Mini or full tummy tuck? Any tips to look more "snatched'? (Photo)

Hello from Istanbul! I would recommend a full tummy tuck, as there appears to be laxity in the upper part of the abdomen, particularly evident in the last photos. Additionally, incorporating liposuction could enhance the contours, especially around the love handles, contributing to a more "snatched" appearance. Hope this helps, best of luck to you!

Hello and thank you for your question. From the pictures you have provided, you have some striae (stretchmarks) present throughout your lower to mid abdomen, and a moderate amount of excess subcutaneous fat and skin in this region. There is some flank adiposity (excess skin/fat) and asymmetry, and minimal upper abdomen adiposity- but evaluation is limited from these pictures. Based on all this, you would benefit from a traditional abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with liposuction of your flanks to best help improve your abdominal/trunk contour.
Regarding the transverse lower abdominal scar, it should be well hidden within your bikini or underwear, and if you adhere to proper scar care and sun avoidance after surgery, it should eventually heal to be minimally noticeable.
Regarding a "mini-abdominoplasty," it is important to realize that just because it has the word "mini" in the name, does NOT mean that the scar is any smaller. It can be the same size scar as a "full abdominoplasty." The difference is that in a "mini," the tissue below the belly button is resected, but the belly button itself is not relocated to a new position. This is generally only an option in patients that have a notably long torso and a belly button which is positioned higher than normal, since the procedure brings down the belly button- otherwise in a patient with a normally located belly button or normal torso, these operations make the belly button look too low which looks VERY weird.
Liposuction is a great adjunct which would definitely provide some additional benefit, particularly to the contour and symmetry of your flanks, and would be done at the same time as your tummy tuck procedure for the best possible single operation results.
And there would typically be drains to prevent seromas- most surgeons use 2 drains and they typically stay in about 2 weeks or so, sometimes longer if needed, largely dependent on drain output.
With all that said, it is always difficult to provide tentative surgical recommendations, as there is only so much information to be gained from any photos and descriptions provided. I recommend for you to come see me or another plastic surgeon for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) for your specific case. I hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Dr. Donald Groves
Plastic Surgeon

Dear travellady18,
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