Full Muscle Repair in a Mini Tummy Tuck ? What does it mean?

If the skin in the upper abdomen is not loose but there is a muscle separation that involves the upper and lower areas, then a full muscle repair (meaning upper and lower) can be done using a technique called an umbilical float. This detaches the belly button from underneath, giving the surgeon access to the upper abdomen for muscle repair. The belly button is then re-attached with no external scar. If a plastic surgeon does not offer this technique, then they will tell you that the mini does not allow upper muscle diasatasis repair.

Thank you for question and for sharing your concern. A traditional
tummy tuck will better address the skin, muscle and fat concerns above
the muscle. A physical exam would help determine if a mini tummy tuck
would suffice as it focuses mainly on the tissue below the belly
button. Another
alternative approach is to consider a floating
belly button technique where through the mini tummy tuck scar, you
elevate all the tissue up to the sternum including dis-inserting the
belly button from its base. This should give you sufficient laxity to
pull down the and lower your scar. The belly button will also be
slightly lower and you avoid the vertical scar.I would recommend visiting a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options in more detail.

Hello,You will need to be examined in person to determine your options and expectations. A full Tummy Tuck will allow for excess skin removal, full abdominal muscle repair and often, supplementary liposuction to help contour the abdomen.  A mini tummy Tuck may be appropriate for you with muscle repair below the belly button if needed. A floating Abdominoplasty technique can allow for detaching the belly button temporarily and moving it downward slightly, while repairing muscle further up on the abdomen. I recommend that you talk with your chosen Plastic Surgeon about the details of the surgical plan for you.  All the best

Hello, typically with a mini tummy tuck, a full muscle repair above the belly button is not performed, but with some variations of this operation it is possible.  You would need to speak to your surgeon about the exact details of the procedure.

During a full abdominoplasty there is an incision around the belly button so that the tissue can be lifted allowing the surgeon access to the full abdominal wall including the upper abdomen. In a mini tuck the belly button is not freed up so only the area below it will have the muscle wall addressed. For the majority of patients the full abdominal wall should be addressed for the best result. If only the lower muscles are addressed when the full is needed it can give a muffin top look as a result. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

There is no singular definition of a "mini tummy tuck".  So instead of wanting to know the specifics of what that term means, I would get an opinion on what is recommended to be done to correct the area of concern.  Some surgeons use longer scars, some shorter; some do things with the belly button, some don't; and some work on the muscles and some don't with a mini tummy tuck.  If you are having a hard time deciding what to do, you may want to seek multiple consultations with a board - certified plastic surgeon.

Hello,Communication is probably the least emphasized aspect in choosing a plastic surgeon. Some doctors take more time than others in communicating what they will or will not do. Mini Tummy Tucks traditionally include muscle repair only below the belly button if they include any at all. When in doubt ask your surgeon before you have surgery until you are comfortable.Best Regards,John Di Saia MD

I believe it can be very confusing.  Most equate a "mini" tummy tuck with a short incision and tightening of the muscle below the belly button.  It is possible though to elevate the umbilicus off the abdomen and then tighten the muscle from the ribs all the way down to the pubic bone.  The umbilicus is then re-sutured to the abdominal wall.  This is done when there is looseness of the muscle but not a great deal of excess skin.