Will a mini tummy tuck (with existing upper abdominal scar) suffice? (Photos)

In my experience, you do not to have lax skin or muscle to warrant a tummy tuck.Also, that high scar limits the tummy tuck due to skin blood supply disruptions.  That high scar will remain as well.You appear to have great skin and muscle tone, so I don’t see how a tummy tuck would add to results.Rather, Vaser of full abdomen will remove stubborn fat including the area between your scars, making them less noticeable.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations. 

A full tummy tuck carries some risk due to the upper abdominal scar. A mini would only help the lower abdomen. Consider liposuction, with subcision of the scar and fat grafting to elevate it. It sounds like your surgeon may have hit on the best plan.

how far across is that abdominal scar. generally pyloric stenosis scars are quite short??  I think you have too much loose skin for a mini tuck and not enough in order to create only one scar low down.   we would need to discuss and set the limitations  good luck

A mini TT involves removal of a small amount of skin and fat below the belly button that addresses only the lower portion of the abdomen.  This procedure applies to very few patients and is appropriate only for patients who have loose skin at the inferior aspect, or bottom, of the abdomen.  If patients have loose skin above the belly button or a muscle laxity, a short scar or full TT would be more appropriate. A physical exam would be necessary to determine what procedure is most appropriate for you to achieve the results you are seeking.

Dear WilRuz5,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photo, it doesn't look like you have much loose skin. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello, thanks for your question and photos. You are a candidate for Tummy Tuck. The goal is to eliminate sagginess under the belly button and repairing the area. There's no problem with previous C-sections. The upper scar may remain in another position, but you can have an excellent result for your body shape. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck!

Due to the location of the higher scar, a minituck will be safer to avoid circulation issues to skin between the scar and belly button. Liposuction can be helpful to remove any excess skin.

A tummy tuck which is also referred to as an abdominoplasty is a procedure to enhance the appearance of the abdomen.  It consists of 3 basic steps:
Skin removal and tighteningSubcutaneous fat removalMuscle tightening
There are many different types of tummy tucks which are customized to each individual.  The placement of the scar is very low on the abdomen, transverse and can include removal of a previous C-Section scar.  
The recovery is very similar to a C-Section or Hysterectomy recovery.  The first week lifting is limited to 15 lbs maximum and the patients usually walk slowly and bend over.  The second week the weight limitation is increased to 30 pounds and more normal walking.  After the second week many patients return to work if it is more sedentary, active work jobs and heavy lifting, pulling or straining are still difficult for another 2 weeks.  Most women need help with small children for the first week.
There has been a breakthrough in the technology of post op pain relief for tummy tucks.  A new medication is now being used that will provide for 3-4 days of post op pain relief, speeding up the recovery process!  It is called Exparel.
Vigorous physical activity and contact sports are limited for 4-6 weeks.  Everyone's recovery is different, and everyone's tummy tuck is different, the recovery time will vary from individual to individual.  Wound healing problems can occur after a tummy tuck, most are small and heal on their own.  However, if there is a large area that opens up, prolonged healing time will occur and there would be the possibly of a revision procedure.
This is a wonderful operation that will make the tummy flat FOREVER, WITHOUT SIT-UPS!!  But, you have to be willing to trade the appearance for the scar, which is long, but well placed, and hidden in all clothing and bathing suits.  Your weight should be stable and finished with child bearing before undergoing this procedure.
Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in body contouring procedures to assure the best possible result.  Based on the 4 photographs submitted, and the history of the transverse upper abdominal scar, I would recommend lipoplasty of the abdomen with upper and lower scar revision.  A full tummy tuck is not needed and cannot be performed due to the upper abdominal scar interfering with the blood supply to the tummy tuck flap.
Good Luck!

In many ways you’re a Abdomen doesn’t warrant a tummy tuck.
At the same time it may be the best definitive procedure and give you the best results.
There are four variables we look at when we make an assessment on someone’s abdomen for aesthetic purposes.
These are skin laxity, subcutaneous fat, muscle separation from previous pregnancies and excess visceral or intra-abdominal fat.
In your case you also have the two horizontal scars.
I don’t think your upper abdomen scar will cause a blood supply issue from a full tummy tuck unless you’re a cigarette smoker.
You don’t have that much skin laxity on your lower abdomen and I question if it makes sense to tighten the lower abdomen while not addressing the skin on the upper abdomen.
The visibility of the scar on your upper abdomen it’s mostly related to scar tissue contraction giving it a three dimensional contour indentation.
Liposuction can address this to some degree as could a scar revision.
My vote would be for a full tummy tuck if you’re game for the recovery.
You need to find a plastic surgeon who can make nice looking belly buttons and give you a natural low set scar.
My second choice would be Liposuction without skin tightening.
You could give it six months and if the scar on the upper abdomen was an improved from the liposuction and have a scar revision.
I don’t see anything wrong with your surgeons approach either other that the skin laxity of your lower abdomen doesn’t look too bad.
In the end probably what’s most important is being the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon.
perhaps have a few more consultations and really focus on finding a top-notch provider.
Often the very best plastic surgeons have great outcomes with everything they do. less experienced or less talented plastic surgeons are going to have more undesirable outcomes whether they pick the best or a lesser procedure.
in the end the decision has to do with what you’re trying to achieve and what you’re willing to go through.
The recovery of a full tummy tuck is drastically different than having Liposuction with or without a mini tummy tuck.
An examination is needed to determine your level of muscle separation and possible visceral fat component.
I recommend relying on in person consultations and having several.
there is no single right or wrong way to approach this.
find the right plastic surgeon and everything falls into place.
Best, 
Mats Hagstrom MD