Mini or Full? Save my tattoo! (photos)

Thank you for the question. It looks like you have good skin elasticity, so you might be able to reach your goals with liposuction alone. However, the tummy tuck alone allows us to repair any muscle separation you may have (called diastasis recti), so speak with your doctor who can examine you for this.

Thank you for your question. A 360 liposuction and skin tightening or a mini tummy tuck could be recommended based on your requirements. 360 Lipo is a procedure that targets excess fat around the belly, waist, hips, and lower back to achieve a smoother and more contoured look. On the other hand, skin tightening or mini tummy tuck will focuses on the region below the navel and eliminate loose skin. I would recommend a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss which option is best for you.

Hello Sociable750740. Thank you for your question regarding the choice between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck, and your concern about preserving your tattoo.

Based on the details you provided and the photos you shared, it appears that a full tummy tuck would be more suitable for your situation. In a mini tummy tuck, only the skin and fat from the lower abdomen below the belly button are addressed, and there is no repair of the abdominal muscles. This procedure typically does not affect the upper abdominal area, which seems to be a concern for you given the presence of excess skin and fat above the rectus muscle, as well as muscle weakness.

A full tummy tuck, on the other hand, involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the entire abdominal area and includes tightening of the abdominal muscles (muscle plication), which seems necessary in your case. This procedure would better address your concerns about abdominal laxity and excess tissue, providing a more comprehensive improvement.

Regarding your tattoo:

Preserving Your Tattoo: It's important to discuss this with your plastic surgeon during the consultation. Surgeons can sometimes plan the incisions and the extent of skin removal in a way that either preserves or minimally affects a tattoo. However, this depends on the tattoo's location relative to the usual incision sites and the amount of skin that needs to be removed.

Impact of Liposuction: If you were to choose liposuction alone (360 Lipo), it might help with fat reduction but would likely leave you with more skin laxity, especially if you already have stretch marks indicating less skin elasticity. Liposuction does not improve skin tightness; it only removes fat.

Given your measurements and the concerns you've outlined, preparing for a full tummy tuck might be the best course of action. This doesn't necessarily mean your tattoo will be removed or significantly altered, but that should be a key part of your discussion with potential surgeons.

I hope this answer provides a clear direction for your upcoming consultations and helps you prepare mentally for the potential recommendations. Good luck, and I hope you achieve the results you desire with minimal impact on your tattoo.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon