I have loose skin on my stomach from multiple pregnancies -- would I need a full or mini tummy tuck? (Photos)

A Tummy Tuck is a procedure to correct the effects of pregnancy or weight loss. A tummy tuck is frequently combined with liposuction of the abdomen and waist. Good candidates for a tummy tuck are in good health and have reached a stable weight. I do not advise tummy tucks for those who are unable to stop smoking. A tummy tuck will correct: 1. Loose skin and stretch marks of the lower abdomen 2. Abdominal bulge resulting from separation of the abdominal muscle (diastasis recti) 3. Localized fat deposits of the abdomen and waist Hernias of the abdominal wall may be corrected at the time of a tummy tuck, but are not part of the tummy tuck procedure. Generally, a tummy tuck is recommend for women after having their last child. I recommend surgery 6 months after your last baby. I would recommend a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best regards, Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS

A full tummy tuck with muscle plication would produce the best result for you based upon the pictures presented.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

 Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your pregnancy history and photographs you will do best with a full tummy tuck operation. In my practice, I would not offer you a mini tuck operation. Non invasive modalities will not help.
Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.
In my opinion, the mini tummy tuck is an operation that produces very limited results and is very rarely indicated. It involves a shorter incision but does not address the majority of the abdominal wall issues present for most patients who present consultation. For example, the area of skin excised is quite small. The abdominal wall musculature is addressed below the umbilicus leaving the upper number wall potentially lax. The appearance of the umbilicus is not necessarily addressed sufficiently.
For the vast majority of patients who have had pregnancies and/or weight loss a full abdominoplasty is necessary to achieve the desired results. 
When the time is right, seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience helping patients achieve the types of outcomes you would be pleased with.  Best wishes.