Tummy Tuck, Mini, Modified? What's the Difference and How Different Are the Scars?

I asked how a doctor decides what kind of tummy tuck a patient needs, I got great responses but now I am left wondering about the scars, and what a modified tummy tuck is? I have flat abs but post kids I have stretch marks and loose skin, would doing laser pre op be better? and will the scar be low enough to wear a low bikini? I have attached pics, I'm planning on having surgery end year early 2012, When I had my breast augmentation I also had many questions and went to many consults. thank you.

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by CiciRider NYC in Long Beach, NY

Doctor Answers (5)
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What should I have done for my Stretch Marks?

Unfortunately, your problem is one that is the most difficult for us as surgeons to treat well. Stretch marks do not respond well to any current treatment available and you do not have enough excess skin to be a candidate for skin removal with surgery. My advice to you may be difficult to hear....Don't Do Anything! You have a beautiful shape and tight abdomen, and a figure that most of my patients would love to have. So please don't make any... more

Erez Sternberg, MD

10 reviews

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

Mini or full tummy tuck?

Thank you for the question and pictures. Direct examination be necessary to give you good advice. However, based on your pictures I am doubtful that a tummy tuck would be indicated in your case. Generally speaking, 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,... more

Tummy tuck, which kind, mini, full, modified

Only an in-person consultation could correctly answer your question, because it is impossible to know if your skin is really loose enough to do a tummy tuck procedure that will eliminate the stretch marks that you hate. Alternatives: Palomar Lux 1540 erbium laser is FDA-approved for the treatment of stretch marks. 4-6 treatments help to blend them in. You can't get rid of them in the sense of erasing them, but the majority of patients think the treatment does some real good in... more

Tummy tuck types and scars

Cicirider, I agree that you have great shape to your post pregancy abdomen. You should be proud of the shape you are in. You do have a moderte amounnt of stretch marks, they do extend above your belly button. It is difficult to tell from your photos how much extra skin you have, but I would estimate that you do not have a lot. A tummy tuck can get rid of many of your stretch marks, but will not get rid of all of them. Any variation of tummy tuck does require a... more

Tummy tuck options

Hi CiciRider- From the pictures you posted it looks like your body recovered very well post-pregnancy. The only issue you seem to have is stretch marks and perhaps a small amount of skin laxity low on your abdomen. With regard to stretch marks, I'm afraid there are no good solutions. The only permanent solution is to surgically excise stretch marks along with excess skin. Your stretch marks are too high on your abdomen for this. Lasers, creams,... more