Full or Mini Tummy Tuck? Scar Tissue Involved (photos)

Question

50F. I had lipo on my abdomen 18 years ago which left stiff, rigid scar tissue on upper stomach (above belly button). One doctor told me he can’t get enough skin to pull down because of the tightness the scar tissue has made and recommends a mini tummy tuck. Another said he can do a full tummy tuck, but I will have a vertical scar under the bellybutton, which I don’t mind. Opinions? Experience with doing TT on once lipo’d abs w/ scar tissue? I really want a full Tummy Tuck.

Parin Tatsanavivat, MD · Answer

Dear Mommy5100,Thank you for your for your questions. In my opinion, a revision liposuctions of the whole abdomen will give you a nicer and smoother abs. I am saying this because From the picture there are still significant amount of fat left. If do it correctly may be you don’t need a tummy tuck after all

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos it appears you would get the best result from a standard tummy tuck.  The mini may not address enough of the loose skin.  You can also consider liposuction to the flanks for further contouring of the area.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Based on your photos, you are a candidate for a full tummy and liposuction. I wish you the best of luck. Vasileios Vasilakis, MD. Double board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon, Houston. TX.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

From your limited photographs, it appears you do not have much vertical excess.  If a tummy tuck is done then the incision around the old umbilicus will end up close to the vertical scar below the new umbilicus.  I do not believe a mini lift will be sufficient enough to remove all your excess skin.  You will need a full tummy tuck and may need liposuction of the flanks to make things better.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Most plastic surgeons are stuck in a old school mindset that you have to 'get the hole out', leading to high tummy tuck scars or worse, surgeons telling women that they aren't candidates for a full tummy tuck. A mini tuck would be insufficient.

Full or Mini Tummy Tuck? Scar Tissue Involved (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Full tummy tuck with possible liposuction

Answer: Full tummy tuck with possible liposuction

Answer: Doctor Number Two is correct

Answer: Doctor Number Two is correct

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Full or Mini Tummy Tuck? Scar Tissue Involved (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Full tummy tuck with possible liposuction

Answer: Full tummy tuck with possible liposuction

Answer: Doctor Number Two is correct

Answer: Doctor Number Two is correct

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.