Am I a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck to remove extra skin on my lower belly? (Photo)

Question

Hello, Im mom of 2 boys, 5'6 tall and 126 pounds weight. Im considering to have a mini tummy tuck procedure to remove extra skin on my lower belly. Am I a good candidate for mini tummy tuck? How much it will cost and how long I have to be off from work? Thank you

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @MyBodyShape thank you for your question and showing your pictures. It's important to make a personalized appointment to create an adequate surgical plan, not only according to your expectations but also to the clinical proposal. That's the first thing to be considered. Having said that the excess skin and abdominal diastasis can be improved in a lipectomy with abdominal plication. Using high technology not only decreases the risks but also the time of incapacity. . For more information and recommendations it is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

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 any 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!

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Based on your photos you have already a very nice bone structure and frame, you I totally anticipate an awesome result. 
You have saggy skin above belly button, bellow belly button,  very loose muscle which make you look protruding, with a bad scar in your belly button and saggy and a bit thick mons pubic area. So you are a wonderful candidate for a Full Tummy Tuck hip to hip incision, muscle repair from rib cage until pubic bone, mons lift and reduction and little liposuction to waist and lower back. 
Be encouraged!!! 
Dr. Cárdenas

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You may benefit from a mini tummy tuck if you’d only like to target the area below your belly button. However, if you have any excess fat and loose skin above your belly button, this would remain. In your case, a mini tummy tuck may not be sufficient as you could be left with a bulge above your belly button. Generally speaking, patients require about 1-2 weeks off from work following a tummy tuck (or longer if your work is physically strenuous.) In Toronto, where my practice is located, the cost of a mini ranges from $8500+, while a full ranges from $9500+.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A mini TT involves removal of a small amount of skin and fat below the belly button that addresses only the lower portion of the abdomen. No plication or muscle tightening is performed and belly button remains attached and unchanged. This procedure applies to very few patients and is appropriate only for patients who have loose skin at the inferior aspect, or bottom, of the abdomen. If patients have loose skin above the belly button or a muscle laxity, a short scar or full TT would be more appropriate. A physical exam would be necessary to determine what procedure is most appropriate for you to achieve the results you are seeking.

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

You can either have a mini or a full tummy tuck.  If you have a mini tummy tuck, the recovery is shorter (approximately 1 month), there is less scar, and less cost.  However, if you have a mini tummy tuck, only the skin of your lower abdomen will be removed.  There will not be any change to the skin above your belly button, and your tummy will still stick out a little with a rounded shape.  A full tummy tuck would remove more skin and flatten your entire tummy.  It would be more recovery time (6 weeks), more scar, and more cost.  Talk to a board certified PS who specializes in these procedures so he/she can go over the options with you in person.  Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MyBodyShape,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you would probably do very well with the mini tuck to remove the excess skin and tighten your lower muscle. You did not state what kind of work you do, but for a desk job, you will need one to two weeks off.

Brad M. Gandolfi, MD · Answer

Hi,for most plastic surgeons, the line between a mini tummy tuck and a full is whether or not a diastasis needs addressing. A mini tummy tuck removes excess skin below the belly button. A standard tummy tuck removes excess skin below belly button and addresses the diastasis to the level of the xiphoid. It looks like you have a diastasis and therefore a full tummy tuck would be more beneficial.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your photos you will have the best results from a standard tummy tuck with liposuction for contouring.  This would remove excess skin and fat as well as correct abdominal wall laxity.  The result will be a flatter, tighter tummy.  Typically patients can return to a non physically demanding job 10-14 days after surgery.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Am I a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck to remove extra skin on my lower belly? (Photo)

Answers (13)

More Mini Tummy Tuck Questions

How soon will I be able to fly after Mini Tuck?

Petite with belly button hernia. Would a full muscle tightening with floating umbilicus and mini skin tuck work for me? (photo)

I cannot get rid of my lower pouch - am I a candidate for Mini Tummy Tuck? (photos)

Will skin stick back if I do a Mini Tummy Tuck to tighten skin? (photos)

Mini Tummy Tuck/Liposuction - best option for me? (photos)

Can I get a muscle repair without a tummy tuck?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS