Would a mini tummy tuck be helpful for the loose skin on my stomach? How is it different from a regular tummy tuck? (Photo)

A mini tummy tuck targets the area below your belly button. Since the loose skin is above your belly button, a full tummy tuck would be more suitable.

Thank you for your inquiry! By your photo, it looks like you would be a great candidate for an abdominoplasty or reverse abdominoplasty to get rid of any 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!

I personally do not do anything more limited than a traditional tummy tuck the incision that goes from hip bone to hip bone otherwise, even if it doesn’t seem, if you do more limited incision, you can still be left behind with residual skin past the incision line so this will definitely give you the best outcome. The incisions are done really nicely around the natural creases of the bikini area in which you will be able to conceal with your underwear and due time with the incisions will look very faint, like a stretch mark at the most. and of course, in addition to the skin removal, we would do muscle repair to help tighten the area, which can be compromised after weight loss or pregnancies.

Thank you so much for your question! Deciding between a Mini Tummy Tuck and a Full Tummy Tuck can be a challenge. The answer really depends on what you need. A mini tummy tuck can be a great option for mild to moderate loose skin and excess tissue below the belly button. It is a less invasive procedure than a full tummy tuck, and typically involves a shorter incision for a smaller scar, no repositioning of the belly button, and a quicker recovery time. A full tummy tuck, on the other hand, addresses loose skin, muscle separation, and excess fat both above and below the belly button. It’s ideal for those with more significant skin laxity or abdominal wall concerns, and provides repositioning of the belly button. The incision is typically longer, depending on the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. Based on the photo you shared, it looks like the primary area of concern is above the belly button. Since a Mini Tummy Tuck only addresses the area below the belly button, a Full Tummy Tuck would likely be the better option, out of the two,to help you achieve the results you're looking for. However, with such a minor amount of excess skin, you may not need a Tummy Tuck at all. For Minor Skin Tightening, Renuvion may be a better option. Renuvion is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a combination of radiofrequency (RF) energy and helium plasma to contract and tighten loose or sagging skin. Additionally, a non-surgical approach like Morpheus 8 to tighten skin or Cooltone to enhance the muscle tone of the abdomen might achieve the result you desire without surgical recovery or downtime. Of course, the best way to determine the right approach for you is with a consultation to discuss your goals and options.

A mini tummy tuck is best for those with concerns that are limited to the area below the belly button. A standard tummy tuck addresses excess fat, skin, and abdominal wall laxity both above and below the belly button. Further evaluation is needed but you may be a candidate for BodyTite. This is a minimally invasive procedure that tightens skin using RF technology. There is no general anesthesia needed for this procedure. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

A full tummy tuck typically treats two problems.
The first is muscle separation from previous pregnancy and the second is abdominal skin laxity of both upper and lower abdomen.
A mini tummy tuck primarily treats, moderate abdominal skin laxity of the lower abdomen only.
Most women who have skin black city, but the lower abdomen also do so of the upper abdomen, especially if it’s pregnancy related.
A full tummy tuck also differs in that it requires a scar around the belly button with a potentially unnatural looking belly button after(depends on who does the procedure).
If you’re abdominal wall bulges from previous pregnancies, (muscle separation)and you have skin laxity of your upper abdomen, then a full tummy tuck is the better procedure.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD