Can I get a mini tummy tuck? Or do I need another full tummy tuck? (photos)

Thank you for your question and photos!
A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals.
Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Chicago
South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

This is difficult without being able to fully examine you in person. You have done an excellent job of showing the areas of skin that seem to be bothering you. Frequently, patients can get a great result with liposuction alone after a previous tuck. This might be an acceptable option depending on your goals.

You should see a plastic surgeon to examine the tummy. IF there is still laxity of skin above the belly button and there is muscle laxity, you will benefit from a full tummy tuck revision. If you are only concerned with excess skin below the belly button, you might consider a mini tummy tuck

You have too much excess skin above your umbilicus. You will need a full tummy tuck revision. I would not recommend this if you are considering future pregnancies. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

You can either have a mini or a full. It depends on how much looseness is in the upper abdomen and it's hard to tell from the photos

You have developed a significant degree of saggy skin on your abdomen, it looks protruding because of your muscle being loose also. Plus the incision appears to be very high and the position of the belly button must be fixed a little above.
So all above make you a perfect candidate for a Full Tummy Tuck with muscle repair, scar revision, belly button revision.
Be encouraged!!!
Dr. Cárdenas

Thank you for your question and congratulations. You would likely need a another full abdominoplasty. It may not be necessary to open up your entire incision if everything has healed well but of course that’s a decision that would need to be made at the time of physical examination and discussion regarding your goals.

Your photos are wanting, but it is clear you have loss of skin elasticity and relative excess. This time around, find a surgeon who's willing to lower your scar and not worry about a small vertical incision. The long scar should not be so close to your belly button.

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Unfortunately it is difficult to see much in your pictures and I would schedule a series of in-person examinations with local plastic surgeons to get the best advice.

Dear Onaquesttofixthebutt,
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