Am I eligible for a MINI tummy tuck? As I don’t want the massive scar and extra time down. (Photos)

It is a rare individual in whom the mini TT produces the best result.  The mini TT would only address the skin below the bellybutton,  leaving the upper abdominal wall potentially lax. With a mini TT the bellybutton is not necessarily addressed sufficiently.  
Would recommend that you consider a short-scar TT in lieu of a mini TT.  A short-scar tummy tuck ( The shorter scar it leaves is the same length as that of the mini tummy tuck) is right for patients who have loose skin, residual fat, and drooping muscle tissue in the abdominal area. Ideal patients have to be in general good health and somewhere close to their ideal body weight. A healthy lifestyle is a must, both before and after the procedure. To make sure that the results of the procedure last, many doctors ask that patients maintain a steady body weight for six months prior to the procedure and maintain their weight after the procedure.

The recovery period for a short-scar tummy tuck is shorter than that of a traditional tummy tuck. Generally, patients require only one or two weeks to recover before returning to work. Patients are advised not to perform strenuous exercises for four to six weeks after the surgery.

Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall muscles and removes redundant skin below the umbilicus, belly button, only. The shortest scar technique leaves a scar at the pubic hair line. Liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with a tummy tuck to benefit selected patients
‘Mini” tummy tucks can benefit patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat or protruding of the lower abdomen. This operation may be done under local anesthesia with sedation, on an outpatient basis. Liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with a tummy tuck to benefit selected patients.
‘Mini” tummy tucks can benefit patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat or protruding of the lower abdomen (below the belly button). This operation may be done under local anesthesia with sedation, on an outpatient basis. Liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with a tummy tuck to benefit selected patients.
Far more important than deciding if a mini tummy tuck is for you is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let him explain why one technique may be better than another and if you need a tummy tuck. Many board certified plastic surgeons provide a free first time consult and you should take advantage of that!
See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for you!
I have also attached a video for a possible Tummy Tuck Candidate.

Hello Mary.Thanks so much for sharing your questions. 
I believe you will be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. I suggest you
consider a regular tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck. You may also want
to consider a mommy makeover if the babies have affected your
breasts. 
A formal consultation will be important to understand more about your
goals and medical history. Choosing between a full or a mini has to do with the amount of excess skin and muscle weakness. 
Best. Dr. ALDO

I understand why you are asking, and also understand the idea of a shorter scar is much more appealing. In the spectrum of candidates for tummy tucks, your photos don't look that bad. However, I do not think you are a good candidate for a true mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck technically only tightens the abdomen below the belly button, and the only people that are candidates are those who do not have loose skin above the belly button. When patients go for a mini tummy tuck even thought they have some fullness or loose skin above the belly button, the end result is a slightly loose/poochy looking upper abdomen, and taut smooth lower abdomen, which is not what most women are going for.Instead, you may be a good candidate for a short scar tummy tuck, rather than a true mini tummy tuck.With a short scar tummy tuck, you would have the full internal tightening and full skin redraping, but utilize a shorter scar. This means you would still have the same recovery as a full tummy tuck, and the main difference is just a shorter scar. (This is based on photos alone, and you would need an in person consultation to determine if you are good candidate for the short scar vs full scar.)

The scar from a mini tummy tuck is in the same location as a full tummy tuck but shorter. It is important to note that loose skin in the upper abdomen, above the belly button, is not improved with a mini and may actually look looser after fat reduction. It is not really possible to tell from your photos so an in-person evaluation with a plastic surgeon will give you the best advice.

From your photos you are a better candidate for a standard tummy tuck with liposuction. This will address excess fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity. A mini tuck will not address the area above the belly button which may result in an abdominal contour that bulges at the top. Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

The mini tuck will still have a fairly long scar and does require time to heal. Your upper abdomen can be treated with liposuction to remove excess fat, but the mini tuck will not remove excess upper abdominal skin.

Thank you for your question and the photos. I would recommend you a full Tummy Tuck with some lipo in the flanks to create a beautiful shape as well. Since you have bulging above and below the belly button the full Tummy Tuck is the best for you. Best of luck

Hello
I recommend a mini tummy tuck combined with a full body contouring. I would suggest liposuction on your back and flanks as well if you want. You have choices, but definitely you must be evaluated first to accomplish what you wished. Consult with a certified plastic surgeon.
Regards
Dr. Israel Mañon
Certified Plastic Surgeon

At MOST, all you need is a mini. Depending on the findings at an examination, it may end up that only liposuction is needed for a satisfactory result. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to decide.