Tummy Tuck: Q&A

Ask a Question

Mini Tummy Tuck Enough for Loose Skin and Diastasis Recti?

I recently had lipolaser done to remove a small amount of excess fat and loose skin at my belly. I have a 1 inch diastasis and a small hernia after my twins that has never fully healed (12 years later). My plastic surgeon said she could repair the diastsis w/ a mini tummy tuck yet everything I'm reading suggests otherwise. I do still have some extra skin -- not a lot, mainly by the belly button that I would like tightened. Is a mini tummy tuck okay for this?

13 Doctor Answers | Asked by yogaannie in new york
+2

Mini tummy tuck for loose belly button skin

Generally for loose skin above and below the belly button, a full tummy tuck is indicated. If the amount of skin around the belly button is relatively small, there are tummy tucks that tighten the entire diastasis, remove a small amount of skin, and repair the hernia. It is not necessary to perform a full tummy tuck just to tighten the diastasis and repair the hernia.
+2

Mini Tummy Tuck

I would not recommend a mini tummy tuck if you have diastasis recti. If the fascia is tightened below the belly button and not above the belly button, then you may get a protuberance above there the fascia is not tight. It is best to do a full abdominoplasty so that the entire diastasis can be repaired and the skin maximally tightened. Good luck. see video
+1

Mini or full tummy tuck?

Be careful- unless the correct diagnosis and treatment plan is designed you may be dissatisfied with the end results of your 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... more

You might also like...

Real Stories

TT July 1st - Counting Down the Days - San Diego, CA

I'm 57, I have 5 grown children and 12 grandchildren to date - Dr Pousti did my BA and...

Before + After Photos

View 4303 Tummy Tuck photos
+1

A MINI Tummy Tuck is a lousy operation for Anyone with a 1 inch muscle diastasis and a small hernia

All real Plastic surgeons fully understand the futility of attempting to use the limited capabilities of a Mini-Tummy Tuck (which can only improve matters below the belly button) to correct a 1 inch muscle separation (diastasis) and skin looseness above the belly button. But some Plastic surgeons fear antagonizing and losing patients who insist on lesser, even ineffectual treatments and give them what they ask for. There is no way that a Mini-tummy tuck, liposuction (laser or otherwise),... more
+1

Mini Tummy Tuck

Again, NO PHOTOS?! I can say YES, but I really do not know what you look like. So if you are really wishing an expert opinion please send photos. Regards.
+1

A full tummy tuck for loose skin around navel.

SEE VIDEO BELOW. Women with lax skin and diastasis are best treated witha full tummy tuck for optimal results. A mini tummy tuck is rarely used and, in my experience is typically used as a major C-section scar revision operation. see video
+1

Few good candidates for mini tummy tuck.

Hi. Mini tummy tuck is done because it sounds less scary, often with disappointing results. Based on your description, I thiink you will only be helped by a full tummy tuck. The mini operation is only useful to correct skin overhang above a C section scar.
+1

Mini Tummy Tuck inadequate for Diastasis Repair

My mini tummy tuck is not a procedure suited for diastasis repair although your plastic surgeon may have a different definition. In my experience you would benefit greater from a full abdominoplasty especially after a twin pregnancy. This would address both your excess skin as well as the diastasis.
+1

Mini tummy tuck

Ask your surgeon to define mini tummy tuck for you. If you have lax skin about your bellly button and an umbilical hernia a decision will have to be made about the extent of surgery you will need to correct these problems. Your description leads me to believe you may need to have a more involved procedure where the belly button can be lowered on the abdominal wall and the hernia can be fixed. This is can be done when there is a minimal amount of excess skin above the belly button as you do... more
+1

Mini versus full tummy tuck

A mini tummy tuck will address everything below the umbilicus. If you have laxity or extra skin above this level, you will need a full abdominoplasty. It's also easier to repair a hernia through a full incision. I find that the vast majority of patients really benefit from the full incision, which allows us to truly flatten the abdomen. It is a longer incision, but most patients find that it's worth it. Good luck.
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok