Good candidate for mini tummy tuck? 24, no kids, major weight loss (Photo)

Question

Im a 24 yr old female with no children, i've lost about 75 lbs and am left with loose skin on my abdomen. But i dont think its as bad as other peoples I have seen. My main concern is a scarred belly button, so id rather avoid that and see if i would qualify for the mini tuck. Im also planning a breast lift and arm lift.

Daniel Careaga, MD · Answer

One of the most commonly asked questions I received from patients who are considering a tummy tuck is how is their belly button going to come out. It’s important to look at the before and after galleries of any surgeon that you’re considering to make sure that you are happy with their results. Looking at your pictures you have a modern amount of skin lack city, which is actually not bad considering the amazing amount of weight that you’ve lost. You would be sacrificing the quality of the result of your abdomen in order to save the incision at the base of your belly button, which when well is imperceptible. I would strongly recommend considering a full tummy tuck.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! By your photos, it looks like you would be a great candidate for an abdominoplasty to get rid of excess skin. The only difference in a mini vs a full abdominoplasty is how long the incision is. A mini tummy tuck is going to have a smaller incision than a full tummy tuck. Muscle repair, removal of excess skin, and liposuction are all included with both a mini and a full tummy tuck. I recommend scheduling a consult appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals!

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

It look like you have good skin elasticity with no stretch marks or hang over your belt line. Liposuction will significantly help flatten the lower tummy bulge /- mini-tummy tuck. An in-person exam would help with the decision making. Thank you.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; What needs to be done; should be decided after the consultation. When deciding which one is appropriate, Mini Abdominoplasty or Full Abdominoplasty; whether there is cracked skin in the lower abdomen, if it is very loose and folded in the upper abdomen; whether there is excess skin causing it; criteria gain importance. As it seems, your skin quality; is not in a very good condition. If we assume that; there are no serious cracks in the lower abdomen skin; in this case, the looseness in the upper abdomen skin; is important. If the looseness in the upper abdomen skin is too much and causes for folding; it will not be possible to achieve for sufficient tightening in the upper abdomen skin with mini abdominal stretching. In this case, I recommend for you Lipoabdominoplasty, not mini abdominal stretching. With Lipoabdominoplasty; both excess fat can be removed and a tight abdomen can be obtained. With Lipoabdominoplasty; the amount of surgical scar of mini abdominal stretching is; of course, different. While a surgical scar of approximately 20 cm remains in the lower abdomen in mini abdominal stretching; a surgical scar of approximately 40-45 cm remains in Lipoabdominoplasty.
Breast lift or arm lift can also be done in the same session. However, if three surgeries are done in the same session, it can cause for severe problems. Therefore, I advise for a combination of 2 surgeries at most.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Milena195,
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. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. 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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is difficult to give you an opinion based on the photos provided. However, if you have loose skin above your belly button, then a full tummy tuck would be more suitable for you.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

It looks like you would have a reasonable result with liposuction of the torso and a modified abdominoplasty (no recruitment of skin above the belly button requiring a circumumbilical incision), aka 'mini tuck'.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I generally don’t care for mini tummy tucks but because of your young age, no children I think the mini would be a good option for you

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Your skin has contracted well for such a large weight loss.

Unfortunately, some lose skin and stubborn areas will persist. Depending upon your exam, you may be a candidate for Vaser ultrasound liposuction to tighten that area without removing skin.

If your exam has indeed a lot of excess skin, then a mini tummy tuck may be a better option with trade off being a scar.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm which is best as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi Milena! I am Doctor Díaz Plastic Surgeon and I would love to help you. I perform surgeries at the CECIP Plastic Surgery Clinic, in the Dominican Republic. We would like to give you follow-up and assistance in your case so you can get an excellent shape and tight skin.  We have the necessary tools and high-tech equipment for better results. Please leave us your contact number for a possible virtual consultation or write to us at +1 (829) 554-6062. For us it is a pleasure to help you to  build a better body, a better life.