Full or mini tuck?

Question

I am beginning my search for a surgeon to perform a tummy tuck. I am curious if it looks as if a mini tuck would fix my wrinkled loose skin and navel or if a full tuck would be necessary. Thanks in advance.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and series of photographs.  Depending on your goal results I think you would most benefit from a full tummy tuck and liposuction of your waist.  The tummy tuck will tighten your stomach muscles, helping to achieve a flatter appearance, while removing excess skin and adipose tissue, namely the tissue above your belly button which can not be addressed with a mini-tummy tuck.  Liposuction can be used to enhance your tummy tuck results by narrowing your waist and removing isolated areas of diet and exercise resistant fat.  Hope that this helps.

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. So much more is happening than a little loose skin, and this is usually the case in mothers. You have lost tension globally in the entire torso and so the thighs and suprapubic region have fallen and you have gotten 'thick' at the waist. Any operation that just removes a little skin and puts the muscles together marginally is, in my opinion, not worth it and potentially harmful. With a proper abdominoplasty, you should be able to get a narrow waist, lift of the top your legs and pubic region and, generally, be put back. Warning: the 'average' plastic surgeon does not do this and you will have to do more research to find one who does and does it well. Look at lots of photos, and go on a few consults. Hope this helps. Best of luck.Leland Deane MD FACS

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

You really need an in depth evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon. They will be able to give you different options. From your photographs, though, it seems you would be best served by a full tummy tuck. About this is usually a larger surgery, the extra benefits are usually worth it.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you are a great candidate for a full tummy tuck with liposuction.  This can be done through a low and short
incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of
real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate
their results.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures.  A mini TT will not fix any loose or wrinkled skin above the belly button.  For this reason, a full TT would be better.  But a physical exam would be necessary to see if you have enough skin  for a full TT.  Seek a consultation from a Board Certified PS.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

You need a full tummy tuck. If you had a mini-tummy tuck, the loose skin above your belly button would remain. You will also get full muscle tightening with a full tummy tuck to complete the rejuvenation of your mid-section. Take your time in selecting a surgeon and ask for photos of her/his work focusing on the appearance of the new belly button and location of the scar (should be below the bikini line). See attached web reference for a case much like yours. Thanks for sharing!

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

A mini tummy tuck will not improve the appearance of your umbilicus.  Also it will not plicate the upper abdominal wall, only the lower abdominal wall and may lead to more fullness above the umbilicus.  I would recommend the full tummy tuck in your case.  The scar will not be appreciably smaller in the mini vs the full.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Hard to be certain without exam, but from your photos, it appears that you will achieve a more dramatic result with full Tummytuck. However, because of modest amount of redundant skin, it may be necessary to add a small vertical component to your abdominoplasty scar. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. From the photos I can not evaluate the laxity of your skin. A pinch test would help here. It appears though that your muscle separation starts above the bellybutton.  I think it likely you would get a flatter tummy with a full , but only an in person exam would allow a good opinion.I have included tummy tuck FAQ below.  I hope these help.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

In my opinion, you do not have enough loose skin or muscle to warrant a tummy tuck. Rather, Vader ultrasound liposuction and/or smart lipo should provide skin tightening with an easier procedure and no large scar.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.

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

Without being able to do a physical exam deciding between a full or mini is difficult. If your loose skin and muscle separation extends above your belly button you are likely a better candidate for a full. Try to get a few opinions from plastic surgeons before committing

Full or mini tuck?

Answers (16)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

I am 3.5 weeks post op tummy tuck and bbl. Is it okay to micro dose LSD?

Is a reverse abdominoplasty right for me? (Photo)

Is this a scab or necrosis? (Photo)

How much will the pleats, squishy area, and fat pulled to the middle of my incision flatten out? TT, 3 days post-op. (photo)

How long to return to work after tummy tuck with muscle repair?

Painful weeks later after fleur de lis tummy tuck with some tightness; too much skin removed? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS