Is Mini Tummy Tuck Less Risky?

Question

I'm going in for a mini tummy tuck in a few days. I'm 5'4, 112 pounds, and I want a less invasive surgery. Will a mini be less risky than that of a full tummy tuck and achieve good results? Are blood clots less likely? Also, I don't want my upper abdomen to bulge. Thanks!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall muscles and removes redundant skin below the umbilicus, belly button, only. The shortest scar technique leaves a scar at the pubic hair line. Liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with a tummy tuck to benefit selected patients
‘Mini” tummy tucks can benefit patients who have a small amount of excess skin and fat or protruding of the lower abdomen. This operation may be done under local anesthesia with sedation, on an outpatient basis. Liposuction may be used alone or in conjunction with a tummy tuck to benefit selected patients.
Far more important than deciding if a mini tummy tuck is for you is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let him explain why one technique may be better than another and if you need a tummy tuck. Many board certified plastic surgeons provide a free first time consult and you should take advantage of that!
See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for you!
I have also attached a video for a possible Tummy Tuck Candidate.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

You have good contours to your abdomen at present and I am surprised that even a mini tummy tuck has been advised. Of course, an examination could reveal loose skin that is not apparent in the photos. I would recommend only mild correction of the diastasis because overcorrection could produce the bulging of the upper abdomen that you have described.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Mini-tuck is a less invasive and shorter procedure than the full abdominoplasty and, therefore, would be considered less lucky to produce surgical or anesthesia based complications.  Without an examination, it is difficult to assess whether you would benefit from a mini-tuck as opposed to liposuction alone.  This is certainly an issue to be discussed with your plastic surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

From the single photos you look very good.  An exam in person may show me a different picture, but if you have just some fullness because oif subcutaneous fat, then I would probably stick with lipo.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Just based on the photo you provided, you look like you are in great shape and do not need plastic surgery. However, to answer your question, a mini tummy tuck would definitely be less invasive than a full(standard) tummy tuck. I would suggest consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon before deciding to proceed with surgery. However, with a mini tummy tuck, work below the belly button only is involved which may result in a bulge. If diet and exercise alone does not give you the results you are trying to achieve, then plastic surgery may be a good option for you. Good luck!

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

I agree with Dr. Placik. If the women in Memphis looked like you, I would surely be forced out of business.
Unless your examination is markedly different from this photograph, I must conclude that Plastic surgeons in Oregon are much "hungrier" than the rest of us - I see NO reason to do ANY tummy Tuck on you. You seem to have no skin laxity and I would even be ashamed to suggest you have a liposuction procedure much less a tummy tuck Mini or otherwise.
You cannot separate complications from surgery. The moment a surgery is performed, you are potentially subject to the complications attached to it. As such, we really need to think in terms of Benefits (not only to the surgeon but to YOU) and unavoidable risks.
In your case, I would take the money you are spending on surgery and use it for something much more useful.
Dr. P. Aldea

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

In statistical terms YES!. But the occurrence of any complication whether in a mini or full tummy tuck makes it a moot point. Please obtain a good informed consent. Regards.

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