Do I need a full or mini tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

I had a breast lift and augmentation ten years ago that left me with terrible scars. I have met with nine surgeons over the last 6 months to discuss a mommy makeover. Some of them say I need a full tummy tuck, and others have recommended a mini. One surgeon said my belly button is too high to ever receive a full tummy tuck. I know that the scar can really suffer if you get a full tummy tuck and only need a mini. This really worries me. Is there any way to definitively know which one I need?

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. 9 consultations in 6 months and still no satisfactory answer to your questions/concerns? If you were my patient, this is what I advise: 1. full lipoabdominoplasty with a modified low pubic bone level incision. This is regardless where the belly button is. You might end up with a small vertical scar just above the low abdominoplasty scar. This is better than a high, always visible scar because some of the surgeons do not know how to handle a "high belly button". 2. I remove the BB completely and create a neo-umbilicus later without visible scars at the optimum position on the abdomen. 3. You will need liposuction of your back, abdomen and anterior and lateral rib cage. 
See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Avoid the ones who are stuck with what they learned 30 years ago. A mini TT is a poor choice and does not translate into a short scar. This is often misunderstood by patients. Good luck.
See attached web reference.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question, the excess skin that you have in the abdomen is abundant, and the procedure that I recommend to you is a complete tummytuck, because your abdominal skin fold is from each iliac crest, and with a mini it is not enough, additionally we must correct the abdominal wall so that the result can meet your expectations and look flatRemoval of excess skin and fatAbdominoplasty is a surgical procedure whose purpose is to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to strengthen the muscles of the abdominal wall.With the tummy tuck you get a flatter and firmer abdomen and a narrower waist.It is especially suitable for women whose abdominal muscles have relaxed after one or several pregnancies and do not regain the tone they had before.It is indicated in women and men who are concerned about the accumulation of fat and excess skin in the abdominal area and that does not improve despite diet and physical exercise.In addition, in women and men who have moderate obesity and with the passage of time, the abdominal skin has lost elasticity and there has been a localized accumulation in the area that we know as the "belly"BeforeThe plastic surgeon will determine the best surgical option to improve your silhouette: sometimes, in limited accumulations below the navel, a mini-abdominoplasty procedure or liposuction may be sufficient, sometimes it may be necessary to associate a liposuction with the abdominoplasty. flanks or hips to harmonize your contour and achieve an aesthetically attractive silhouette.
DuringAbdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. The duration depends on whether it is complete or just a mini tummy tuck, it can last from 2 to 4 hours.
AfterYou should wear a girdle for approximately three months. It may take weeks or a few months for you to feel like you were before and depending on your physical condition, you can return to work in 2 weeks or after a month.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures. 
I would recommend you to get a full Tummy Tuck with liposuction for better results.
If you're willing to travel, Surgeons in the Dominican Republic have experience and very high standard of excellence when it comes to plastic surgery. I'm positive you can get what you're looking for.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is a rare individual in whom the mini TT produces the best result. Would recommend that you consider a short scar TT (The shorter scar it leaves is the same length as that of the mini TT) tightens the muscles, and removes skin and fat. The incision is so low, almost to the level of the leg crease, that bikini underwear and swimsuits may be worn afterwards. It creates a scar which is flat all the way across and is not a smiley face. This way the ends of the scar never rise above low cut clothing. The short scar TT also creates a more youthful belly button.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

During a tummy tuck — also known as abdominoplasty — excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. Connective tissue in the abdomen (fascia) usually is tightened with sutures as well. The remaining skin is then repositioned to create a more toned look.

You might choose to have a tummy tuck if you have excess fat or skin around the area of your bellybutton or a weak lower abdominal wall. A tummy tuck can also boost your body image.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

I agree that the position of you belly button is high, which leaves two options: A mini (with or without an umbilical float) or a full tummy tuck with and inverted T closure. The main issue with your breast scars that I can see is around the areolas, and you have what is called waterfall ptosis, where the breast tissue has dropped off from its position in front of the implants. You didn't specify what type of lift you had, but if it was a Benelli then it could be converted to a vertical pattern (lollipop) which would improve the appearance of both the shape and the scars.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear courtlynn81,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

The goal of 'getting the hole out' is no longer valid, and has left many women with 'no option' for a full tuck, or getting a full tuck with a scar that is placed too high on the abdomen. Incisions should always be placed in the thigh/abdominal border laterally, and very low in the pubic area centrally. The hole should be ignored, and simply closed. Improvement to your abdominal contour would require muscle wall tightening from pubic bone to sternum, something that can be done with a mini tummy tuck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I almost always recommend the full tummy tuck over the mini. In your case getting the mini only is a worthwhile option to limit the scar length and avoid a scar around the belly button. It appears you had a periareolar mastopexy. Those are notorious for wide scars and large areola. It could be corrected with the right procedure.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your photos it appears you are a better candidate for the standard tummy tuck.  It appears you have muscle wall laxity both above and below the belly button.  A mini will only address the muscles below.  You may need to consider a small vertical scar i order to keep your incision very low if your belly button position is high.

Do I need a full or mini tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (13)

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