Do I need a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck with lipo?

Hi, thank you for sharing your question.You are a better candidate for a full tummy tuck rather than a mini. You will achieve a flatter stomach with less skin laxity. Liposuction of the flanks and pubic area can help to improve contour. The stretch marks on the hips may not be able to be addressed with this surgery. I hope this helps. Best of luck! 

There are some nice surgical options for improving the abdominal area including a full tummy tuck (which is the most dramatic option), a mini tummy tuck and liposuction. There are also some nonsurgical options such as laser treatments and injections.

I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of tummy tucks. Good luck with your future correction!

I hope my answer helps and if it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right. Have a great day.

For most moms, they have separation of the muscles above the level of the belly button and only the full tummy tuck or abdominoplasty will address this. Otherwise it may be flat below the level of the belly button and bulging above. It is a rare occasion for me to do a mini tummy tuck and it is for a very specific candidate that has intact muscles above the level of the belly button and with no stretch marks. Make sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon.

It is a rare individual in whom the mini TT produces the best result.  The mini TT would 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. 
The TT will remove the stretchmarks to the level of the belly button. The scar can be well concealed if placed in a low position.  Stretch marks above the navel cannot be removed during a TT.  However, because the skin is lifted and repositioned during the TT, stretch marks above the navel prior to the surgery will be less visible following the TT, as they will be moved to a lower position.  When I perform the TT, there is substantial flattening and tightening of the pubic area.  You would need to be examined by a board certified PS to determine if you have enough skin laxity to obtain the results you are seeking. Consult via email or Skype if you are unable to visit a board certified plastic surgeon's office during this stay-at-home time.

Your abdominal wall is protruding anteriorly and a mini tummy tuck will not correct this.  If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement.  The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

without a doubt, you need a full tummy tuck.  no, the stretch marks will not be gone. yes, pubic fat will be addressed

You definitely need the full tummy tuck. Those of us who have performed mini tummy tucks find they are very dissappointing  in the results. The pubic area can be reduced at the same time to prevent the hairline from rising up and the hair bearing portion from stretching out.

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

Dear KOA124,
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. 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

Thank you for your question. Based on your pictures you are a better candidate for a full tummy tuck with liposuction. Mini tummy tuck will just remove the loose skin in the lowermost part of you abdomen which will not give you sufficient improvement.
Please find an experienced Board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!
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