Can you get a Tummy Tuck or Mini Tummy Tuck without giving me a new belly button

Question

whats the difference from a TT and a mini TT can i get one without messing with my belly button?

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In a mini tummy tuck a pinch of skin is removed between the pubic area and the belly button.  This tightens the lower abdominal skin, sometimes will tighten the lower abdominal muscles and will give some tension on the skin above the belly button pulling the belly button downwards but not changing its anatomy.In a full tummy tuck this skin is elevated all the way up underneath the breasts, the stalk of the belly button is left attached to the abdominal wall and the upper abdominal skin is pulled down over the umbilical stalk.  In this situation the belly button is then pulled through a new hole.  It is your belly button but pulled through a new opening.There are tummy tucks the elevate the entire belly button with the skin and pull it downwards keeping the normal anatomy, but at a lower position.  This is generally only done in the right candidate who was very tall.Your plastic surgeon will perform a pinch test and see how much loose skin you have.  He or she will also evaluate the degree of muscle laxity.  Depending upon these factors he or she can tell you which tummy tuck will do best for you.If you do need a tummy tuck where the belly button is placed in a new hole many plastic surgeons take great effort to make sure the belly button looks as natural as possible.  In the blog attached below I talk about some of the concerns regarding the belly button.I hope that this is helpful to you.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

In general, that's essentially the difference between a mini and a full tummy tuck. In a mini abdominoplasty tummy tuck the umbilicus or bellybutton is floated and not recreated. In a full of Abdomminoplasty this is typically repositioned and a new usually better looking bellybutton is created an expert hands.  You need to find a board-certified plastic surgeon and have an in person examination for proper recommendations.

Jeffrey Rockmore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The difference between a mini and full tummy tuck is in the extent of the procedure.  A mini tummy tuck is used for someone with no loose skin of the upper abdomen and around the belly.  This treats the lower belly only, and leaves the belly button unchanged.For a full tummy tuck, the entire belly including the upper belly is treated.  This allows improvement of the loose skin above the belly button as well as tightening of the belly muscles over the full extent of the belly.  In this procedure, the belly button is left in place, but the skin around it is tightened and shifted.  This leaves a scar around the belly button, but it remains your own belly button.The proper choice of procedure depends on your belly.  If your upper abdomen is fine, then a mini tummy tuck may suffice.  This is the minority of cases.  If some improvement is needed for the upper belly, a full tummy tuck is better option.  A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will help you make this determination.Best of luck with your belly.Jeff Rockmore

Asaad H. Samra, MD, FACS · Answer

A mini-tuck will address the skin and fat below the belly button. The belly button is not moved or "messed" with. In a full tummy tuck the skin and fat both below and above the belly button are addressed and the belly button is moved. The slight caveat to this is with a mini-tuck the belly button can be pulled down a bit giving it a "hooded" look. Overall, yes, you can get a mini-tuck and leave your belly button alone.

Tae Ho Kim, MD · Answer

A mini tummy tuck is a great operation to remove the loose skin in the lower abdomen that will not go away with diet and exercise.  Liposuction is performed in both full tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck.  The reason to do  a full tummy tuck is if you have loose skin around and above the belly button or separation of the rectus muscles called rectus diastasis.  I would advise you to see a board certified plastic surgeon who will give you an honest opinion.  Good luck!

Can you get a Tummy Tuck or Mini Tummy Tuck without giving me a new belly button

Answers (7)

Answer: Mini-tummy tuck vs full

Answer: Mini-tummy tuck vs full

Answer: Difference between tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck is the extent of work on the abdomen.

Answer: Difference between tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck is the extent of work on the abdomen.

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can you get a Tummy Tuck or Mini Tummy Tuck without giving me a new belly button

Answers (7)

Answer: Mini-tummy tuck vs full

Answer: Mini-tummy tuck vs full

Answer: Difference between tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck is the extent of work on the abdomen.

Answer: Difference between tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck is the extent of work on the abdomen.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.