Am I a candidate for a mini tummy tuck or should I go for another round of lipo? (photo)

Question

I had lipo 360 done last year and I have a small area of fat on the lower abdomen and excess skin near my belly button that is ruining all my weight loss efforts. Important to note, I do have a small hernia. I am trying to avoid a full tummy tuck. I also heard about belly button surgery. Someone please advise. I have never seen a belly button like mine.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  We would love to meet with you to discuss your goals.  From the photo, it appears you have excess skin and laxity.  Liposuction will not get rid of skin, it will only cause the skin to hang more.  You would benefit from a Tummy tuck or an Abdominal Dermolipectomy.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A full abdominoplasty is the most appropriate and effective solution in your case for removal of the excess lower abdominal skin, tightening of the abdominal wall, repair of the hernia, and recreation of a natural-looking belly button. While it's understandable that you want to avoid a tummy tuck, minor procedures like belly button revision or mini tummy tuck won’t address the loose skin, residual fat, and underlying hernia.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It looks like you have significant loose skin above and possibly below your belly button. A full tummy tuck may be suitable to tighten this loose skin and remove any pockets of stubborn fat to give you a smoother contour. Liposuction alone would not be sufficient as it won’t tighten the loose skin.

Jairo Ulerio, MD · Answer

In your case, it would be important to perform an abdominoplasty, since with this treatment we eliminate excess skin from your abdomen, correct the muscles, and create an aesthetic navel.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to inform you that more liposuction or a mini-tummy tuck will not give you a beautiful abdomen with a perfect bellybutton. A full abdominoplasty will. Go to a surgeon willing to give you a very low scar and it will disappear quickly.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

A mini tummy tuck will give you a poor result. You have too much extra skin above the umbilicus. You would need a full tummy tuck

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

The best way to remove/tighten skin especially above the belly button is with a traditional tummy tuck.

If there is a hernia, we fix it (included no additional fees)

This is better than belly button procedure and mini tummy tuck which will be 2 procedures and same/more scars, less results than combined tummy tuck. A mini stays below the belly button and can distort the lower abdomen.

Another round of liposuction will not yield the results you are seeking.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Great question. ​Based on the photos I would suggest that neither liposuction alone or a mini tummy tuck are a great idea. The excess skin above the belly button will look worse if it is pulled down the way skin is in a mini. Only a full tummy tuck or a reverse tummy tuck would help with skin in that location on your abdomen. I’d suggest having a consultation with a local plastic surgeon who has expertise in abdominal contouring to be examined and get a better sense of what your options are. Hope that helps!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photo you will have the best result from a standard tummy tuck.  Due to the amount of skin laxity a mini tuck will not give you optimal results.  Your hernia can often be repaired at the same time as the tummy tuck.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on the one posted, photo the liposuction left with excess skin of virtual concert with for better explanations, but you could try Jay plasma or Endo lay to tighten the skin above the belly button, but most likely you would need a full tummy tuck to get the flat as possible abdomen. Expect fees to range from $3000-$10,000. Again, best of virtual consult with to discuss options.