Early 40s 3 children, do I need a mini or full tuck? (Photos)

Hello Mommyneedshelp1,

Thank you for your question regarding whether you need a mini or full tummy tuck. Based on your history and photos, although you do not have a significant amount of excess skin, you do have a distended abdomen. This distension is likely due to the separation of your abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis), which is common after multiple pregnancies.

To effectively address this issue, you will need a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) rather than a mini tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck allows us to repair and tighten the abdominal muscles all the way up to your sternum, which will significantly help with the protrusion of your belly.

A full tummy tuck involves:

Muscle Repair: Tightening of the abdominal muscles from the pubic area to the sternum to correct the muscle separation and provide a flatter, firmer abdomen.
Excess Skin Removal: Even if you don't have a lot of loose skin, a full tummy tuck will remove any excess skin that may develop, especially as you lose those last few pounds.

I recommend continuing with your weight loss and fitness efforts, as being closer to your goal weight will enhance the results of your surgery. Good luck with your journey, and I hope this information helps you make an informed decision regarding your tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Based on your photos, there is significant separation of your abdominal muscles both above and below the belly button. A full tummy tuck would allow for the repair of this separation. An in-person examination may also reveal an umbilical hernia, which can be repaired during the same procedure. Repairing the muscle separation will result in even more excess skin, which will be removed through a lower abdominal incision. Sequential tension sutures and a no-drain tummy tuck technique will ensure that all excess skin is removed while the scar is positioned in the desirable low position.

Dr. B.