Can i qualify for a mini tummy tuck? (photo)

Thank you for your inquiry. A mini tummy tuck will only remove stretch marks on the lowest part of the abdomen. Others that are higher up will be stretched tighter (which can often still improve their appearance) but not be removed. You would need a proper physical exam by a plastic surgeon to assess for building muscles, called a rectus diastasis, and umbilical hernia, which presents as an outward protrusion of the belly button. Your plastic surgeon would then be able to advise about the pros and cons of nonsurgical treatments, mini vs full tummy tuck, etc.

Thank you for your question.

As others have answered here, a mini tuck
primarily address skin laxity and sometimes abdominal laxity below the belly
button. It doesn't do much for looseness or muscle laxity above the
bellybutton. A full tummy tuck handles this area better.

There are other variations that are less
well-known depending upon your goals and time for recovery.

For example a full tummy tuck can be done
without muscle repair for the appropriate patient.

A full muscle tightening can be done with a mini
tummy tuck skin excision or sometimes with no skin excision.

There are more extensive kinds of
abdominoplasty that remove even more skin in patients with massive weight loss
and severe laxity

The best way to approach this would be to learn
which option would best fulfill your needs.

A board-certified plastic surgeon can help go
over the options with you and address your goals.

Your question is a frequently asked one about what procedure is the best to address the loose skin and lax abdominal muscles that can result from having children.  The major difference between a full and mini tummy tuck is whether or not there is a scar around the belly button and whether or not the excess skin above the belly button will be addressed.  Muscle repair above and below the belly button can be done with either a full or mini tummy tuck.  Although a full examination would be required to give a definitive answer, it seems that you are a candidate for a mini tuck, possible muscle repair and liposuction to enhance your waistline.  Be sure to do your research and find a fully trained plastic surgeon with the right experience to deliver the results you're looking for!