How Can I Get Rid of Dimples Above Belly Button After Lipo?

Question

In 2009 I had a mini tummy tuck because my problem area was loose skin and fat in the lower abdomen. My upper abdomen looked fine. But after the mini tuck, I was left with dimples just above my belly button. So now my lower abd looks tight & flat but the area around my belly button protrudes, has loose skin and dimples. The surgeon said he could try to make it look better with smart Lipo but I may need a full timmy tuck. Can a Full tuck be done after a mini tuck?

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Yes it is possible to do a full tummy tuck after a mini tummy tuck. This will vary from patient the patient.

	Mini tummy tucks are usually chosen for one of 2 reasons.

	
		the problem is strictly limited to the lower abdomen
	
		There is not enough skin in the upper abdomen to reach down to the desired scar location, and the mini tummy tuck may be the best among several imperfect solutions.


	 

	I can't tell with certainty from your photo if there is enough upper abdominal skin to reach down to your incision.  If there is that is probably the best solution.  If not there may be a small vertical incision extending about an inch above the current incision. When this occurs it is often possible to excise the vertical scar and used later as the skin relaxes.

	If that one-inch extension will make it difficult to wear the kind of clothing and swimwear you prefer, he may have to decide between the dimples in the incision. Good luck and best wishes

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Yes its possible. You still have some central laxity and tightening the fascia further would help along with more skin removal.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,

	It is not always possible to do a full Tummy Tuck after a mini but you look like you might have enough tissue. Lipo does not make things tighter only thinner and a mini TT does not flatten as much as a full TT. What does your surgeon say? An examination should be able to resolve the issue.

	 

	 

	Best Regards,

	 

	John Di Saia MD

Adam Hamawy, MD · Answer

Extra skin and dimpling present after a mini-abdominoplasty is often an indication that a full tummy tuck should be performed. Smart-lipo is unlikely to give you the complete and optimal results that a standard abdominoplasty will. Although some skin tightening can be achieved with laser liposuction, it is not often enough to make a significant difference to someone with a lot of skin laxity. Make sure you consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a full review of your options and what can be achieved with each one.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, I think you would benefit from a full tummy tuck. Yes, it is possible to have a full tummy tuck after having a mini tummy tuck. The tummy tuck should get rid of the loose skin and your muscles should be put together giving you a nice tight abdomen.

How Can I Get Rid of Dimples Above Belly Button After Lipo?

Answers (8)