No kids, should I get a mini or full tummy tuck? (Photo)

A mini abdominoplasty, in your case, will only address the fullness below your belly button. It will do absolutely nothing procedurally for your belly button or the area above it. If your concern is the hanging skin, then a mini abdominoplasty is the correct approach. However, it does appear you have some degree of muscle or fascia laxity, in which case, the only way to address that as well as the upper belly, is through a full tummy tuck. However, two weeks recovery time for a mini abdominoplasty is reasonable. Two weeks after a fully tummy tuck, one could return to a desk job, however, returning to a job that is labor intensive at two weeks is not recommended, and a longer recovery may be needed. If you’re able to switch your responsibilities so that you are not doing any lifting or turning, you may be able to return to work after two weeks post abdominoplasty.

Hello, and thank you for your question regarding whether you should get a mini or full tummy tuck. Thank you for your detailed history and the photos you provided.

During a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), five essential improvements are typically made:

Excess abdominal skin is permanently removed

Excess abdominal fat is permanently removed

The rectus abdominis muscle is plicated (tightened)

The umbilicus (belly button) is repositioned

The mons pubis is lifted and reduced

By contrast, a mini tummy tuck only addresses the lower abdominal skin and fat. It does not tighten the upper abdomen or repair the rectus abdominis muscles — and it does not reposition the belly button.

Even though you have not had children, your photos show abdominal wall distention, particularly visible from the side profile. This indicates muscle weakness, not just loose skin or fat. That muscle weakness can only be corrected through rectus abdominis muscle plication, which is not part of a mini tummy tuck.

Understandably, you’re looking for a less invasive procedure due to your profession as an RN and your short recovery window. However, choosing a mini tummy tuck in your case will likely lead to suboptimal results. The core abdominal bulge and distention you are concerned about will not be corrected with a mini tummy tuck, and you may feel disappointed that your shape didn’t improve as much as you hoped.

If you're going to undergo surgery, take time off work, and invest in your body, it’s best to choose the procedure that offers the most complete and long-lasting result. In your case, that means a full abdominoplasty with rectus abdominis muscle plication. Most ethical, board-certified plastic surgeons would recommend the full tummy tuck, even if it means temporarily adjusting your work responsibilities or taking additional recovery time.

While moving the belly button may sound undesirable, it’s done with great care and is often undetectable once fully healed — and it’s a small trade-off for the dramatic improvement in core strength, posture, and contour that comes with a full abdominoplasty.

Good luck with your decision, and please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has significant experience performing tummy tucks. Ask to see before-and-after photos of patients with similar body types so you can see what kind of outcome to expect.

Sincerely,
Dr. J. Timothy Katzen, MD, MBA, FASMBS, FICS
(Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and President of the American Board of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons)