Do I need a mini or full tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

I’m 40 years old, and have had 3 babies (vaginally) over the last 4 years. I’m very thankful to not have any stretch marks and my skin for the most part is still tight on my stomach area. However, I have an obvious significant bulge, and sometimes after eating I almost look pregnant again! I do have 2nd degree uterine, bladder and rectal prolapse as confirmed by my Gyn. I’m currently 5’7, 122 odd and have always been thin. Do I need a full or mini TT, or something else?

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question! It appears by your photos that you don't have a ton of excess skin or skin laxity to your abdomen. The only difference in a full tummy tuck vs a mini tummy tuck is length of the incision. Your abdomen would not require a full incision so it appears you would be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck. I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing detailed information regarding your health history and current physical condition. The presence of uterine, bladder, and rectal prolapse is a significant consideration when contemplating a tummy tuck, as the procedure increases intra-abdominal pressure, potentially exacerbating these conditions.
Therefore, prior to any cosmetic surgery, I highly recommend that you consult with your gynecologist or a specialist to address these prolapses. Once these health issues are appropriately managed, we can then consider options for enhancing your abdominal profile.
Based on the images provided and your described symptoms, it seems you may benefit from a full tummy tuck rather than a mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck primarily targets the lower abdominal region, removing excess skin but does not involve much muscle tightening. In contrast, a full tummy tuck addresses the entire abdominal area and includes plication, or suturing together, of the rectus abdominis muscles, from the sternum to the pubic region.
Your profile view demonstrates that the distension in your abdomen extends above your belly button, further reinforcing the need for a full tummy tuck. Liposuction does not appear necessary in your case, as the primary issue is not excess fat but the need for muscle repair.
Again, addressing your gynecological health concerns should take precedence before proceeding with any cosmetic procedures.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

While your skin appears elastic, a full tummy tuck may still be recommended. This is because you may have abdominal muscle separation that seems to begin above your belly button. A full tummy tuck can repair the separation, flattening the bulge.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
Based on your photos, your main issue appears to be recuts diastasis in the lower portion of your abdomen which is common after pregnancies. You have very minimal skin excess and fatty tissue excess.
You may be a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck procedure with "floating" your belly button in order to  to tighten the recuts (abs) muscle and achieve a flatter abdominal contour. 
I would recommend to obtain an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options and expectations.
I hope this helps.
Best,Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Based on your pictures you may be a candidate for a full or mini abdominoplasty (aka "Tummy Tuck") depending on what your aesthetic goals are and whether or not muscle repair is needed to tighten your abdominal muscles (giving the appearance of a flatter abdomen). As you have been diagnosed with 2nd degree uterine, bladder and rectal prolapse it is hard to say without an in person consultation. 
A mini tummy tuck removes excess skin lying below your belly button, while a full tummy tuck will improve your overall abdominal contour by comprehensively removing excess skin and fat. A virtual or in person consultation with a Tummy Tuck specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.
Respectfully,Brandon Richland, MD

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Phenomenal291727,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

This procedure is beneficial for women who have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin excessively due to multiple pregnancies, as it helps them to restore their appearance. Women who anticipate future pregnancies should wait, since the vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during the surgery can separate again during pregnancy.

Based on your pictures, you would definitely be a good candidate for a full tummy tuck as a full tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging skin and weak muscles throughout the entire abdominal area, while a mini tummy tuck is a less invasive option recommended for women whose loose skin, relaxed muscles, and fat deposits are localized below the navel.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

I recommend that you address your uterine, bladder, and rectal prolapse first.  Your abdominal bulge is due to muscle separation that resulted from pregnancy.  The abdominal bulge needs to be repaired all the up and down your abdomen.  A mini tummy tuck does not expose the abdominal wall far up enough for a complete diastasis recti repair.  So it would be best if you had a full tummy tuck.  But here is the good news: your tummy tuck incision does not need to be too long.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Since you don't appear to have much loose skin, you may get good results with nonsurgical EMSculpt to tighten and help close back your stretched muscles. Otherwise, I think a min tuck would work well for you.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Though your photos indicate that the majority of your abdominal wall laxity is below your belly button, you likely have some muscle separation above as well.  If that is true, a full tummy tuck would best address this.  If the muscle wall is only corrected below the belly button this can make the upper protrusion more obvious and lead to an unwanted contour.  A quick exam by a board certified plastic surgeon should give you that answer.  I've included a video on this topic that I hope you find helpful

Do I need a mini or full tummy tuck? (photos)

Answers (17)

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