Should I get mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck after liposuction I had last year? (Photo)

After review of your photos, desires and expectations, I think a mini-tummy tuck will be the best option to address your concerns. This is a very low risk option with minimal down time, no drains and can be done with a light oral sedation and local tumescent anesthesia. I would not hesitate to proceed. Thank you.

Hello and thank you for your question regarding whether you should get a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck after the liposuction you had last year.

Thank you for your history and your pictures. Based on the information provided and your photos, it appears that you have significant loose skin and a vertical scar under your belly button. Because of this, I highly recommend a full tummy tuck.

A full tummy tuck involves making an incision from hip to hip, removing excess skin, and tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. This procedure will effectively remove the vertical scar under your belly button and address the loose skin and any remaining fat pockets. Additionally, your rectus abdominus muscle will be plicated, which means it will be tightened, giving you the best overall results and a smoother, more contoured appearance.

A mini tummy tuck is more limited in scope and typically addresses only the area below the belly button. Given your concerns and the presence of the vertical scar, a mini tummy tuck would likely not provide the comprehensive results you are looking for.

You likely do not need additional liposuction before the tummy tuck, as the tummy tuck procedure itself will include the removal of excess skin and fat. However, this can be confirmed during a detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Good luck. I hope this helps answer your question regarding the best procedure to address your concerns.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Hello, thank you for the photos and question. I recommend a full Tummy Tuck as this will address all the loose skin and tighten the full tummy. With the full tummy tuck the diastasis recti repair will bring in your waist more as well. Best of luck.

If you are only concerned about the area below your belly button, then a mini tummy tuck may be sufficient.

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! Based on the submitted photos it appears a standard tummy tuck will give you the best result. This will address excess fat, skin, and will correct abdominal wall laxity. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Thanks so much for your question

The decision between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck depends on your specific needs, goals, and the extent of correction required. Both procedures address concerns related to the abdominal area, but they have differences in terms of the targeted area, incision size, and the extent of tissue manipulation

If your concerns are primarily located below the belly button and involve minimal excess skin and muscle laxity, a mini tummy tuck may be sufficient. If you have concerns across the entire abdominal area, including above the belly button, a full tummy tuck might be more appropriate.

Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific goals and receive personalized recommendations based on your anatomy and desired outcomes. They will be able to assess your abdominal area, discuss your expectations, and guide you toward the most suitable option for your needs.

Sincerely,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol