Mini Tummy Tuck Q&A
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Mini Tummy Tuck Scar Vs. Full Tummy Tuck Scar?

asked 8 months ago by anon
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 337 times
Tags: comparison, noticeable, post-op, results, scar, scarring

Is it possible to avoid a scar with a mini tummy tuck? I've heard that it doesn't entirely go away. Is the scar from a full tummy tuck more noticeable than from a mini tummy tuck?

17 answers to Mini Tummy Tuck Scar Vs. Full Tummy Tuck Scar?

+1

Scars mini vs. full tummy tuck

You cannot avoid a scar for a mini or a full, but I am not a big fan of mini tummy tucks because most patients require tightening of the muscles above and below the umbilicus and are usually also bothered by lose skin above the umbilicus. These are all best treated by a full tummy tuck.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini vs. full abdominoplasty

Both procedures have to leave a scar, because the scar allows the surgeon to remove loose skin. Without a scar, the best a surgeon could do would be to firm up the muscles with imbricating sutures. A mini abdominoplasty will also shorten the scar to some degree, and may also spare having to have a scar around the belly button. If a scar had to be made around the umbilicus( belly button) it would not be to relocate or move the belly button. Having a scar is much less... more
Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon

www.riegercosmeticsurgery.com

+1

Mini tummy tuck, mini abdominoplasty

There is always a scar. mini tummy tucks vary in what actually are. some are smaller incisions and remove only skin. some have lipo, some tighten the lower abdominal muscles. all scars will fade with time but there is always something, the mini is usually shorter
Jed H. Horowitz, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini vs full abdominoplasty

Both mini and full abdominoplasty leave scars and the full abdominoplsty scar is almost always longer than the one from a mini. All scars are permanent though they do fade with time. I have never been able to predict how noticeable a scar will be; some are barely visible, others will keloid--although that is unusual from an abdominoplasty. It is more important that you choose the operation that will give you the best results given your anatomy and goals. You should seek a consultation... more
Margaret Skiles, MD

Sacramento Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini vs Full Tummy Tuck and Scarring

Both mini and full tummy tuck surgeries require the use of a scar to remove your excess skin. There is no way in which these procedures can be done without a scar. Most of these, however, tend to heal remarkably well and are easily concealed in most clothing. The determination as to whether you need a full or mini tummy tuck is based upon your anatomy and the amount of excess skin you possess. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine your options. Best of... more
Vincent P. Marin, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini Tummy-Tucks Are an Excellent Option for the Appropriate Candidates

A mini tummy-tuck is an excellent option for individuals with an abdominal bulge due to muscle weakness, fat accumulation, and mild skin laxity. With this procedure, liposuction is performed, the muscles are tightened, and a small amount of skin is removed. The procedure is termed "mini" due to the fact that less skin is removed and the scar is slightly shorted than that of a full tummy-tuck. As a mini tummy-tuck removes less skin than a full tummy-tuck, there is less tightening of... more
Andrew Lyos, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

lyosmd.com

+1

Scars in a mini tummy tuck versus a standard tummy tuck

You will have scars both with a mini tummy tuck and a tummy tuck with the latter being signficantly longer. The real issue is, however, which of the two procedures would be best for you. To have the wrong procedure performed just to have a shorter scar would be an imprudent choice.
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
+1

Select the correct procedure.

There is always a scar with any surgery - that is how we heal. How noticable it is depends on a number of factors - some yours, some your surgeon. If you select a "mini tummy tuck" to avoid a longer scar, shorten your recovery, avoid muscle plication, or because it costs less - you will likely be disappointed if you really need a full tummy tuck! A "mini lift" gives "mini results" when you have "mini changes".
Robert H. Schnarrs, MD

Norfolk Plastic Surgeon
+1

Scars from mini-tummy tuck and full tummy tuck are not that different

The mini-tummy tuck scar is in the same location as the full tummy tuck however it may be slightly shorter in length. It may only be about two inches shorter on each side and it allows less abdominal muscle tightening compared to the "full" tummy tuck. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to see which is best for you. Best wishes, Dr.Bruno
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini Tummy Tuck Scar Vs. Full Tummy Tuck Scar?

To directly respond to the questions. The mini TT scar is usually shorter in horizontal length than a full TT scar. You will ALWAYS have a scar when the skin is cut.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tuck is not good for most women.

Hi. 1) The scar is just a little shorter, and patients are often not happy after mini tummy tuck because there is no improvement in the upper abdomen. In fact the upper stomach now looks worse, because the lower stomach is flat. and it is not in proportion. 2) It is true that the scar does not go away, but it fades. The secret is to put the scar VERY LOW inside the pubic area. It looks much better there, and you can wear anything. Most... more
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Similar scar from mini and full tummy tuck

Both versions of the tummy tuck involve removing loose skin so there is a scar. With the mini, the scar is a couple of inches shorter. In both instances it should be placed low enough to be concealed by a swimsuit bottom, and scars fade with time but are permanent. Be very wary of liposuction procedures that promise to tighten skin without scars; although the use of lasers and ultrasound (VASER) have been shown to enhance skin tightening, they don't come anywhere close to what a tummy... more
Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck scar

They are both put low down where they do not show in clothes, but a mini is a slightly shorter scar. the lenght is determined by your examination and the amount of skin that needs to be removed.
Rick Rosen, MD

Norwalk Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tucks are rare

The postpregnancy tummy almost always has issues above the belly button and a mini TT does nothing up there. Consequently, it is a rare operation when patients are honestly counciled by a reputable plastic surgeon. Of course, all patients want to think "all they need is a mini" but they are typically deceiving themselves and so are their doctors, many of whom aren't even real plastic surgeons (they learn a mini at a weekend cousre). The true tummy tuck addresses... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is the scar from a full tummy tuck more noticeable than from a mini tummy tuck?

Respectfully, you are asking the wrong question. The right question is WHICH operation (Mini VS Full Tummy Tuck) would produce the best result for me? The operations are NOT interchangeable and neither are their results. Excess skin above the belly button, split and stretched tummy muscles above belly button or a large skin excess and overhang below belly button would require a Full Tummy Tuck to correct and this group includes the vast majority of mothers. A Mini Tummy Tuck can only produce... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini tummy tuck has a shorter scar

The incision for a mini-tuck is smaller in length than that for a full abdominoplasty. Mini-tuck is a wonderful procedure for patients who have skin redundancy without muscular weakness. It is not the right procedure for everyone. I see patients at both ends of the spectrum. For some, who are thinner but are unhappy with the state of their abdomens, it is a viable option. For others, who have more extensive issues, it will not produce an optimal result. ... more
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Mini or full tummy tuck?

Thank you for the question. A mini tummy tuck will leave you with a shorter scar than a full tummy tuck. A word of caution: be careful you do not trade a better end result of surgery for a shorter scar. 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... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

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