Do I need a Full Tummy Tuck or Umbilical Float Tummy Tuck - or nothing? (Photo)

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. As you can see there are a variety of surgical options based on surgeon’s experience/preferences but since no one has actually examined you, the exact diagnosis is limited and the plan will be only a guess. Based on this one photo, I don’t see much skin laxity. That is not to say you don’t have any, it’s just hard to see from one view. An in person evaluation is always best and will give you the best advice. If you are happy with your body, there is no need to do any surgery.

Your photo suggests that if you were to weigh the risks vs benefits of surgery, that "do nothing" would win out. If you are seriously considering surgery, seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to confirm this.

Your choices ultimately depend on your goals, the condition of your abdomen, and your surgeon's assessment. Based on the information provided, it seems you have a small umbilical hernia with no pain and mild diastasis. If you're not experiencing significant discomfort or skin laxity, and your concerns are minimal, doing nothing may be a valid option. However, if you want to address the umbilical hernia and minor muscle separation, a less invasive approach like an umbilical hernia repair with liposuction (with or without a skin tightening device) or a mini tummy tuck could be considered. It’s essential to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss your options.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Dear UserChang,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thankyou for your query. Based on your picture , the best technique for you, with minimal incisions, will be a repair of the umblical hernia with some liposuction of the flanks. You can get a non surgical skin tightening technique like ThermiTight or Bodytite for further shaping of your abdomen. Please find an experienced Board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

I like the do nothing option. Nothing, looking at you cries out to be done, and you can live just fine with a small asymptomatic umbilical hernia. The subtleties of the options you were told can be related to measuring the distance of xiphoid to pubis, dividing by 1/2 or marking 2/3 the distance down from xiphoid. Between those two marks, Hoyos, et al., PRS 12, 2022, says you figure out how much the umbilicus will slide down if released. If it does not slide down out of that zone, you can float the umbilicus, since that zone is an area where it will still look normal, even if floated down. Not sure I agree with this, I like the umbilicus where it came from. If there is sufficient upper laxity, say 4 cm, you can slide the skin up and remove it under the breast. However, that requires inframammary incisions, not so good unless you have had a breast lift with pre-existing scars.
Unless you have a significant amount of loose skin either above or below the umbilicus or both, and don't have a significant rectus diastasis, why do a tummy tuck.
Flank liposuction? we can't see your flanks, they are on the other side of you, so that is subjective and purely up to you to decide if you think your love handles are too prominent and spoil your shape. Flank liposuction is easily done and low risk.

Your belly looks flat, you have good muscle definition, and great skin. Any tummy tuck would offer modest improvement. I don't think the juice is worth the squeeze.

Thank you for your question and posting an appropriate picture. You are a good candidate for a mini abdominoplasty with your umbilical hernia repair and diastasis repair without an umbilical float. Best to have an in person or virtual appointment to discuss pros and cons.

I would not recommend an umbilical float as your belly button will sit too low for your body shape - it’s perfect where it is right now and won’t look right if it is lower. You don’t need to do flank liposuction.
Your best options are to do a full tummy tuck or to do nothing. If you’re uncertain about proceeding you can always wait a few years before you decide.

Thanks for your question! Without knowing what is truly bothering you, I can't quite answer that question. If it is just the hernia that is concerning, you can simply have that repaired by a general surgeon. Maybe since you are unsure on the tummy tuck, start with the hernia repair and see how you feel. Good luck!