Mini Tummy Tuck: How low can I get the scar? Will I regret it? Doctor's advice

In my experience, many patients avoid tummy tuck with Vaser ultrasound (or Smart Lipo laser) liposuction.

This will remove stubborn fat and tighten skin without the scar.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Dear 40yearoldtuneup,
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

Your photos suggest you would achieve a modest but not ideal outcome from a mini tummy tuck. I would personally favor a more standard procedure.

Your surgeon should have told you that you'd have a far better result with a full tuck given the laxity around your belly button. I agree with you scars that are too high on the belly are not good. The wish pic with the orange panties is a full tuck. In the right hands, your scar could actually be lower than hers. It's about groupthink among many surgeons that prioritizes avoiding a small vertical incision in the lower abdomen requiring the long incision to be placed too high. It's quite simply backwards. Priority should be placing the ('big bad') long scar where it belongs and not caring about a small hole in your skin where it was once attached to the belly button. You probably heard the surgeon tell you 'you don't have enough skin', which isn't really true. Go on more consults. Do not get a 'mini tuck', you won't be happy.

Mini tummy tucks are often dissappointing and I would do a full tummy tuck. However if you go for the mini it can always be converted to a full tummy tuck

Hi! I am Doctor Díaz Plastic Surgeon and I would love to help you. I perform surgeries at the CECIP Plastic Surgery Clinic, in the Dominican Republic. We would like to give you follow-up and assistance in your case so you can get an excellent shape and tight skin. We have the necessary tools and high-tech equipment for better results. Please leave us your contact number for a possible virtual consultation and give you a better response, or write to us at +1 (829) 554-6062. For us it is a pleasure to help you to build a better body, a better life.

From the posted photos it appears you are a better candidate for the standard tummy tuck. However if you are only considering the mini tuck the incisions should be able to be placed low. I've included a video about the mini tummy tuck that I hope you find helpful.

Dear sophia6671,
Although we don't have side views or an examination to determine your need for muscle tightening, it does appear that you can place your scar that low. Good luck!

Based on your posted photos and your requested restrictions, I might approve an extended mini tummy tuck with abdominal and flank liposuction. Fee $8000-$20,000. But also a full tummy tuck with the liposuction might be aBased on your posted photos and your requested restrictions, I might approve a extended mini tummy tuck with abdominal and flank liposuction. Fee $8000-$20,000. But also a full tummy tuck with the liposuction might be a viable alternative. That fee is $10,000-$25,000 range. Best virtual consult with.