Would I be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck with muscle repair? (photos)

Dear MarieS,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

Thank you for your inquiry! By your photos, it looks like you would be a great candidate for an abdominoplasty to get rid of excess skin. The only difference in a mini vs a full abdominoplasty is how long the incision is. A mini tummy tuck is going to have a smaller incision than a full tummy tuck. Muscle repair, removal of excess skin, and liposuction are all included with both a mini and a full tummy tuck. I recommend scheduling a consult appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals!

Attempts at muscle repair with a mini-tt have resulted in incomplete or odd looking results in my experience. Assuming your muscle is the problem, then a full, traditional tummy tuck will address any muscle laxity. Your skin however, does not appear to have much laxity so there is a significant (but not 100%) chance that you will have a vertical scar that will extend to the new umbilicus. Umbilical floats are not done commonly for good reasons. An in-person exam by an experienced body plastic surgeon is critical to assess and establish your plan. Thank you.