button, then you need a full tummy tuck. If possible, you might want to see other board certified plastic surgeons and see what they... more

Mini or Full TT, What Should I do?

Difficult to tell you without a full examination, but I agree with you, while I perform both, I have had a few patients disappointed with mini TT, never had a disappointed patient with a Full, if you are willing to accept at worst a small vertical incision hidden well within your bikini line, I would suggest a full, often the small scar can later be resected in the office a few months after you heal with no down time. Good luck and I always suggest a few consults to find a PS you feel... more