Am I good candidate for a mini or full tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

Will I be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck or would a full tummy tuck the better option for me? Mom of 4.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This all depends upon your expectations. It is a rare individual in whom the mini TT produces the best result. The main positive aspect of a mini is that the incision is shorter. The mini TT only address the skin below the bellybutton, leaving the upper abdominal wall potentially lax. No plication or muscle tightening is performed and belly button remains attached and unchanged.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

The first question is if you have diastasis from four pregnancies. Diastasis is a process where the fascia (normally thick, narrow and tight) in the middle of the upper tummy stretches to accept the growing baby. The fascia will recover to varying degrees, but with more pregnancies, it can get wider and wider. An in person exam will help determine if this is a factor in your decision making. If you do not have significant diastasis, then liposuction with skin excision and umbilical transposition is a great option with less downtime and risk.

Thomas G. Liszka, MD · Answer

Mini tummy tucks usually address the abdomen from the umbilicus to the pubic area. In my opinion, the best way to get a flat abdomen would be to repair the separation in the muscle all the way to your breast bone (sternum) which most doctors consider as a regular tummy tuck. Just tightening the muscle from the umbilicus down would not give you a good result. When you see your plastic surgeon, make sure you understand what he/she is doing since different doctors may use different names for the same operation. Best of luck.
Dr.Liszka

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You appear to have some loose skin above your belly  button, therefore a full tummy tuck may be more suitable for you.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @laicampina thank you for your question. From my 21 years of experience I can tell you your a great candidate for a tummy tuck, because the abdomen is distended and there is an excess of skin. there are 4 factors that are taking into account when it comes to the abdomen shape: Lax skin, diastasis recti, fat under the skin and intra abdominal fat. The first two are treated with a tummy tuck and the latter with lipolysis made with liposuction. I hope this shed some light! Best wishes!

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 it appears that your skin and muscle laxity is present above and below your belly button. Hope that this helps

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Even though, you seem to have little bit of excess skin, a Full Tummy Tuck is a better option for you. Since it includes muscle repair (which is important step after having 4 pregnancies) and creating of a new belly button. Your waist will be smaller, all the excess skin can be removed and as a result your result will be long lasting. The scar will be hidden on the underwear line. Having this surgery by a well specialized plastic surgeon is ideal!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You exhibit loss of muscle integrity and skin laxity that extends around and above choir belly button. A full tuck is really your only option if you are looking for the best results. Choose a surgeon who prioritizes an ultra low incision and cares not for removing the hole in the skin that was attached to your belly button.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear laicampina,
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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Most of the time the full tummy tuck is the better option. We get many questions from people who had mini tummy tucks and were unhappy with the results. It's tempting to get the mini but I recommend a full tummy tuck

Am I good candidate for a mini or full tummy tuck? (photos)

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