Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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How much extra weight loss would impact a mini-tummy tuck?

I was heavy before pregnancy and have lost all my "baby weight", and I continue to loose weight, which is good, but the extra skin is going to be a problem. At what point should I consider a full-tummy tuck over a mini-tummy tuck? Is the amount of skin that needs to be removed a factor that surgeons consider for the type of tuck needed?

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16 Doctor Answers | Asked by anon

Doctor Answers (16)
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Beware of the mini tummy tuck!

I do mini tummy tucks but only on very, very select patients - probably less than 5% of my tummy tuck patients. Mini tummy tuck is often done with a big dose of wishful thinking on both the surgeon's and patient's part and often does not achieve the result both are hoping for. And if a mini has been done, it can compromise the result of a full tummy tuck done later. Don't go with a mini unless your only problem area is really just below the umbilicus. I... more

Mini-tucks give "mini" results. Most women want Maximum results!

Very few women are candidates for mini-tucks, since the entire abdomen of MOST women is stretched, and the degree of loose skin is such that a short incision that takes out only a small amount of skin and does not treat the upper abdomen or belly button at all (mini-tuck) will not give a good result! If you are still losing weight, good for you! But this also implies that there will be (and already may be) enough loose skin that a full tummy tuck with breast bone to pubic bone... more

Weight loss and tummy tucks-mini vs full?

I just saw a patient today with the same question. She had gain about 60lbs with her first and only pregnancy. She subsequetly lost the weight and has no loose skin , no extra fat, and no weakend muscle above her belly button. She may consider a mini tummy tuck---but frankly those patients are quite rare in my practice. Most patients would benefit from a FULL abdominoplasty; and as a result of this- I perform mostly the full procedure. If you are one of those fortunate ladies, you... more

Mini tummy tuck vs full tummy tuck

Tummy tuck surgery involves removing the excess skin and fat, tighening up the midline fascia, recreating the new belly button opening, and contouring your tummy during skin closure. The more loose skin you have, the more dramatic result you will see. Mini tummy tuck in general means removing the excess skin and fat belore the belly button. The belly button is left alone and not reppositioned. You have to come in for a formal consultation in order for your surgeon to examine you to... more

I don't offer mini-tucks because you will not get the desired results.

I don't offer mini-tucks. Most women need several areas treated after a large amount of weight loss or pregnancy which include treatment of loose skin, extra fat and muscle seperation which can not be achieved with a mini-tuck.

Lose the weight before tummy tuck

I would recommend losing all the weight you are planning to lose before your tummy tuck. The looseness of both the ski and the muscle both contribute to what type of tummy tuck would be best for you. The tighter you want to be, and the looser the skin and/or muscle will make a full tummy tuck a better option.

Is the amount of skin that needs to be removed a factor that surgeons consider for the type of tuck needed?

THe amount of excess tummy skin which needs to be removed and its location (above VS limited to below the belly button), the woman's weight and its stability, having completed her family with no more planned pregnancies, the amount and distribution of excess fat, other medical history and emotional history (including the woman's goals and acceptance of surgical scarring in exchange for a flat tummy and narrow waist) - ALL are part of the decision making process between picking the... more

Full tummy tuck vs mini

I am not a fan of the mini tummy tuck because it does not treat the upper abdomen. Often patients have loose skin in the upper abdomen and the upper abdominal muscles are not tightened. In addition a full tummy tuck removes alot more skin from between the umbilicus and lower bikini area.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Tummytuck

Patients are more educated now than ever before and the internet including this forum has a ton of information. At the end of the day, the choice is yours...however... you are not in the position to decide what is the operation to give you the best outcome. The surgeon is. Go see a board certified plastic surgeon.

Michael Hueneke, MD

6 reviews

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Odds are you'll need a full tummy tuck

Congratulations on your weight loss after pregnancy. Because mini tummy tucks are not the right operation if you have any laxity of skin or muscle above the belly button, they are quite rare in my practice. They sound like what you want to hear you need, but they will leave you disappointed if you really needed the full TT which most people need.

Mini vs. full tummy tuck

A combination of a pregnancy and significant weight loss probably would suggest that a full tummy tuck is the better procedure for you. Extra skin and laxity above and below the umbilicus could best be firmed up and contoured when the imbrication of muscles above and below the umbilicus is performed. Excess skin needs to be removed more aggressively than what a mini abdominoplasty could accomplish. Your Plastic Surgeon would be best to answer this question... more

Mini versus Full Tummy Tuck

If you only have loose skin below your belly button and you have no muscle diastasis then a mini tuck may be helpful. However, in most cases a full tummy tuck / abdominoplasty is required to address loose skin above and below the belly button and to tighten the muscles / repair the diastasis (muscle separation) to help flatten the abdomen. If you post pictures, we be able to give you more specific advice. Good Luck.

Weight Loss before Tummy Tuck

It's fine to lose down ro your goal weight before surgery if it is going to make your results better. But the only way to know whether that's the case or not is to see a surgeon and have an evaluation. Also, don't tie yourself into a mini tuck without a good consutation with an experienced plastic surgeon. In my experience, there is no shortcut to a good result. Most, but not all, women would get a much better looking abdomen after pregnancy with the standard full tummytuck. more

Full or mini tummy tuck after weight loss

I recommend that you lose the weight that you want to lose. When your weight has stabilized for six months, see a plastic surgeon who can help you decide if you need a full tummy tuck or a mini. I hope this helps and best wishes.

It all depends on your exam...

Many ladies come in seeking a mini-abdominoplasty when in truth they really would most benefit from a full abdominoplasty. The two procedures are quite different. The mini-abdominoplasty while limiting the length of the incision and thus the resultant permanent scar also limits the amount of skin that can be removed. It also limits the amount of muscle tightening. If you have stretch marks or loose skin that is located more than on the lower 50% of the area... more

Mini Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy

Thank you for the question. Although I have not had the benefit of examining you, based on your history of pregnancy and weight gain/loss, I think you will likely be a better candidate for a full tummy tuck as opposed to a mini tummy tuck. A few words of caution for patients contemplating tummy tuck surgery may be in order: In my opinion, the mini tummy talk is an operation that produces very limited results and is very rarely indicated. It... more