Mini or Full Tummy Tuck? (Photo)

Thank you for your question regarding whether you need a full or mini tummy tuck. Regarding your recent weight gain, my suggestion would be to lose what weight you can and be at a stable weight for at least three months before undergoing any surgical procedure. This can help ensure the best possible outcome.

In terms of the specific procedure, I would recommend a full tummy tuck with muscle plication and liposuction of the flanks. This procedure can provide optimal results by removing excess skin and fat, tightening the abdominal muscles, and giving you a more defined waistline by 3-5 inches.

I highly recommend that you schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best procedure for your specific needs and goals. Thank you again for your question, and I wish you the best of luck on your journey towards a more confident you.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Based on your photos, you have some lower abdominal skin laxity and while a tummy tuck would be good for you, you may be a better candidate for a mini tummy tuck and 360 Liposuction. This will remove all of the excess fat and lower abdominal skin excess without a large incision. A formal evaluation by your surgeon would be helpful to determine the best plan.

Hello and thank you for your question! A mini tummy-tuck would be indicated if your excess skin and fat is confined to the area of the abdomen under the belly button, whereas a traditional tummy tuck would be best if the skin and fat is not confined to the infraumbilical area. As always, it would be best to be evaluated in-office by a plastic surgeon to determine what procedures and techniques would work best for you and your aesthetic goals. Hope this helps!

Hello and thank you for your question.
For you to have the best possible result, you will want to have a full tummy tuck.. It is best to be at your goal weight prior to surgery. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Hi there! Thanks for your question. I would probably recommend a full tummy tuck just to repair your diastasis muscle.. If you don't repair that muscle your stomach will likely still "bow" out at the top.

Great question

From looking at your pictures, I know that you would benefits from a traditional abdominoplasty because you need plication of your muscles as well as removal of all of your skin that is below your belly button. It also seems that you have an umbilical hernia that can be repaired at the same time.

Hope that helps

You will need a full tummy tuck as your skin extends laterally to the side.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

It depends on what kind of improvement you are looking for. If you are looking for a slight improvement a mini may be all that you need to get a mild improvement. A mini tummy tuck will give some improvement in the central lower abdomen with a shorter scar but it will not improve the appearance of the belly button and will not help as much as a full tummy tuck with the bulging belly. The mini will also lower the position of the belly button by a few centimeters in most cases. A full tummy tuck will be a much bigger improvement in the abdominal contour and the belly button will stay at the same height but you have a little chance for a vertical scar at the bottom of your incision since you don't have as much skin excess as some massive weight loss patients. If you want big results go with the full tummy tuck and some liposuction, but if you only want a small improvement then go with the small scar.Best of Luck on Your Journey,
Dr. AmspacherChief of SurgeryMosaic Life Care Hospitals and Clinics

In your case a mini tummy tuck would not address the main issues at hand. Mini tucks only remove excess skin that is below the belly button, of which you have minimal excess skin. A full tummy tuck would help with the muscle repair, which is more beneficial in your case, and the excess skin can be excised concomitantly (although you may end up with a small vertical scar as well, due to not having too much excess skin). Importantly, another factor leading to your abdominal contour is due to intra-abdominal fat (or fat on the inside of your abdomen, around your organs). Unfortunately, no surgery can remove this; only diet and exercise.

Hi msBBL2017
Thank you for your question. Given the appearance of muscle separation above and below your umbilicus and what appears to be a (possible) belly button hernia your would most likely benefit most from a full tummy tuck. A formal exam or consultation would be needed to best determine the course of treatment and what aligns with your goals, especially in regards to how much skin needs removed and to what extent your muscles need repair. Best wishes in your surgical journey!
Dr. Andre P. MarshallDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBeverly Hills, CA 90210