How can loose skin & stretch marks above the belly button and a bump & stretch marks under the belly button be fixed? (Photos)

Question

Can I do a mini tummy tuck? Area above belly button bothers me most. I do not want huge scar of tummy tuck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and series of photographs. Nothing replaces an in-person examination, but I think you would most benefit from a full tummy tuck and liposuction of your waist and flanks. The tummy tuck will tighten your stomach muscles, helping to achieve a flatter appearance, while removing excess skin and adipose tissue. Liposuction can be used to enhance your tummy tuck results by narrowing your waist and removing isolated areas of diet and exercise resistant fat. I would favor the full approach because skin and muscle laxity is present above and below your belly button. Hope that this helps

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

A full, standard tummy tuck will best remove loose skin around the belly button.

A mini-tuck will not give good results as it only treats below the belly button. This frequently distorts the abdomen and still leaves a similar scar.

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

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, a mini tummy tuck typically corrects loose skin below the belly button.  The length of the scar after either a mini or a full tummy tuck has to do with the extent of the loose skin on your abdomen.  For example if a person has loose skin that extends to the sides of the body, even if a mini tummy tuck is performed a long incision will be needed to remove a long strip of excess tissue.  On the other hand if a person just has a little bit of overhanging skin above their C-section scar, the mini tummy tuck incision can be short.  The difference between a mini versus full tummy tuck has more to do with the extent of surgery on the abdomen rather than just the length of the scar.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

During a tummy tuck — also known as abdominoplasty — excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. Connective tissue in the abdomen (fascia) usually is tightened with sutures as well. The remaining skin is then repositioned to create a more toned look.

You might choose to have a tummy tuck if you have excess fat or skin around the area of your bellybutton or a weak lower abdominal wall. A tummy tuck can also boost your body image.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

It is a rare individual in whom the mini TT produces the best result. Would recommend that you consider a short scar TT (The shorter scar it leaves is the same length as that of the mini TT) tightens the muscles, and removes skin and fat. The incision is so low, almost to the level of the leg crease, that bikini underwear and swimsuits may be worn afterwards. It creates a scar which is flat all the way across and is not a smiley face. This way the ends of the scar never rise above low cut clothing. The short scar TT also creates a more youthful belly button.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The area above your belly button cannot be targeted with a mini tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck is required. The stretch marks below your belly button may most likely be removed with a full tummy tuck, and those above may be improved in appearance to a certain extent. It’s recommended that you speak with your surgeon to determine how much of your stretch marks can be removed so that you can figure out whether a tummy tuck is suitable for you.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

A mini tummy tuck only addresses skin below the belly button. If only the tissue above your belly button bothers you, look into a reverse tummy tuck. This does trade scars down low for under the breast. Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear KarineS,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos you will have the best results from a standard tummy tuck.  The mini tummy tuck will only address the area below the belly button.  Liposuction can be added for further contouring results.  The next step is to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You could get improvement with just liposuction. However, the full tummy tuck can tighten your weak muscles and give you the flatest look.

How can loose skin & stretch marks above the belly button and a bump & stretch marks under the belly button be fixed? (Photos)

Answers (13)

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