What procedure do I need? Help me ...mini tummy tuck, skinny tightening, lipo 360,

Given the medical information that you provided because you have had two previous pregnancies, the best option would be a tummy tuck, during pregnancy. The abdominal wall gets distended, and in addition to removing a bit of the excess that is left behind due to it, we would need to do muscle repair, this will definitely give you the best results!

At 42, 5’8”, 125 lbs and after 2 kids, it’s common to struggle with loose skin, a bulging belly or a belly button that sticks out (could be a hernia or muscle separation). Likely option are:
* Mini Tummy Tuck – small scar, only tightens skin below the belly button.* Full Tummy Tuck – fixes muscles, removes more skin and reshapes the belly button.
If your skin and muscles are stretched above and below the navel, a full tummy tuck is usually the best option, even if the scar is longer—it can be placed low and fades over time.
But of course, a consultation will be able to tell for sure what will be the most suitable for you.
Best wishes, Dr. Erman AK!

Dear Chispita77,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Thank you for your inquiry! We would love to see you in person or virtually to make sure you would be a great candidate for these procedures. The only difference in a mini vs a full abdominoplasty is how long the incision is. A mini tummy tuck is going to have a smaller incision than a full tummy tuck. Muscle repair, removal of excess skin, and liposuction are all included with both a mini and a full tummy tuck. I recommend scheduling a consult appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals!

It is difficult to give you an opinion without seeing photos. Generally speaking, it is common for women who’ve had children to have issues with skin laxity in their mid-section. As a result, a tummy tuck may be more suitable. Any issues that exist above the belly button would require a full tummy tuck. However, if you still have firm, elastic skin, liposuction alone may be sufficient.

Hello, thank you for your question. It's impossible to tell just from your description what procedure you might need, at least with pictures one can get a clearer view, but if I am to categorize you based on your description, most women need a full tummy tuck after childbearing, but a few lucky ones with good genetics might get away with just a mini tuck, or in even rarer cases, just lipo specially with the new technologies in liposuction that help the skin contract to its maximum potential. Your belly button propably developed a hernia during your pregnancy but that can be readily fixed during a tummy tuck. So fear not having a few consultations to gain insight on your possibilities. I will leave you with a very important point, contouring procedures are not interchangeable, and performing lipo, when you need a tummy tuck will leave you with a nice contoured waistline, but most probably a very bad result on your abdomen.

Since you did not post photos, I recommend visiting with a board-certified plastic surgeon, being examined, and discussing your concerns and options.

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, without pictures it is very difficult to know what your options would be. I can tell you for sure that a Tummy Tuck would be the best option. If your belly button is protruding, that is a hernia. If this occurred with pregnancy and after 2 pregnancies, you likely have a separation of your rectus muscles which commonly leads to hernias. This is my assumption from your description. Pictures would be helpful, but from your description, even though you do not want a scar, this is definitely going to give you the best results.

An exam is needed for the best recommendation but from your description it's likely that a standard tummy tuck would be helpful. This procedure removes excess subcutaneous fat and skin as well as corrects abdominal wall laxity which is common after pregnancy. If your belly button is protruding it may be that you have an umbilical hernia. This can be repaired at the same time as the tummy tuck. See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

The correct procedure should be based on first having a clear understanding of what the underlying problem or ideology is.
Related changes are typically related to skin laxity, and muscle separation.
Both of these treated with a full tummy tuck.
A mini tummy tuck is not indicated for pregnancy related changes.
The mini procedure typically only treat laxity of the lower abdomen to make an assessment. We need to see pictures.
To get proper assessment and better understanding of treatment options scheduling multiple in person consultations with plastic surgeons in your community.
There are four tissue variables that determine what the abdomen looks like.
Each One of these is treated differently.
The four tissue variables that determine what the abdomen looks like are.
1) Abdominal skin laxity, typically due to previous pregnancies or weight loss.
2) Excess subcutaneous fat.
3) Muscle separation from previous pregnancies.4) excess visceral or intra-abdominal fat.
As I mentioned previously, a full tummy tuck properly treat abdominal skin laxity, and pregnancy related muscle separation.
Liposuction only treats subcutaneous fat.
Excess visceral fat can only be reduced with weight loss.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD