Will I regret a mini tummy tuck (3/4 the scar...half the result) or should I wait and do the full tuck? (Photo)

Question

I am active outside and I dance. In a bikini every day. I must have a very low scar that absolutely will not show. Initially he said with a full tuck w/o plication, to get scar low enough, I might have a small vertical scar as well and I was averse to that. Now he's recommending a mini (still no plication). However the dotted line is the proposed mini tuck scar...I'm thinking wow that's still big and I'll still have loose skin bugging me above Bb. Enough benefit from mini or do full? Thank U!

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

You appear to be in an "in between" category for mini vs full tummy tuck especially given your desired scar location. With a full tummy tuck, all of the skin between the belly button and the scar location is removed, and the upper abdominal skin has to expand enough to stretch all the way down to the scar. That does not appear to be realistic ion your case, so the next option is remove less skin, and close the hole in the flap where the belly button was with a vertical line (T-closure.) This is all related to the position of your belly button, which is a little bit high. You might consider a mini with umbilical float, but that would not give nearly as much tightening to the upper abdomen - just more than a straight mini.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear HourglassElle2015,
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

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It is hard to determine how much laxity you have above the umbilicus. If there is a significant amount then waiting to do a full would be your better option. A mini tummy tuck is only going to remove the skin below the belly button.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You will not be able to recruit enough skin to do a full tummy tuck if no muscle plication is needed.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The mini will do nothing for upper abdominal skin. There is always excess skin when you sit or bend over, and you are pinching your upper abdominal skin. I would suggest considering a full tuck.  If you don't want more scarring, consider minimally invasive skin tightening with radiofrequency like ThermiTight.

Will I regret a mini tummy tuck (3/4 the scar...half the result) or should I wait and do the full tuck? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Will I regret a mini tummy tuck (3/4 the scar...half the result) or should I wait and do the full tuck?

Answer: Will I regret a mini tummy tuck (3/4 the scar...half the result) or should I wait and do the full tuck?

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

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Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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Will I regret a mini tummy tuck (3/4 the scar...half the result) or should I wait and do the full tuck? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Will I regret a mini tummy tuck (3/4 the scar...half the result) or should I wait and do the full tuck?

Answer: Will I regret a mini tummy tuck (3/4 the scar...half the result) or should I wait and do the full tuck?

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mini Tummy Tuck

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