Am I a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck? (Photo)

Thank you for your inquiry! By your photos, it looks like you would be a great candidate for an abdominoplasty to get rid of excess skin. The only difference in a mini vs a full abdominoplasty is how long the incision is. A mini tummy tuck is going to have a smaller incision than a full tummy tuck. Muscle repair, removal of excess skin, and liposuction are all included with both a mini and a full tummy tuck. I recommend scheduling a consult appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals!

Given the lack of muscle laxity and diastasis, liposuction with a mini-tummy tuck is an option. However, the laxity above the umbilicus could be of concern. Skin excision with umbilical transposition is a good option. This is similar to the skin aspect of a tummy tuck, only managing the superficial skin and no muscle involvement. This is done with local tumescent anesthesia and an oral cocktail of pills so you do not have to go asleep, no drains and a very reasonable recovery with return to work in 3-5 days. However, just like a tummy tuck, you may have a vertical scar extending from the low, transverse scar if the hole in the skin from the umbilicus does not reach. An exam with a plastic surgeon with experience in this area, but I would not hesitate to offer this option to you. Thank you.

Dear Witty767099,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello from Istanbul, thanks for your question. You may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck, which suits those at a stable weight with minimal excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. It targets below the belly button, making it less invasive than a full tummy tuck. Of course, the best course of action would be determined in a personal consultation. Best of luck!

Hi Witty 767099,
Mini tuck candidates don't have bulging above the belly button when the muscles are relaxed (can't tell in the pictures). If you pull your loose skin towards your hairline and the belly button looks ok to you, then a mini tuck is an options. A full tuck will tighten your muscles above and below the belly button, and reshape it to be more open (your have extra skin hooding)--the length of the scar depends upon how much extra skin you have regardless of if you do a mini or full tuck. Depending upon the amount of correction you want, you could do either (since you appear flat above the belly button).

Yes. You are a good candidate for it however you have a bit of excess above your belly button and it shows as a hooding, hiding your belly button. That will not change with a mini tummy tuck.

If you are only concerned about the bulge under your belly button then a mini would probably suffice.

From the submitted photos it appears you are a better candidate for a standard tummy tuck. This would address the loose skin both above and below the belly button as well as correct abdominal wall laxity for the upper and lower tummy. The result will be a flatter, tighter tummy that is reflective of all the hard work you put in at the gym.

Here's why: You have excess skin above your belly button, as evidenced by the shape of your belly button, which is a horizontal slit. A mini tummy tuck will not effectively tighten that excess skin, especially after liposuction, which will reduce the fat under that skin, making it even more excess. Another reason is your abdominal muscle wall laxity that extends far above your belly button. This cannot be fixed with a mini tuck. You will only get a good result from a full tummy tuck. Surgical or non-surgical skin tighteners will not change this reality.

A mini tummy tuck, also known as mini abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen: ProcedureA mini tummy tuck involves a single incision just above the pubic area, which is usually six to twelve inches shorter than a traditional tummy tuck. The procedure can also tighten abdominal muscles if needed. Ideal candidatesGood candidates for a mini tummy tuck include people who: Are lean Have a small amount of excess skin in the middle of the lower abdomen Are close to their ideal weight but still have skin laxity beneath their belly button BenefitsA mini tummy tuck can: Make your abdomen appear flatter Result in a smaller abdominal scar Provide a more contoured waistline Replace a C-section scar with a lower scar Eliminate some stretch marks located below the belly button RecoveryA mini tummy tuck is a less invasive procedure that results in a faster recovery time. Healing is usually smoother and more comfortable, and there is minimal swelling. CostThe average cost of a mini tummy tuck is $8,066, with a price range between $4,000-$16,000. The cost depends on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the surgery and where you live.