Options to Correct Stomach After Mini Tummy Tuck?

Unfortunately there are no good options in regards to the umbilicus given the type of surgery that has been done. Although a full tummy tuck is an option you will need to be prepared to lose the umbilicus or have one re-created (usually with less than ideal results). In general, 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... more

A full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) probably would have been a better option for you. If your original surgeon is a board certified plastic surgeon I would suggest that you schedule a post-operative evaluation to discuss your concerns and learn more about the specific treatment options which would best address your needs. If you have lost confidence or your surgeon is not a board certified plastic surgeon, I would suggest that you obtain a second opinion with an experience, reputable,... more

You probably would have been a better candidate to have a full tummy tuck initially. You can always opt for  a reverse abdominoplasty or perhaps a full abdominoiplasty and a later umbilical reconstruction.

There are multiple ways to correct a Mini tummy tuck. Keep in mind that after a mini tummy tuck you should expect a significant recovery process this may last up to 6 to 8 months. If after that time, you still are unsatisfied with the results there are multiple things that we can do. The bellybutton can be repaired within the local plastic to improve the shape, change the position, or remove a small of the extra skin above the bellybutton. The tummy tuck scar itself may be made thinner... more

Thanks for your question - This is a challenging situation. Once the umbilicus (belly button) has been separated from its native blood suppy it makes repeat abdominoplasty more challenging because you cannot reposition the umbilicus relative to the abdominal skin. A repeat mini in combination with liposuction may be an option but it is likely that you're umbilicus will likely be positioned more inferiorly than you might prefer. A more drastic option would be a full abdominoplasty with... more

This is a difficult problem and you may want to risk losing your belly button and having a neo-umbilicoplasty performed. Your surgeon is correct and you may want to obtain other opinions to corroborate this. However, it really depends on how unhappy you are with the appearance with your abdomen.

Juliana, Looks like you are realizing the limitations of the mini-tummy tuck. I don't think that there is much question that your tummy would have the flattest appearance if you went back and did a full Tummy Tuck. Liposuction of the abdomen without removing the excess skin would improve things, but the bulge over the scar wouldn't be eliminated. The worst case scenario for your belly button might be to go ahead with the full tummy tuck anyway, and let whatever happens to your belly button... more