Was a Mini-tummy Tuck the Best Option for Me?

Currently I am 36 yo and weigh 195 lbs. I lost about 60 pounds and had excess skin and fat that hung over my belt line. I had a modified mini-tummy tuck in March, 2010. It has been 2 months and I'm pleased overall but there is still a fair amount of skin above my belly button. Would a full tummy tuck have given me better overall results given the scaring around the belly button in that operation? Any advice or reassurance would be appreciated. Thank you.

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by atl1973 in Atlanta, GA

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Weight loss and abdominal procedure

Most likely with a 60 pound weight loss a full tummy tuck would have been beneficial and allowed for better redraping of loose skin especially of the upper abdomen.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

MIni versus full tummy tuck following considerable weight loss

In most individuals, a mini tummy tuck is a good operation for localized loose abdominal skin, fat, and muscle BELOW the belly button. In individuals with massive weight loss the full abdominoplasty is generally a better option

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Mini tummy tuck vs. full (standard) tummy tuck

Based on the information you provided, it sounds as though a full (standard) tummy tuck would have given you better results. Many woman benefit significantly from a full tummy tuck to improve the abdomen area after significant weight loss. In order to address the concerns of the patient, during a full tummy tuck procedure, the rectus muscles are repaired and loose, excess skin is removed, providing a tightened tummy. I recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to... more

A mini-tummy tuck the best option

NO PHOTOS!!!!! I guess no mini will work for a 60 pound weight loss but you forgot to post photos. Sounds more like a full Tummy Tuck is best for you. Dr. B

A MINI Tummy Tuck is RARELY "The BEST Option" with Hanging skin after Large Weight Lss

"...I ... weigh 195 lbs. I lost about 60 pounds and had excess skin and fat that hung over my belt line. I had a modified mini-tummy tuck in March, 2010....there is still a fair amount of skin above my belly button. " A Mini Tummy Tuck is seductive. It is Sexy. It is Simple. And it is the wrong operation for women who have had multiple pregnancies, and/or lost a lot of weight (IE YOU) and / or have a lot of skin over-hang (IE YOU). As Plastic surgeons we need to educate more

The difference between a full and a mini

Based on your description but without your pictures to evaluate, a true tummy tuck would have dealt with the 3 problems that you had - extra skin, too much fat, and muscle separation. A mini is only a good surgery in the correct patient - usually a woman with problems below the belly button. It is very important to match the operation to the problems to get the best result. Many patients will only accept a "mini" but expect a "full" result. This is... more

Mini-Tummy Tuck vs Abdominoplasty

A mini tummy tuck is just that - mini. Thus, it will only correct a portion of what a full tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is designed to address (just like there is an extended tummy tuck, and even body lift for the most extensive cases). Mini tummy tucks generally only treat the lower abdominal "pooch" and skin beneath the belly button only. Thus, if you had excess skin above the belly button (as the vast majority of patients would with 60 lbs of weight loss)... more